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Moving to the UK to join a spouse or civil partner involves navigating the complexities of immigration law. Whether you are applying for a spouse visa UK, seeking an extension, or applying for a civil partnership visa, understanding the process and requirements is essential. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to successfully apply and maintain your visa status.

UK Spouse Visa

A UK spouse visa allows a non-British spouse to join their partner who is a British citizen or settled person in the UK. Here are the key points you need to know:

1. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Relationship: You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.
   • Genuine Relationship: You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
   • Financial Requirements: Your sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold, currently set at £18,600 per year. This amount increases if you have children.
   • Accommodation: You must have adequate accommodation in the UK.
   • English Language: You must demonstrate your ability to speak English, usually through an approved test or by having a degree taught in English.

2. Application Process:

   • Online Application: Submit an application online and pay the required fee.
   • Supporting Documents: Provide proof of your relationship, income, accommodation, and English language ability.
   • Biometric Information: Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application center.
   • Decision: Wait for a decision from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

3. Duration and Conditions:

   • The initial visa is granted for 33 months if applying from outside the UK, or 30 months if applying from within the UK.
   • You must not access public funds and must reside with your partner.

Spouse Visa Extension

To stay in the UK beyond the initial period, you need to apply for a spouse visa extension:

1. When to Apply:

   • You should apply before your current visa expires, typically within the last 28 days of your current leave.

2. Eligibility and Requirements:

   • Relationship: Continue to prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
   • Financial Requirements: Meet the minimum income threshold.
   • Accommodation: Show that you have adequate accommodation.
   • English Language: Demonstrate continued proficiency in English.

3. Application Process:

   • Online Application: Submit the extension application online.
   • Supporting Documents: Provide updated proof of relationship, income, accommodation, and English language ability.
   • Biometric Information: Again, provide biometric information.
   • Decision: Await the decision from UKVI.

4. Duration and Path to Settlement:

   • The extension is usually granted for another 30 months.
   • After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to settlement in the UK.

Civil Partnership Visa UK

For those in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, the process is similar to that of the spouse visa:

1. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Relationship: You must be in a legally recognized civil partnership.
   • Genuine Relationship: Prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
   • Financial Requirements: Your partner must meet the minimum income threshold.
   • Accommodation: Have adequate accommodation in the UK.
   • English Language: Show your ability to speak English.

2. Application Process:

   • Online Application: Apply online and pay the necessary fees.
   • Supporting Documents: Submit evidence of your relationship, financial status, accommodation, and English language skills.
   • Biometric Information: Provide biometric details at a visa application center.
   • Decision: Wait for UKVI's decision.

3. Duration and Conditions:

   • The initial visa is granted for 33 months (outside UK applications) or 30 months (within UK applications).
   • No access to public funds and you must live with your partner.

4. Extension and Path to Settlement:

   • Follow the same process as the spouse visa for extensions.
   • After five years, you can apply for ILR.

Conclusion

Navigating the UK spouse and civil partnership visa uk process requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application processes, and conditions, you can ensure a smoother experience. Remember to apply for extensions on time and maintain the necessary documentation to support your ongoing eligibility. For personalized assistance, consider consulting an immigration advisor or lawyer who specializes in UK immigration law.