Visas

There are a number of visa categories, each with its own requirements and application forms. Some categories of visas can only be applied for outside the UK, whilst for others you are able to apply for whilst in the UK.

Visa Application Process

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Stage 1: Initial Consultation

We offer a free initial consultation, in person or via a telecom where you can talk through your immigration concerns with us. At this stage we like to discuss the following:

  • The immigration criteria set by UKBA
  • Your wish list- when you ideally want your spouse or partner to enter the UK
  • When you intend to get married or form a civil partnership (if applicable)
  • Details about yourself and your spouse/partner
  • The history of your relationship- how you met, how long you have been together and how often you see each other;
  • Then next steps in applying for a settlement visa
  • Documents you need to start to compile; and
  • The fees for your application.

Stage 2: Collection of Documents

This is the most important stage of the application process and the most stressful for clients. If you instruct us to act for you we will provide you with a comprehensive list of documents that you will need to provide in support of your spouse or partner’s application.

General things to consider:

  • All documents must be original- the UK Border Agency will not take into account any documents that are photocopies
  • The UK Border Agency will not accept bank statements that have been printed off the internet or bank statements that have been printed off and stamped by your local branch. You must order bank statements for the last 6 months from your bank in advance as this can take several weeks.
  • The longer it takes for you to collect documents and send them to us the longer the process will take. We will check all of the documents sent to us and ascertain if there are any missing before an application can be submitted.

Stage 3: Completing the Visa Application Form

After you have submitted all of the documentary evidence to us we will then begin to draft the visa application form. The application form will vary if depending on if your spouse or partner is making an application inside or outside the UK.

If your spouse or partner is making an application outside the UK, we will book an appointment for them to attend the Visa Application Centre or British Consulate so that they can submit their biometrics (finger prints) and documents.

We will also draft a covering letter to be submitted with the application, setting out the merits of your spouse or partner’s application and demonstrating how they satisfy the Immigration Rules.

Stage 4: Submitting the Application

Once we have drafted your spouse/partners application, we will either submit it directly to the UK Border Agency in the UK or we will courier the application to your spouse/partner in time for them to attend the Visa application Centre.

If an application is being made outside the UK the procedure for submitting and paying for the application will vary from country to country. Depending on the country the application is being made in, we will advise you as to any specific requirements.

Stage 5: Processing

The British Consulate or the UK Border Agency in the UK will make a decision on your application.

While the application is being decided, your spouse/partner’s passport will be kept by the British Consulate or the UK Border Agency in the UK. It is therefore important to note that your spouse/partner will not be able to travel while their application is being processed.

Stage 6: The Decision

If your spouse/partner’s visa is approved they will be issued with one of the following visas:

Fiancé(e)/Proposed civil partnership visa- valid for 6 months

Spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner visa- valid for 27 months

If your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner entered the UK on a 6 month visa, they must apply for a spouse/civil partner visa following your marriage or civil partnership ceremony before their visa expires. This visa will be granted by the UK Border Agency in the UK and will be valid for 27 months.

Once your spouse/partner has completed 27 months on their spouse or civil partnership visa and your relationship is still subsisting, they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

Should they wish to naturalise as a British Citizen, they will be able to apply for British Citizenship after they have held indefinite leave to remain for 12 months.

 
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