What is the UK Spouse Visa processing time?
Spouse Visa processing time
The average UK Spouse Visa processing time can vary depending on several factors. For example, your waiting time may vary according to where you make an application from. This is because different countries have different embassy guidelines and can take more time to process.
Usually, the average Spouse Visa processing time is around three months. However, your application could take as little as two weeks depending on where you are applying from and how clearly you can satisfy the requirements. This type of entry route is complex as it requires UKVI to assess whether you meet the ‘genuine relationship’ requirements. This can be particularly time-consuming. An immigration officer will want to see evidence that your relationship is ‘genuine and subsisting’. This means that they will scrutinise proofs of your relationship to your partner over the complete span of your relationship or marriage.
How can IAS help?
Our lawyers can help you if you are making an application and you want to avoid delays in the Spouse Visa UK processing time. Your assigned lawyer will gather and collate all your supporting evidence, helping you bridge any gaps or shortcomings. They will then file them in a comprehensive evidence portfolio which can be navigated easily by the Home Office. This means that they will be able to move through it smoothly and efficiently, getting all the information they need to process it properly. The help of an immigration lawyer could greatly increase the Spouse Visa processing time.
Our expert immigration lawyers are located across the UK, including in London, Manchester, or Birmingham. You can also use the office finder to find your closest branch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are several different factors involved when UKVI reviews you Spouse Visa application.
When you submit your application, it will be passed on to an assigned immigration officer. This can take a chunk off the Spouse Visa processing time.
Once an immigration officer has received your application, your application will be reviewed and processed.
During the Spouse Visa processing time, the officer will check:
- Your application details
- Supporting documents
- Evidence of your relationship
- Financial details
- Details of your accommodation arrangements
They will be very thorough with this, particularly when it comes to checking whether your relationship is genuine.
The application may then be passed onto a second party, to be reviewed.
After this, a decision will be reached on your application and you will receive a letter of acceptance or rejection from UKVI via post.
According to UKVI, the breakdown of how Spouse visa applications made from outside the UK are as follows:
- 90% are processed within 3 weeks
- 98% are processed within 6 weeks
- 100% are processed within 12 weeks
If there is an issue with your application, or it is particularly complex, your application may take longer. If this is the case, the Home Office will let you know in writing. This can mean that the Spouse Visa processing time can be extended up to 24 weeks.
If you are worried about the status of your application, you can contact the Home Office directly and ask for a status update.
If you wish to speed up your UK Spouse Visa processing time, you can submit further evidence of your eligibility to the Home Office. For example, if your partner holds Indefinite Leave to Remain status or is a British Citizen, this may be one of the merits of your case.
However, there is nothing you can do to speed up the UK Spouse Visa processing time, apart from to ensure that your application is submitted properly. When making an application, you must make sure everything is filled out properly and that your documents are extensive.
To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa you must meet the follow requirements:
- You are your partner are 18 or over
- You are legally married (you can apply for an Unmarried Partner visa if you are long-term partners)
- You plan to live together in the UK and have accommodation set up
- You have enough money to support yourselves and any children you have
- The UK sponsor must earn a minimum of £18,600 per year, or have this amount in savings
- You must meet the English language requirements
For more information on the Spouse visa requirements
At IAS, we have a team of expert lawyers who are dedicated to making to making the UK Spouse Visa processing time as short as possible. Our lawyers will organise and compile your application in a way which makes it highly comprehensive. This will improve the Spouse Visa processing time for your visa application.
Our services include:
- checking to ensure that your documents are sufficient;
- compiling your documents into an evidence portfolio- this will make your application easy to move through for an immigration officer;
- preparing a Letter of Representation to support your application;
- liaising with the Home Office during your application process until a decision is reached;
- completing each part of your application form to the highest standard.
Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or use our online contact form to speak to an immigration lawyer about Spouse Visa application and ensure your entire application is completed to the highest possible standard.