Obtaining a 10 year route spouse visa UK is an important step for anyone who wishes to live and work in the United Kingdom for a longer time.
With the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa, couples can stay together in the UK for 10 years. Understanding the application process can help couples submit their 10-Year Route Spouse Visa application.
UK Immigrants Facts:
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa and provide an overview of the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
Certain criteria must be met to qualify for the 10 year route spouse visa UK. These include:
- The applicant must be married to a British citizen or settled person or in a civil partnership with them
- The marriage or civil partnership must be recognized in the UK
- The couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK
- The sponsoring partner must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600, with additional amounts required for each dependent child
- Alternatively, the couple can meet the financial requirement through savings or a combination of income and savings
- The applicant must not require public funds to support themselves in the UK
- The couple must have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents, which meets certain minimum standards
- If living with others, the couple must have permission from the landlord or owner to live there
- The accommodation must not be overcrowded
Gathering Required Documents
Once you have established that you are eligible for the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa, the next step is to gather the necessary documents to support your application. These documents include personal identification documents, relationship evidence, financial documents, and accommodation proof.
Personal Identification Documents
- Current valid passport
- Any previous passports that you have held
- Proof of your current immigration status if you are already in the UK
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Evidence that you have been living together for at least 2 years
- Proof that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, such as photographs together, correspondence, and joint bills
- Evidence that you can financially support yourself and your spouse without requiring public funds
- Payslips or evidence of employment
- Bank statements
- Proof of any other income or financial support you receive
- Evidence that you have adequate accommodation for you and your spouse
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- Utility bills showing your name and the address of the property
- Council tax statement
It is important to ensure that all of these documents are in the correct format and meet the requirements set out by the UK government. Failure to provide the correct documents or format can delay the processing of your application or even rejection. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer to help you with this process.
Ukrainians in the UK:
Completing the Application Form
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to complete the application form for the 10 year route spouse visa UK. Here is an overview of the application form and tips for providing accurate and detailed information:
Overview of the Application Form
- The application form is called the FLR(M) form.
- It consists of 45 pages and contains 28 sections.
- You can either complete the form online or by hand.
- You must answer all the questions truthfully and accurately.
- The form must be signed and dated by you and your partner.
Providing Accurate and Detailed Information
- Provide your personal information, such as name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Provide your partner’s personal information, such as name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Provide details of your relationship, such as when and where you met, when you started living together, and how your relationship developed.
- Provide details of your financial situation, such as your income, savings, and expenses.
- Provide details of your accommodation, such as where you live, how many rooms you have, and who else lives there.
- Provide details of your immigration history, such as when you last entered the UK, if you have previously applied for a visa, and if you have been removed or deported from any country.
- Provide details of your health and criminal history, if applicable.
Remember, providing accurate and detailed information is crucial to the success of your application. Any inconsistencies or errors can lead to delays or even refusal of your visa application.
If you are unsure how to answer any questions, seek help from a qualified immigration adviser or lawyer. They can guide you to ensure your application is completed accurately and thoroughly.
Once you have completed the application form, review it several times to ensure no errors or omissions.
Any mistakes can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to take the time to get it right the first time. Once satisfied with the completed application, you can submit it to the Home Office for processing.
The next section will discuss the submission process in more detail.
Submitting the Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents and completed the application form, it is time to submit your spouse’s visa application. There are a few things you should keep in mind at this stage:
Choosing the appropriate application method
- There are two ways to submit your application: online or by post.
- The online application is usually faster and allows you to track the progress of your application online.
- The postal application, on the other hand, can be more secure and is suitable for those who do not have access to a computer or the internet.
Paying the visa fees
- You will need to pay the visa fees when you submit your application.
- The cost of the visa depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and how long you intend to stay.
- You can pay the visa fees online or by post. Online payment is usually faster and more secure. If you pay by post, you should use a secure method, such as a banker’s draft or cheque. Choosing the right documents:
- It is important to ensure that all the required documents are included in your application to avoid any delays or refusals.
- You should double-check the requirements on the application form and ensure you have included all the necessary documents.
- Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Once you have submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email or letter with a reference number. You should keep this reference number safe, as you will need it to track the progress of your application.
If you have applied online, you can check the status of your application on the UK government’s website. If you have applied by post, you can contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) contact centre for updates.
Processing a spouse visa application can take up to 12 weeks, but processing times can vary. You should not make any travel arrangements until you have received your visa.
Biometrics and Interview Process
Once you have submitted your application for the 10 year route spouse visa UK, you will receive an email or letter from the Home Office inviting you to attend a biometric appointment.
At this appointment, you must provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You will need to bring your appointment letter and a valid passport or travel document with you.
- Suppose you have a medical condition that affects your fingerprints. In that case, you must provide a letter from your doctor explaining this.
- Suppose you are applying from outside the UK. In that case, you may be able to provide your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre instead of attending an appointment at a UK Border Force location.
Preparing for the interview (if applicable)
Sometimes, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. If so, you will receive a letter from the Home Office outlining your interview’s date, time and location.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You should prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and any supporting documents you have provided.
- You should also be prepared to answer questions about your relationship, your sponsor (if applicable), and your plans for living in the UK.
- Suppose you are unsure about what to expect during the interview. In that case, you may want to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer or advisor.
The biometrics and interview process can be stressful, but it is an important part of the visa application process. By following the guidelines and preparing adequately, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome.
During the interview, the Home Office caseworker will assess your credibility and the genuineness of the relationship with your sponsor.
They will also determine whether you meet the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa eligibility criteria. Therefore, it’s important, to be honest and provide accurate information during the interview.
If you cannot attend the interview for a valid reason, you must inform the Home Office immediately. In some cases, the interview can be rescheduled.
After completing the interview and biometric process, you will receive a decision on your application within 12 weeks.
In some cases, this can take longer. If your application is successful, you will receive your 10-Year Route Spouse Visa and be allowed to live and work in the UK for 10 years.
Receiving the Visa
Once your spouse’s visa application is approved, you will receive a decision letter along with your biometric residence permit (BRP) which serves as your visa.
Here are the things you need to know about collecting your visa and understanding the visa conditions and validity:
Collecting the visa
- You will be notified when your BRP is ready for collection.
- You can collect it from the post office you nominated during the application process.
- You must bring the decision letter and the documents you submitted during the application process to collect your BRP.
Understanding the visa conditions and validity
- Your spouse’s visa is valid for 30 months or 2.5 years.
- You must adhere to the visa conditions, such as not engaging in prohibited work or claiming public funds.
- You are allowed to enter and exit the UK multiple times during the validity of your visa.
- If you still meet the eligibility criteria, you may apply for an extension before your visa expires.
- Remember that overstaying your visa can lead to serious consequences and affect your ability to apply for future visas in the UK.
Renewing and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Once you have been granted a 10-Year Route Spouse Visa, it’s important to understand the renewal process and the steps needed to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 10 years in the UK.
Renewal Process for the 10 Year Route Spouse Visa UK
- Your 10-Year Route Spouse Visa will expire after 2.5 years.
- You will need to apply for a renewal before your current visa expires.
- The renewal process requires similar documents as the initial application, including proof of relationship and finances.
- The application can be submitted online or via post.
- The decision on your renewal can take up to 8 weeks.
Applying for ILR After Completing 10 Years
- After 10 years in the UK on a 10-Year Route Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.
- The application requires proof of residency, relationship, finances, and good character.
- The application can be submitted online or via post.
- The decision on your ILR application can take up to 6 months.
- Once granted, you can stay in the UK indefinitely without applying for visas.
Renewing and applying for ILR can be complex, so seeking professional advice and guidance is important to ensure a successful outcome.
Remember that ILR also opens up the possibility of eventually applying for British citizenship. If you plan on applying for ILR, you should begin gathering the necessary documents and evidence at least 6 months before the end of your 10-year period.
This will give you ample time to review your documents, make necessary corrections or updates, and confidently submit the application.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of your ILR status.
Remember, it is important to comply with all visa rules and regulations while living in the UK to avoid issues with visa renewal or ILR applications.
Conclusion
Applying for a 10 year route spouse visa UK can seem overwhelming, but it can be a smooth process with the right guidance and support.
KQ Solicitors are experts in UK immigration law and can help you through every step of the way. From eligibility criteria to the application form to submit your application, KQ Solicitors can provide the necessary guidance to increase your chances of success.
Remember to ensure you have all the required documents and attend your biometrics and interview appointments as scheduled.
Once you have received your spouse visa, you can enjoy living in the UK with your loved ones for up to ten years. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact KQ Solicitors.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insight into the process of applying for a 10-year route spouse visa in the UK.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who may benefit. Let’s help each other through the visa application process.
FAQs
Q: What is the processing time for the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa application?
A: The processing time varies depending on the country you are applying from and can take up to 12 weeks. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Q: Is it necessary to provide original documents for the application?
A: It is necessary to provide original documents or certified copies. Any documents in a foreign language should be translated into English.
Q: Can I switch from a different type of visa to the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa?
A: It is possible to switch from certain types of visas to the 10-Year Route Spouse Visa, but it is advisable to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
Q: Can I work or study on a 10-Year Route Spouse Visa?
A: You can work or study on a 10-Year Route Spouse Visa but must apply for the appropriate visas or permits. It is important to always follow the rules and regulations of the visa.
