Are you applying for a marriage visa in the UK? It can be a stressful process, but with a few simple tips, you can make it successful. As a marriage visa attorney, I understand the importance of getting the application right the first time. In this blog post, I will give you my top 6 tips for a successful marriage visa application in the UK. From the paperwork to preparing for the interview, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make sure your application is successful.
1.Know the Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa, you must familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria.
Marriage in UK Data
| Year | Total Marriages | Opposite-Sex Marriages | Same-Sex Marriages | Female Same-Sex Marriages |
| 2019 | 219,850 | 213,122 | 6,728 | 3,864 |
| 2018 | 234,795 | 227,870 | 6,925 | 3,978 |
| Change | -6.4% | -6.5% | -2.8% | -2.9% |
| Female Same-Sex Marriages % | – | – | 57.4% | – |
| Historical Trend | Gradual Decline Since the Early 1970s | 50.0% decrease in opposite-sex marriages since 1972 | – | – |
| Lowest Number of Marriages | 1893 (218,689) | – | – | – |
| Largest Annual Decrease | 2019 (6.4%) | – | – | – |
Here’s a quick overview:
Overview of the eligibility criteria for a Marriage Visa:
- You must be married or in a civil partnership with someone with a valid Tier 2 Visa.
- You must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner.
- You must meet the requirements for financial, English language, and relationships.
Requirements for Financial, English Language, and Relationship:
Financial
Your partner must earn a minimum annual salary of £18,600 or have savings over £62,500. If your partner has been in the UK for less than 6 months, the minimum income requirement will be higher.
English language
You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the English language requirements. You can do this by taking an approved English language test or providing evidence that you have a degree taught in English.
Relationship
You must be able to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. You can do this by providing evidence of joint bank accounts, joint tenancy agreements, and photographs.
It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change, so it is always best to consult with a spouse visa attorney to ensure you meet all the criteria for your application. Meeting the eligibility criteria will increase your chances of a successful UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa application.
2. Get Your Documents in Order
When applying for a Marriage Visa in the UK, having all your documents in order is essential. Here’s a detailed list of the documents required for a successful Marriage Visa Application:
- Your passport
- Your partner’s passport or travel document
- Marriage certificate
- Evidence of your relationship (such as photographs, correspondence, or joint financial statements)
- English language test results (if applicable)
- Proof of financial support (such as savings, income, or a job offer)
It’s important to note that these requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It’s best to consult with a marriage visa attorney to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Importance of Having All the Necessary Documents:
Having all the necessary documents is crucial to a successful Marriage Visa Application.
Marriage rates in the UK
| Case | 2018 | 2019 |
| The marriage rate for men (per 1,000) | 20.1 | 18.6 |
| The marriage rate for women (per 1,000) | 18.6 | 17.2 |
Missing or incomplete documentation can result in delays or even rejection of your application. It’s essential to ensure that your documents are:
It’s also important to provide translations of documents not in English or Welsh.
In summary, getting your documents in order is one of the most critical steps in applying for a Marriage Visa in the UK. Make sure to gather all the necessary documents and keep them organised and up-to-date. Consult with a marriage visa attorney if you need help understanding the specific requirements for your application.
3.Keep Your Application Organised
Submitting an organised and structured application can significantly affect the outcome of your UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa application. Here are some tips to keep your Marriage Visa Application organised and structured:
Tips on keeping your Marriage Visa Application organised and structured:
- Keep a file of all the relevant documents, such as your passport, marriage certificate, proof of income, and accommodation.
- Make copies of all your documents, and keep them in a separate file.
- Keep a record of the dates when you submit your application and receive any communication from the UK Home Office.
- Use a checklist to keep track of your application.
Checklist for keeping track of your application:
- Create a checklist of all the required documents for the application process.
- Tick off each item as you gather and submit them.
- Keep track of the fees and payments you make during the process.
- Note any questions or concerns, and ask your spouse’s visa attorney for clarification.
Keeping your application organised and structured can help ensure a smooth and successful application process. Remember to seek guidance from a qualified spouse visa attorney to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and requirements.
4.Be Honest and Truthful
Being honest and truthful throughout the application process is extremely important when obtaining a marriage visa in the UK. Any discrepancies or falsehoods can result in your visa application being rejected and may even lead to future visa applications being denied.
Here are some tips on how to be honest and truthful during the visa application process:
Disclose all relevant information
You must disclose all relevant information, whether it is related to your personal life, financial status, or legal history. If you fail to do so, you may be found guilty of misrepresentation, which can result in a ban from entering the UK for up to 10 years.
Work with a marriage visa attorney
A reputable marriage visa attorney can help you understand the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage visa and ensure that all your information is accurately disclosed. They can also guide you through the application process, helping you avoid mistakes that could harm your application.
Be honest during the interview
If you must attend an interview as part of your visa application, answer all questions honestly. Lying during an interview can lead to your application being denied and legal consequences.
Provide truthful evidence
When submitting evidence to support your application, ensure it is truthful and accurate. For example, if you provide bank statements as proof of financial stability, ensure they are up to date and accurately reflect your financial situation.
Being honest and truthful throughout the marriage visa application process increases your chances of success. Remember, any attempt to deceive the UK government can have serious consequences, so it’s always better to be upfront and transparent.
5.Provide Adequate Evidence
Tips on providing adequate evidence to support your application:
Providing adequate evidence is crucial in supporting your application when applying for a UK Tier 2 dependent visa. Here are some tips on how to provide sufficient evidence:
- Ensure that the evidence is relevant: When providing evidence, ensure it is relevant to your application. The evidence must support your claim, or it will not be useful.
- Submit original documents: Always submit original documents; if you need to submit copies, ensure they are certified.
- Provide translations: If you need to submit evidence in a language other than English, make sure that you provide a certified translation.
- Explain any gaps in the evidence: If there are gaps, explain why this is the case. This can be done in a cover letter or personal statement.
What kind of evidence is required:
When applying for a UK Tier 2 dependent visa, you must provide evidence to support your application. Here are some examples of the kind of evidence that is required:
Relationship
You must prove that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner. This can be done by providing marriage certificates, joint bank account statements, or photographs.
Financial situation
You must provide evidence that you can support yourself and your partner while you are in the UK. This can be done by providing documents such as bank statements, payslips, or tax returns.
Accommodation
You must prove that you have suitable accommodation for you and your partner. This can be done by providing documents such as rental agreements or mortgage statements.
English language skills
You will need to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements. This can be done by providing certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Providing adequate evidence is crucial when applying for a UK Tier 2 dependent visa. Make sure that you follow these tips and provide the required evidence to support your application.
6.Prepare for the Interview
The interview process for a UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa can be nerve-wracking, but proper preparation can ease your anxiety and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Tips on how to prepare for the Marriage Visa Interview:
- Please familiarise yourself with the application: Go over the application form you submitted to ensure you understand what you stated.
- Rehearse with a friend: Get someone you trust to act as an interviewer and practice your answers to common questions.
- Learn about the interviewer: Research the person interviewing you, including their job role, interests, and background. This can give you an idea of what they might ask you and how to frame your answers.
- Dress professionally: Make sure you look presentable and dress professionally for the interview. This shows respect and can also help boost your confidence.
- Stay calm and confident: Take a few deep breaths during the interview. Answer questions truthfully and confidently.
What to expect during the interview:
- Questions about your relationship: Expect questions about how you met, how long you’ve been together, and how often you communicate.
- Questions about your life together: You may be asked about your living arrangements, shared finances, and any joint responsibilities you have.
- Questions about your future plans: The interviewer may ask about your plans as a couple, including whether you plan to have children or move to a different country.
- Documents: Be prepared to present any additional documents not included in your application, such as photos or joint bank account statements.
Following these tips and knowing what to expect during the interview can help ensure a successful marriage visa application in the UK. Remember to stay calm, truthful, and organised; you’ll be one step closer to joining your partner in the UK.
Conclusion
Applying for a marriage visa in the UK can be a daunting process, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Remember to keep all your documents organised, be honest and truthful in your application, and provide adequate evidence to support your claims. And if you need expert advice and guidance throughout the process, consider contacting KQ Solicitors, a team of experienced immigration lawyers who can help you with every step.
We hope this article has been helpful for you in preparing your marriage visa application. If you know someone also going through this process, please share this article with them. And if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs – Marriage Visa Attorney
Q: Do I need a solicitor for a spouse visa?
A: While hiring a solicitor to apply for a spouse visa is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice from an experienced immigration solicitor. This is because immigration rules are complex and constantly changing, and a solicitor can provide valuable guidance on the requirements and help you avoid common mistakes.
Q: Do I need a solicitor to apply for a spouse visa?
A: No, you can apply for a spouse visa without a solicitor. However, as mentioned earlier, hiring a solicitor can significantly increase your chances of a successful application and save you time, money, and stress.
Q: Can you do a spouse visa without a solicitor?
A: Yes, you can do a spouse visa application without a solicitor. However, it is important to remember that a spouse visa application can be complex, and even small errors can result in your application being refused or delayed. Therefore, it is advisable to at least seek legal advice to ensure you have the best chance of success.
