UK Immigration Spouse

Spouse Visa Applications (Updated Dec 2008) Purchase and Download Documentation

Many people assume that making an application for a visa is a formality. It is in fact certainly not a formality. This portfolio is designed to provide an insight into the requirements and how to prepare for an application. Most British nationals sponsoring foreign nationals assume, because they themselves are British, believe they have a ‘right’ for their foreign spouse to come to the UK. This is not the case. Foreign nationals are only permitted to enter and remain in the UK either temporarily or for settlement, having been given consent by a British immigration official after having complied with the appropriate immigration requirements imposed for the category of visa for which the application has been made.

British immigration authorities and officials do not readily explain in detail the requirements for visa applications to be made, they merely provide the application form and give advice on the standard documents to be provided and to be associated with the application. This frequently provides a false sense of security to the applicant and an assumption is then made by the first time applicant, or a first time sponsor of an applicant, there will not be a problem. In reality, although the requirements are well publicised and appear straightforward, when assessing applicants and applications, British immigration officials investigate aspects about the applicant and application that are not previously disclosed as requirements for a visa application, and these are generally assessed during interview with the applicant.

When an application is refused the applicant feels cheated. Most applicants have no one to whom they may turn in their own country to obtain guidance about the real reasons why the refusal has occurred. Refusals often create further problems for subsequent applications, since British Embassies and High Commissions keep detailed records of all applicants and their applications.

Knowing what needs to be provided and how an applicant should present and prove their visa application will help considerably, and may prevent a refusal. The authors hope therefore prospective applicants will find this portfolio of guidance papers a help to them and provide them with an insight into how applications are considered by British Immigration Officials.

We hope this document will not only provide the information in advance of a proposed application and to which applicants and sponsors may refer, but also provide access to us by those who may need more help in either preparing for their application, or assistance on how to progress a further application having experienced being previously refused a visa to the UK.

Visa Services UK

We deal with the following types of visa application:

Spouse
Fiancée
Unmarried Partners
Children and dependant family members.
Visit visas
Family visits
Family members of students
Family members of work permit holders
European Economic Area and family members
Fiancée to Spouse Indefinite leave to remain
Visas Extensions.
British Nationality

Members of OISC and ARIA