Spouse & Partner Visas
Expert assistance with spouse visas, civil partner visas, and unmarried partner visa applications for couples seeking to live together in the UK.
Spouse & Partner Visas
Family visa applications involve complex requirements around genuine relationships, financial thresholds, and English language standards. We provide comprehensive support for spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visa applications, ensuring all requirements are met for successful outcomes.
Key Services
- Spouse and civil partner visa applications
- Unmarried partner visa guidance
- Financial requirement compliance
- Relationship evidence preparation
- English language requirement support
- Settlement route planning
Related Immigration Law Services
Comprehensive work visa services including Skilled Worker visas, Global Talent visas, and employer sponsorship guidance.
Student Visas & EducationExpert student visa guidance including Student visa applications, CAS requirements, and post-study work options.
Settlement & British CitizenshipExpert guidance through settlement applications and British citizenship processes including indefinite leave to remain and naturalisation.
Asylum & Refugee ProtectionExpert legal representation for asylum seekers and refugees including protection claims, human rights appeals, and family reunion applications.
Business & Investor VisasSpecialist guidance for entrepreneurs and investors including Innovator visas, Start-up visas, and business expansion routes.
Visitor & Tourist VisasComprehensive assistance with UK visitor visas including tourist visits, business visits, and family visit applications.
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Immigration law specialists
- High success rates for applications
- Comprehensive case preparation
- Urgent application support
- Multi-language support available
- Fixed fee arrangements
Need expert legal advice?
Contact us for a personalized consultation and quote for your specific legal needs. All our fees exclude VAT.
Get Free ConsultationDetailed Information
Understanding UK Family Visa Requirements
Financial Requirements and Evidence
The financial requirement varies based on circumstances but typically requires £18,600 annual income, rising with dependent children. Acceptable evidence includes employment income, pension income, property rental, and savings (£16,000 minimum plus additional amounts). Self-employment income requires more complex evidence including business accounts and tax returns.
Relationship Evidence and Genuineness
Home Office scrutinises relationship evidence to prevent sham marriages and partnerships. Required evidence includes relationship history, cohabitation proof, communication records, joint financial commitments, and photographs spanning the relationship. We help couples compile compelling evidence packages that demonstrate genuine, subsisting relationships.
Settlement Routes and Long-term Planning
Path to Settlement and Citizenship
After five years on spouse/partner visas, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain, followed by British citizenship after a further year. Settlement applications require demonstration of continued relationship, English language progression, and absence periods compliance. We provide ongoing support throughout this journey.
Complex Relationship Circumstances
Unusual circumstances require specialist advice: previous immigration breaches, criminal convictions, relationship breakdowns, domestic abuse situations, and financial hardship can all affect applications. We provide expert guidance for complex cases, including exceptional circumstances applications and domestic violence concessions.
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Request a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions
Help Guides
Preparing a Strong Visa Application
Essential steps to maximize your chances of visa application success.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Carefully review all eligibility requirements for your visa category
- 2Gather all required supporting documents with certified translations where needed
- 3Complete application forms accurately and consistently with supporting evidence
- 4Prepare a comprehensive covering letter explaining your circumstances
- 5Ensure financial evidence meets requirements and is properly formatted
- 6Book your appointment or submit your application well before any deadlines
- 7Keep copies of everything submitted and track your application status
- 8Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Helpful Tips
- Start gathering documents early as some take time to obtain
- Use official translators for any non-English documents
- Be honest and consistent in all information provided
- Keep evidence organized and clearly labeled
Important Warnings
- Never submit false or misleading information - this can lead to permanent bans
- Don't rely on online forums for legal advice - immigration law is complex
- Ensure you meet all requirements before submitting your application
- Don't submit applications close to visa expiry dates without professional advice
Understanding UK Immigration Points System
A guide to how the UK's points-based immigration system works for work and study visas.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Identify which visa category applies to your circumstances
- 2Check you meet the English language requirement level
- 3Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor
- 4Gather evidence of your qualifications and experience
- 5Demonstrate you can support yourself financially without public funds
- 6Complete the online application and pay the required fees
- 7Attend your visa appointment with all required documents
- 8Await the decision and plan your travel to the UK
Helpful Tips
- Research approved sponsors in your field before applying
- Ensure your English test is from an approved provider and still valid
- Keep evidence of your financial situation up to date
- Apply for the NHS surcharge at the same time if required
Important Warnings
- Don't start work until your visa is approved and you arrive in the UK
- Check that your sponsor has a valid license for your visa category
- Ensure your qualification is recognized in the UK if required for your role
- Don't overstay your current visa while waiting for a decision
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Additional Information
Our Process
Spouse visa applications begin with detailed assessment of eligibility and evidence requirements. We provide comprehensive checklists, guide evidence gathering, and prepare applications ensuring all requirements are met. Our process includes relationship interviews preparation and ongoing support throughout processing.
Timeline
Spouse visa applications typically take 8-24 weeks to process depending on country of application and complexity. Priority services are available for additional fees. We monitor applications closely and liaise with Home Office regarding any queries or additional evidence requests.
Costs & Fees
We provide fixed fee services for spouse visa applications with transparent pricing. All our legal fees exclude VAT. Home Office fees are currently £1,538 for applications outside the UK, plus health surcharge and biometric fees. Priority processing and other services incur additional charges.
What You'll Need
- Valid marriage certificate or evidence of partnership
- Financial evidence covering the required threshold
- Accommodation evidence showing adequate living space
- English language qualification or exemption evidence
- Passport and identity documents for both parties
- Relationship evidence spanning the duration of the relationship
- Completed application forms and supporting documentation
Pricing & Service Information
Our Legal Fees
£500 - £3,000+ VAT
Varies by visa type and complexity (excluding asylum applications)
VAT at 20% will be added to all our legal fees
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:
Home Office application fee(Required)
Varies significantly by visa type and duration
Immigration Health Surcharge(Required)
Typically £624 per year for most visa types
Biometric enrolment fee(Required)
For UK applications requiring biometrics
Document translation services
Certified translation of non-English documents (per page)
Priority processing
Optional priority or super priority service
What's Included
- Initial eligibility assessment and advice
- Application form completion and review
- Document checklist and requirements guidance
- Reviewing and organizing supporting documents
- Covering letter and legal representations
- Application submission and tracking
- Liaison with Home Office on your behalf
- Regular updates throughout the application
- Advice on refusals and next steps if applicable
What's Not Included
- Home Office application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge payments
- Document translation costs
- Document certification and notarization fees
- Travel costs for biometric appointments
- Appeal or Administrative Review fees
- Replacement of lost Biometric Residence Permits
Typical Timescales
Varies by visa type: Visitor visas: 3-6 weeks | Work visas: 3-8 weeks | Family visas: 8-24 weeks | Settlement: 4-6 months
Processing times vary by visa type, country of application, and Home Office workloads. Priority services can significantly reduce waiting times. We monitor applications and chase delays where appropriate.
Key Stages of Your Matter
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We assess your eligibility and advise on the best visa route for your circumstances
Document Gathering & Preparation
Collecting all required documents with translations and certifications
Application Completion
Completing all application forms accurately with comprehensive supporting evidence
Legal Representations
Preparing detailed covering letters explaining your case and addressing requirements
Biometric Appointment
Attending visa application center for biometric enrollment and document submission
Application Processing
Home Office reviews application and may request additional evidence
Decision & Collection
Visa decision issued and documents returned with visa vignette or BRP
Post-Decision Support
Advice on visa conditions, travel arrangements, and next steps
Example Pricing Scenarios
UK Visitor Visa
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visit (6 months)
£750-£1,050 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £100 Home Office fee
Spouse/Partner Visa (initial application)
Family visa for spouse to join UK partner
£1,800-£2,400 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £1,538 Home Office fee and £3,120 health surcharge
Skilled Worker Visa
Work visa with Certificate of Sponsorship from UK employer
£1,200-£1,800 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £625-£1,423 Home Office fee and health surcharge
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
Settlement application after 5 years residence
£2,100-£3,000 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £2,389 Home Office fee
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Contact our spouse & partner visas specialists for a consultation.