There are many types of visas to explore for relocation to the U.K., but for the purpose of this post, we will look at the road I took, following the spousal route. Obtaining the fiancé visa was my first step to my relocation to the U.K., then came the spousal visa, and my next process will be the Indefinite Leave to Remain.
When exploring U.K. visas for relocation purposes you need to choose the path that is right for you!
Keep in mind when exploring U.K. visas for relocation, there are multiple paths to choose from. Just to name a few, there is the U.K. Innovator Visa, the U.K. Spouse or U.K. Partner/Marriage Visa, and/or the U.K. Expansion Work visa. However, you must explore the visa for U.K. relocation purposes that is best suited to your needs.
When my hubby and I first met, the travel back and forth across the pond was exciting and a great way for us to learn more about each other, while at the same time exploring life on either sides of the pond. Once we knew we wanted to spend our lives together, we needed to figure out which side of the pond to reside in. So first, we made the decision to reside in England. Then we then began to explore the different options of visas for my U.K. relocation to England.
For more detailed explanations of all the visa types, and in order to make an informed decision and approach that is right for you, have a look at the U.K. Visa and Immigration site:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/settle-in-the-uk
Choosing the best way for you to work through the visa application process ~
One of the things hubby and I learned throughout my relocation process was to talk about our concerns and struggles with family and friends. While we had no doubt we wanted to be together, the process of applying for the visa was a bit overwhelming. And of course, we wanted to make sure we did everything correctly and efficiently. The last thing we needed was to submit the application, miss something significant, and have to extend the application process!
A few of our friends had already been through the process and provided fantastic insights and options. Two of our friends that had relocated recommended using an immigration lawyer. While the application process can be managed without an immigration lawyer, hubby and I felt more secure in the knowledge that by securing a professional, we would feel more confident. Relocating, even with a supportive partner and supportive friends and family, is very daunting. Besides the logistical issues (moving house, jobs, etc.), you are also leaving family and friends behind, as well as your familiar routines. You are immersing yourself in a new culture and new surroundings. All of these combined can be challenging and stressful. Leaving the immigration process to a professional removes one piece of that anxiety.
Have a read of one of my prior posts that can maybe help make your relocation a little easier 🥰:
The requirements for spousal visas can also be a bit daunting.
When applying for your visa, documentation is required. There are financial statements that you will need to supply from your bank. Your spouse may need to prove that he/she can support you financially. The financial requirement currently is an earning of £18,600 annually (although that threshold is due to change). Proof may be in the form of tax returns, business documentation etc.
Also, there are forms to complete showing how you are adapting to your life in the U.K. Have you joined any volunteer clubs? Have you obtained your U.K. driving license? Forms for names of friends you have made in your new home country as well as names of friends you still visit from your country of origin. For my fiancé visa, I had to supply photos of activities I’d participated in as well as photos of me interacting with my new friends and family! All of this documentation is meant to show your ability to be financially independent. The supporting documentation also exhibits how you are immersing yourself in your new home country. While you explore the visas for your U.K. relocation, keep these requirements in mind!
So, let’s explore the costs associated with the spousal visa application.
The Immigration Lawyer costs are actually the least significant in applying for a visa. On average, the typical cost for an immigration lawyer is around £1300-£1500. But then you have the home office application fee of £1048.00. Biometric fee of £20. Biometric appointment fee of £125-£150 (depending on location). And to top it all up, for the year 2024, the Health Surcharge Fee was £2587.00 (NHS). Total these fees, and without the lawyer fee, it’s around £4000.00. Keep in mind, each time you need to apply and/or extend your visa these costs are all applicable. However, once you reach the ILR stage, the NHS fee no longer applies. Whew!!!
Now, to be fair, there are people who have navigated the application process independently and have been successful. Explore all your options, and if you feel confident without the use of an immigration lawyer, it is possible!
To date, I have applied and been approved for the fiancé visa, which led to my application for the first spousal visa after we married, and then the spousal extension visa. The fiancé visa was applied to the inside of my passport. The spousal visa comes through as a BRP card (British Residence Permit), separate from the passport.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while you are in the application process, is you should not leave the U.K. Your application can be deemed withdrawn if you leave the country while awaiting approval. The average wait times for a response on your application is generally 6-8 weeks. I always plan any travel immediately prior to submitting my application. That way I get my fix of my kids and grandkids before I have to buckle down and wait for my next extension!
I have just recently completed the process again and received my extension for the spousal visa.
Each of these visas have a duration of 2 1/2 years. So, to date, I have been approved for just over 7 years in the U.K.! Once I received my first spousal visa, I was then eligible to work in the U.K. as well as utilize the NHS (National Healthcare System).
The pics of the front and back of a spousal BRP card are below (edited somewhat for security reasons). Notice the expiration date of December 31, 2024? That’s because as of the end of 2024 these physical cards will be replaced with simply an electronic number. That electronic number will be your identifier and there will be no need to carry a physical card!
A little hint: Always carry your BRP card (until the home office replaces them electronically) with you whenever you travel in and out of the U.K. It is your proof that you have the right to be in the U.K.!
(©amschotel)
(©amschotel)
When can you be eligible and apply for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?
Once you have been approved with a qualifying visa for 5 years, you can apply for ILR. However, to qualify for ILR after five years, you must have been living in the UK on a valid visa continuously for this period! So, my next step? Once my current spousal visa expires in 2 1/2 years, I will apply for the ILR! You can also apply for citizenship, however, I am not at that point yet in my decision making. One additional factor to keep in mind once you are ready to apply for ILR, is that you will need to take a “Life in the U.K.” test, the same test that is required for naturalization/citizenship. If English is not your first language, you will also need to pass an English test.
Have a go at a mock Life in the U.K. test below (and for those of my friends and family in the U.K. be honest!! Did you pass?!):
https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk
I do hope that this post has helped you explore the different visas for U.K. relocation and that you now have some helpful hints to make the decision that’s right for you!
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