UK Spouse Visas
If you are seeking to enter the UK on the basis of your relationship with a UK national you must apply for entry clearance before coming to the UK.
Spouse or partner visa also known as a UK marriage visa, a spouse visa allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK’ – i.e. a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK.
How long does the application take?
The average processing time for a spouse visa application is 2 – 12 weeks from the date we submit the application to the UKBA. Processing times vary depending on the country where the application is made.
How long does a spouse visa last?
If applying from overseas, a spouse visa is initially issued for 33 months. If you are applying from within the UK a spouse visa is issued for a period of 30 months.
Settlement Visa
When you are applying for a settlement visa in the UK, it’s extremely important you do everything correctly. We can assist you for your ILR application.
Many of the UK’s migration categories lead to settlement. Notable exceptions are entry as a visitor, student, a Tier 5 migrant or a Tier 2 intra-company transferee. For many long-term categories, there is a 5-year qualifying period, but you should also bear in mind the general “long residence” rule which permits those in a variety of categories to settle after 10 years.
What are the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Kabir Immigration services can advise you on the particular settlement requirements in your immigration category. You will have to prove:
- That you have no disqualifying criminal convictions or civil penalties
- That you have passed a suitable English language and Life in the UK test (subject to exceptions based on age, infirmity)
- That you have resided in the UK in accordance with the terms of your visa – for example, by proving that you have worked for the employer who sponsored you
How long is Indefinite Leave to Remain valid for?
There is no time limit on Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, however it is important to note that you should not spend periods of more than two years outside the UK as this may lead to the loss of ILR.
British Citizenship
All applicants for naturalisation, including those applying to naturalise on the basis of marriage, must passed life in the UK' which includes ESOL B1 test.
You can apply to become a British citizen through naturalisation if you are 18 or over, you are of good character (i.e. no criminal record), you intend to continue living in the UK, you have good knowledge of English and life in the UK and meet the residence requirement.
5 basic requirements for British citizenship
There are 5 basic requirements to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation that most candidates must meet.
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of “good character”. Generally, this means not having committed any serious crimes or immigration fraud.
- Be currently living in the UK
- Meet the English language requirements
- Pass the “Life in the UK” test
These are the general requirements for naturalisation, but most applicants must also have:
- Lived in the UK for at least 5 years, without an absence longer than 450 days
- Travelled outside of the UK for no more than 90 days in the last year
- UK permanent residence (for EEA nationals) or been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK (you must have had this for at least 1 year)
Spouses and civil partners of British citizens may have different requirements.
You can apply for naturalisation if you:
- Are aged 18 or older
- Have held indefinite leave to remain for 12 months
- Are of good character (no serious criminal record)
- Have completed a Life in the UK test
- Meet the English proficiency requirement
- Have not been out of the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months leading up to your application
How long does it take to get British Citizenship?
Applications for Naturalisation as a British Citizen can take up to 6 months to be determined. However, we typically receive UK Citizenship decisions from the Home Office within about 3 months.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This permit allows eligible applicants to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved sponsor/employer.
The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This permit allows eligible applicants to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved sponsor/employer.
How long does the application take?
Your application will usually be decided within 6 months. It may take longer if it's complicated, for example: your supporting documents need to be verified.
How long does the Asylum & Protection last ?
You and your dependants may be given permission to stay in the UK for 5 years if you qualify for asylum. This is known as 'leave to remain'. After 5 years, you can apply to settle in the UK.
Points-Based System
When you are applying for a Points-Based System visa in the UK, it’s extremely important you do everything correctly.
If you are a skilled worker, highly skilled worker, lower-skilled worker or a student and wish to apply for a visa under the points-based system, please contact our office directly to speak to one of our legal experts
The United Kingdom's points-based visa system (previously 5 tier visa system) is the main UK immigration route for migrants to come to the UK to work, study or train.
Kabir Immigration services can advise you on the particular Points-Based System requirements in your immigration category.
How long is Indefinite Leave to Remain valid for?
There is no time limit on Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, however it is important to note that you should not spend periods of more than two years outside the UK as this may lead to the loss of ILR.
EEA Family Permit
There are already new laws drafted pertaining to the right to be granted to the EU national under Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules.
There is no requirement to apply for an EEA Family Permit to enter the UK, it can, for example, be issued at the UK border
What documents do I need for EEA Family Permit?
The required documentary evidence will differ depending on what basis the application is submitted. The mandatory evidence includes, proof of ID of the EEA national and the non-EEA national applicant, evidence of relationship, and evidence off EEA national being “qualified person” (if in the UK).
How long is an EEA Family Permit valid for?
The family permit is issued for a period of 6 months and allows the holder to travel to the UK.