Introduction
Bringing your Indian wife or girlfriend to the UK can seem daunting, but if you’re a British citizen or permanent resident, this guide will help make it easier. We’ll outline the essential steps, necessary documents, and key requirements for obtaining a UK family visa, offering straightforward advice to help smooth the process for you and your partner.
The Fiancé Visa Route
The Fiancé Visa is a popular choice for British citizens or those with settled status who wish to marry their Indian partners in the UK. This visa permits a six-month stay, during which the couple must get married or establish a civil partnership. After the marriage, your Indian partner can then apply for a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa to continue residing in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria For The Fiancé Visa
Relationship Status
The couple must be genuinely engaged and intend to marry within six months of the visa’s approval. Both individuals should be single and not currently in a civil partnership with anyone else.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirement
The current financial threshold for all UK family visas is £29,000 as of April 11, 2024. For the most recent information and advice on meeting this requirement, please reach out to us directly.
Wedding or Civil Partnership Plans
Applicants must provide details about their planned marriage or civil partnership, including evidence of any costs already incurred, such as a reserved venue or other arrangements.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate a basic understanding of English, usually by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level.
Accommodation Requirement
The sponsor must ensure there is appropriate accommodation for their partner in the UK, meeting the necessary standards and not being overcrowded.
Duration of Stay and Return Plan
The Fiancé Visa allows a stay of up to six months. The applicant must plan to return to their home country once this period ends and should have the means to cover their return travel.
Tuberculosis Test
Applicants are required to pass a tuberculosis test in India before travelling to the UK.
Processing Time and Decision
The processing time for a Fiancé Visa typically ranges from 2 to 3 months. Once a decision is made, the applicant will be notified, and if approved, they can start planning their move to the UK.
Upon arriving in the UK, the couple must marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months. After this period, the applicant should apply for a Spouse Visa (if married) or a Civil Partnership Visa to continue living in the UK. It’s important to note that the Fiancé Visa does not permit the applicant to work or access public funds. However, with a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa, your Indian partner can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residency.
For expert assistance with the Fiancé Visa application process, feel free to contact us.
The Spouse Visa Route
The Spouse Visa is a great option for British citizens or those with settled status who are married to their Indian partner. This visa allows your Indian spouse to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the possibility of extending it. After residing in the UK for five years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British Citizenship. For more details concerning the requirements of the spouse visa, check out the post, New Spouse Visa Requirements for 2024.
Eligibility Criteria For The Spouse Visa
To qualify for a Spouse Visa, both the applicant and their sponsor must meet these requirements:
Sponsor’s Status
The sponsor must be a British citizen, hold permanent residency or settled status in the UK, or have refugee or protected status.
Relationship Status
The couple must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by the UK and have lived together for at least 2 years. They need to provide proof of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or civil partnership registration. They should also plan to live together permanently in the UK.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirement
The financial threshold for UK family visas is £29,000 as of April 11, 2024. For detailed advice on meeting this requirement through various means such as income, savings, and investments, contact us for assistance.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or holding a degree taught in English.
Accommodation Requirement
The sponsor must show that they have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets the required standards for the couple to live together.
Tuberculosis Test
Applicants applying from India must pass a tuberculosis test before travelling to the UK to ensure they are in good health.
Processing Time and Decision
The processing time for a Spouse Visa typically takes up to 3 months. Once a decision is reached, the applicant will be informed, and if the visa is approved, they can begin making arrangements to join their partner in the UK.
Upon arriving in the UK, the applicant will have the right to live, work, and study without restrictions. After five years of residency under the Spouse Visa, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which provides permanent residency status.
For professional help with bringing your Indian spouse to the UK through the Spouse Visa route, please contact us for expert advice.
The Civil Partnership Visa Route
The Civil Partnership Visa is a suitable option for individuals in a recognized civil partnership with their Indian partner, where either partner holds eligible status in the UK. This visa allows the civil partner to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial period of 30 to 33 months, with the possibility of extending it for up to 5 years.
Eligibility Criteria For The Civil Partnership Visa
To apply for a Civil Partner Visa, both the applicant and sponsor must meet the following conditions:
Sponsor’s Status
The sponsor must have one of the following: British or Irish citizenship, settled or pre-settled status in the UK, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or refugee/humanitarian protection.
Relationship Status
You and your partner must be in a legally recognized civil partnership in the UK, with a genuine, ongoing relationship. You must have met in person, intend to live together permanently in the UK, and all previous relationships must have permanently ended.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Requirement
As of April 11, 2024, the financial requirement is set at £29,000. This can be met through income, savings, pensions, or investments.
Adequate Accommodation
The sponsor must provide suitable living arrangements in the UK that meet the Home Office’s standards for both the partner and any dependents.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must meet the required English proficiency, typically by passing an approved test or holding a degree taught in English.
Tuberculosis Test
Applicants applying from India must pass a tuberculosis test before submitting their visa application.
Proving the Authenticity of Your Relationship
To demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and committed, you’ll need to provide supporting evidence. Ensure that the documents you submit are not older than four years. This evidence can include, but is not limited to:
Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
Provide an official certificate to confirm your legal union.
Joint Finances
Show proof of shared financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts, shared property, or financial investments made together.
Shared Responsibilities
Present documentation of joint responsibilities like bills, lease agreements, or documents with both of your names showing a shared address.
Travel Records
Submit proof of any trips taken together or visits to one another, such as passport stamps, boarding passes, and travel itineraries.
Medical or Dental Correspondence
Provide letters from your dentist, GP, or hospital confirming your shared address, further proving your cohabitation.
While the Spouse Visa application is typically the most complex of the three visa options, once approved, your partner will have the freedom to live, work, and study in the UK. They may also include any dependent children from their home country in their application, making it a comprehensive option for those planning to relocate permanently.
For additional insights into the immigration process for other nationalities, you can also check our posts, How Can I Bring My Brazilian Wife or Girlfriend to the UK In 2024?, How to Bring Your Russian Partner to the UK: A Complete Guide In 2024, How Can I Bring My Mexican Wife or Girlfriend to the UK? and How to Bring Your Albanian Wife or Girlfriend to the UK .
FAQS
What Are the Requirements for Bringing an Indian Spouse to the UK?
To bring your Indian spouse to the UK, you must be a British citizen, have settled status, or hold refugee status. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, and you need to prove you can financially support yourselves without public funds. Your spouse must also pass an English language test and meet health and character requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Bring an Indian Spouse to the UK?
The time required to bring an Indian spouse to the UK varies depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Generally, a settlement visa takes between 2 to 12 weeks to process, while a standard visitor visa usually takes up to 3 weeks. Processing times can be longer if the case is complex or if additional requirements need to be fulfilled.
What Are the Costs Involved in Bringing an Indian Spouse to the UK?
The total cost for bringing an Indian spouse to the UK depends on the visa type and specific circumstances. Currently, the fee for a spouse visa is £1,048 if applied for within the UK or £1,846 if applied for from outside the UK. A standard visitor visa costs £115. In addition to the visa fee, other expenses may include charges for the English language test, healthcare surcharge, and possibly legal or translation services.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Spouse Visa Application?
The processing time for a UK spouse visa application can vary based on factors such as the applicant’s country of origin, the completeness of the application, and the current workload at the UK visa processing center. For an accurate estimate, we consider the specific details of each case.
Can Indian Spouses Work in the UK After Arrival?
Yes, Indian spouses can work in the UK if they have a visa that permits it. For instance, a settlement visa allows them to work and study in the UK without restrictions. However, if they have a visitor visa, they will not be allowed to work.
What Documents Are Needed to Bring My Spouse from India to the UK?
The documents required to bring your Indian spouse to the UK vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Generally, you will need a valid passport, proof of your relationship, evidence of meeting financial requirements, proof of passing the English language test, and medical and character certificates.
It’s advisable to consult with an immigration advisor to ensure you provide all necessary documents for your application.
