Introduction
Bringing your Albanian wife or girlfriend to the UK can feel complicated, but if you’re a British citizen or permanent resident, this guide will help simplify the process. We’ll break down the key steps, paperwork, and requirements for a UK family visa, providing clear advice to make the transition easier for you and your partner.
The Fiancé Visa Route
The Fiancé Visa is a suitable option if you plan to marry your Albanian partner in the UK. It grants your fiancée entry for six months, during which you’re expected to get married. After the marriage, your Albanian spouse can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa, allowing her to remain in the UK and live with you.
Fiancé Visa Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor’s Status
To sponsor your partner, you must be a British citizen, have permanent residency, settled status, or have been granted refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Relationship Status
You must prove a genuine intention to marry within six months of your partner’s arrival. Both of you must be legally free to marry, meaning you aren’t in any other relationship or civil partnership.
Age Requirement
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old when applying.
Financial Requirement
As of April 11th, 2024, the financial requirement for family visas is £29,000. For more information on meeting this threshold, visit our financial requirements page or contact us.
Wedding Plans
You’ll need to provide evidence of your wedding plans, such as venue bookings or other arrangements.
English Language Proficiency
Your Albanian partner must prove basic English proficiency, usually through an approved A1-level English exam or a recognised degree taught in English.
Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you have suitable, non-overcrowded accommodation ready for your partner in the UK.
Stay Duration and Return Plans
Your partner must plan to stay in the UK for no more than the six months allowed under the Fiancé Visa and have proof of funds for a return trip to Albania.
Understanding these requirements will help ensure a smooth visa application process, bringing you closer to living together in the UK.
Processing Time and Decision
The processing time for a Fiancé Visa application can vary, but typically, you should expect a decision within 2 to 3 months. Once a decision is made, your Albanian partner will be notified. If the visa is granted, she can begin making arrangements to travel to the UK.
After arriving in the UK, you must marry within the six-month visa period. Following the marriage, your partner will need to switch to a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK. It’s important to note that the Fiancé Visa does not allow your partner to work or access public funds while in the UK.
If you need help navigating the Fiancé Visa process, we’re here to offer expert assistance. Feel free to contact us for guidance in reuniting with your loved one in the UK.
The Spouse Visa Route
The Spouse Visa is an ideal option for UK citizens or settled individuals married to Albanian partners. This visa allows your spouse to live, work, and study in the UK for 2 years and 9 months, with the option to extend. After five continuous years of residence in the UK, your spouse may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can eventually lead to British citizenship. For more details concerning the requirements of the spouse visa, check out the post, New Spouse Visa Requirements for 2024.
Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor’s Status
As the sponsor, you must be a British citizen, hold permanent residency, settled status, or have refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Marital Status
Your marriage must be recognised by the UK. You need to provide a marriage certificate and evidence that you’ve lived together for at least two years. You must also show that you intend to settle permanently in the UK.
Age Requirement
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Financial Requirements
The financial threshold for all family visas is £29,000 as of April 11th, 2024. For the most recent updates and guidance on meeting these financial requirements through income, savings, pensions, or investments, contact us directly.
English Language Proficiency
The applicant must prove their English language skills by passing an authorised A1-level English language test.
Accommodation Requirements
You must provide proof of suitable accommodation for your spouse in the UK, ensuring it meets standard living conditions for a couple and any dependents.
Processing Time and Decision
The processing time for a Spouse Visa usually takes around 3 months, although it can vary. Once a decision is made, your spouse will be notified, and if the visa is approved, she can start planning her move to the UK.
Upon arrival, she will be able to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. After five years on a Spouse Visa, she may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which provides permanent residency rights.
For expert advice on the Spouse Visa application process, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your transition to living together in the UK as smooth as possible.
The Civil Partnership Visa Route
The Civil Partnership Visa is a great option for those in a civil partnership with an Albanian partner, where at least one partner holds a qualifying status in the UK. This visa permits your civil partner to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial period of 30 to 33 months, with the option to extend it for up to 5 years.
Civil Partnership Visa Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor’s Status
The sponsoring partner must be a British citizen, hold permanent residency, settled status, or have refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Relationship Status
Your civil partnership must be legally recognised in the UK and not fall within prohibited relationship categories. Both partners must have met in person, maintain a genuine and ongoing relationship, and plan to live together permanently in the UK. Any previous relationships must be dissolved.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirement
As of April 11th, 2024, the financial threshold for UK family visas is £29,000. For detailed advice on meeting these requirements through income, savings, investments, and pensions, contact us for a consultation.
Accommodation Requirement
The sponsor must provide suitable housing in the UK that meets Home Office standards for the partner and any dependents.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through an approved A1-level English test or by holding a degree taught in English.
Processing Time and Decision
The Home Office aims to process Civil Partner Visa applications from overseas within 12 weeks (3 months). If you apply from outside the UK, the visa is initially granted for 33 months. If applying from within the UK, the visa is valid for 30 months. To cover the full 5-year period, you’ll need to extend the visa for an additional 30 months.
After completing five years on a Civil Partner Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. To be eligible, you must maintain the civil partnership, reside with your partner in the UK, and continue to meet the financial requirements.
Proving Your Relationship’s Authenticity
To show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing for a spouse visa application, follow these steps:
Provide Relationship Documentation
Include evidence of your relationship’s history, such as dated photos of you and your partner, copies of messages or correspondence, travel tickets from trips you took together, and other documents that highlight the progression of your relationship.
Submit Your Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
If you are married or in a civil partnership, provide your certificate as proof. Ensure that your marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised in the UK.
Show Joint Financial Commitments
Demonstrate shared financial responsibilities with documents like joint bank account statements, rent agreements, utility bills in both names, or joint property ownership.
Include Communication Records
Provide evidence of regular communication between you and your partner, such as phone call logs, emails, and social media interactions.
Add Supporting Statements
Include written statements from friends, family, or others who can vouch for the authenticity of your relationship. The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your application will be. If you need help, our Spouse Visa experts are ready to offer guidance and advice on proving your relationship’s legitimacy.
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 Indian Wife Or Girlfriend To The UK .
FAQS
Can I Apply for a Spouse Visa from Within the UK on a Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot switch from a visitor visa to a spouse visa while in the UK. To apply for a spouse visa, you will typically need to return to your home country to submit your application.
What Should I Do If My Visa Application Is Denied?
If your visa application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. Your next steps will depend on the reasons for the refusal and your particular situation. It is strongly advised to consult with an immigration lawyer to guide you through the appeal process and help address the issues raised in the refusal.
Can My Children Join Me in the UK on a Spouse Visa?
Yes, your children can join you in the UK as dependents on your spouse visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. You must also demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support them without relying on public funds.
When Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After a Spouse Visa?
After living in the UK for 5 continuous years on a spouse visa, and if you meet all other requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Is an English Language Test Necessary for a Spouse Visa Application?
Yes, an English language test at the A1 level from an approved provider is usually required for a spouse visa application. However, you may be exempt if you have a degree taught in English or if there are other exceptional circumstances.
What Is the NHS Healthcare Surcharge?
The NHS healthcare surcharge is a fee that visa applicants must pay to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This charge is mandatory for those applying for visas or immigration permits lasting more than six months.
