The spouse visa is available to non-EU citizens who wish to come to the UK to live with their spouse who is either a British citizen or who holds Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

How to qualify

In order to qualify you will have to show that you are married to a person present and settled in the United Kingdom, or one who is currently being admitted for settlement. You will need to show that you intend to live permanently with your spouse and that your marriage is subsisting.

In order to qualify the applicant must be 18 years or older.

Length of stay and right to work

If you have been married for less than 4 years you will be granted a probationary period of residence of 2 years. If you can prove that you have been married for more than 4 years you may apply for settlement (permanent residence) immediately from the British High Commission.

There are no work restrictions on this type of visa.

Permanent residence

As stated above, if you have been married for at least 4 years prior to your application, you can apply for settlement from the British High Commission in your home country. If not, you will be entitled to apply for indefinite leave to remain after you have lived in the UK for two years, provided that you can prove you satisfy the criteria for the spouse status at the end of this period.