Loving someone and getting married to the same person can be a blessing for couples. People in love always want to stay together with their spouse or partner. Creating a beautiful life together can be the ultimate goal of couples life. However, staying together can become difficult for couples who want to live together in the United Kingdom. The immigration rules and regulations of the UK create hurdles in the path of their togetherness. However, the spouse visa UK has long been an essential pathway for individuals who want to stay in the UK along with their British partners or spouse.
In the 2023, the UK government has introduced several updates and changes in the spouse visa. The aim of new updates are to streamline the visa application process and increase family reunification. In this particular article, we will try to figure out some of the new updates and highlights related to this visa category. Let’s explore and find out all the crucial updates about the spouse visa application in 2023.
An Overview of Spouse Visa
Before we move further, let’s quickly know about the spouse visa UK. So this visa category is basically designed for the non-EU citizens who want to join their spouse or partner in the United Kingdom. If you are married to a British citizen or someone settled in the United Kingdom, you will have to acquire a spouse visa first. This visa grants you the permission to stay in the United Kingdom initially for two and a half years. After this period of time you can even extend your stay for two and a half more years. So, altogether you can stay in the UK for five years on a spouse visa. After five years you can even apply for permanent residency and British citizenship as well. However, there are various rules and regulations involved with this visa process. Understanding them can become a daunting task for you, but you can get over it with the help of an immigration solicitor.
New Updates & Changes to UK Spouse Visa
Here in this segment we will discuss several specific changes and updates about the UK spouse visa. It is one of the most crucial things that you must know if you want to apply for this visa now or in the future. Let’s dig in and find out all those crucial updates about this visa application.
- New Updates on Financial Requirements
One of the most crucial and significant updates in 2023 is regarding financial requirements of spouse visa UK. Earlier, applicants of this visa were required to meet a minimum income threshold depending on the number of dependents. However, you would be happy to know that the UKVI has introduced a much flexible approach. According to the new rules and regulations of the UK government, now from this year onwards the UK visas and immigration authorities start considering an extensive range of financial resources such as sponsor income, family income, applicant income and any other third party resources. This specific change basically aims to eliminate the burden on couples.
- New Updates on English Language Proficiency
If you have ever applied for UK visas you must know that English language proficiency is one of the most important requirements of UK immigration policies. The same requirement is for spouse visa as well, however earlier applicants of this visa route required to have A1 level of English language proficiency. But now according to the new immigration rules of the UK government you have to demonstrate your English language proficiency through some of the wider range of accepted tests. Hence, now you have to pass the test on several levels. The UK government has made this change to make it more flexible for couples to communicate with each other and make a balance with the British community.
- New Updates on Application Process
The application process is one of the most crucial parts of a spouse visa. The government of the United Kingdom has implemented several essential measures to streamline the process of spouse visa application. This process includes investing in infrastructure and technology to facilitate the application reviews and minimise the waiting time. Now the UK visa and immigration authorities have improved the online application system. Now it is a more simplified format which enhances the overall user experience. These specific changes are basically designed to eliminate delays and frustrations experienced by visa applicants.
- New Updates for Unmarried Couples
Previously, couples who were in committed relationships had to go through several ups and downs. However, now due to the new amendments in rules and regulations of UK immigration there is good news for all of you. Now onwards the UK government has extended the visa route for civil partnership couples. According to the new rules applicants who have cohabited at least for a two years can apply for this visa. It also grants them similar rights and privileges as a married couple. However, if you still have any doubts you get along with an immigration solicitor to know the new rules precisely.
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