marry to british lady being illegal in the uk

[xyz14]

my friend student visa expired last year and he did not renew it. now he is married to british lady. can he apply for spouse visa being in the uk for the last 4 years. Also, would his wife need to show income threshold as set out by the home office £18600. please help.

[Amber]

Leave as a spouse could only be applied from outside the UK. Which may be the best option, depending on whether you meet A1 English and the Financial Requirement. Alternatively, perhaps FLR(FP) from inside the UK, but that's a 10 year route to settlement.

[xyz14]

thanks Amber, it means the best option is he should apply outside uk for spouse visa rather than here in uk. my another question would it matter back home for the entry clearance that my friend was overstayer and they might refuse his spouse visa even than he provide A1 english language and financial requirements.

[Amber]

If he was only an overstayer, that shouldn't be a general grounds for refusal.