To qualify for admission as a spouse, you must show that;
The sponsor is present and settled in the United Kingdom, or is to be admitted for settlement at the same time as the applicant arrives in the UK;
The parties to the marriage have met;
The marriage is subsisting and each of the parties intend to live permanently with the other as his/her spouse;
There will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependents without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively;
The parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependents adequately without recourse to public funds
Entry clearance when issued is usually valid for 2 years and good for multiple entry. Applications should therefore be submitted only when you have specific plans to settle in the United Kingdom with your spouse.
ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
It is your responsibility to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you meet all the criteria of the category under which you are applying. Therefore, it is in your interest to ensure that you are fully prepared before submitting an application. An Entry Clearance officer will base their decision to issue or refuse on the documents you submit.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE OUTCOME OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Documentary Requirements
1) Online application
2) Passport (note: It should be the original document and have ample validity)
3) One passport size photograph (Click here for example)
4) Spouses Passport
If your spouse is a British citizen by birth but does not hold a British passport then a full (long form) British birth certificate giving parents’ names will suffice. A British Visitor’s Passport is not sufficient.
If your spouse is entitled to right of abode in the United Kingdom but travels on a non-British passport, that passport containing the Certificate or stamp of the Right of Abode must be produced.
If your spouse is a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, produce that passport.
If your spouse holds a British citizen passport, produce that passport.
5) Marriage certificate
This must be a civil marriage certificate issued by the registrar of marriage of the town or city where the marriage took place and bearing the appropriate seal of office.
A Civil marriage certificate issued by the relevant authorities of another country is acceptable, if accompanied by an official translation.
6) Termination of previous marriage
(i) divorce papers showing the date the divorce became final;
(ii) death certificate.
7) Letter Of Support
If you and your spouse do not attend this office in person we will require a letter stating that they are aware and support your application to settle with them in the United Kingdom, and that it is their intention that you will live permanently together as each other’s spouse.
Evidence Of Accommodation in the UK
This may come in various forms:
a) Lease or tenancy agreement for private rented property
b) Tenancy agreement with the local authority housing department
c) Mortgage papers for privately owned property
d) Title deeds (OR letter from the organization holding the deeds).
If you plan to stay temporarily with relatives or friends we require a letter from them giving their consent to this arrangement. In addition evidence in the form of (a), (b), (c) or (d) that they have suitable temporary accommodation available for you and your dependants.
NOTE: Under the Rules you must demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to acquire adequate accommodation of your own or which you occupy yourselves (i.e. a separate unit of accommodation. One room in a shared property may not be acceptable other than on a strictly temporary basis).
9) Financial Support
Evidence that you and your spouse can support yourselves and your dependants without recourse to public funds may include one or a combination of the following documents according to your circumstances.
a) Letter from your spouse’s employer in the United Kingdom stating the position in the company, length of service, annual salary and whether the position is permanent.
b) Offers of employment for either/both parties including details of salary.
c) Recent statements of bank and saving accounts showing sufficient means of support while employment is sought in the United Kingdom or for indefinite support if no employment is planned.
d) Educational or vocational certificates and C.V. to demonstrate qualification for potential employment in the area in which you plan to live.
e) References from previous employers.
f) Enquiries made regarding employment in the United Kingdom.
g) Plans for self-employment in the United Kingdom.
That being said, visitors ARE sometimes given less less than 6 months upon entry to the UK. I am sure I was given a three month stamp at some point.
