My name is Hoa, from China. I have been living and working in the uk for the past 6 years. Me and my wife married in the UK 4 years ago. She is a Chinese too. She is now settled in the UK, just recently received her ILR visa.
Basically I want to apply for a settlement visa, as a spouse of a person who is settled in the UK.
Now I understand according to the UKBA policy, there is a "two years probationary period" (two years marriage visa) before you can apply for settlement, but I don't know the purpose of that. To test if a marriage is genuine?
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Initially UK visas for spouse immigration are issued for a two year period. After this time, a person can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) commonly known as permanent residency in the UK. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for ILR straight away, but only if you have been married and living with your spouse in another country prior your application for entry into the UK.
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As me, already have living in the UK for 6 years, married 4 years. Can I apply for settlement visa (SET(M)) directly without the two years marriage visa ?
Otherwise there will be another £800 visa application cost
. Thanks for your advice and help.
Regards,
Hoa