Family & Spouse Visa

Reunite with Your Loved Ones — UK Spouse & Family Visa Guidance

At The McKenzie Friend, we understand that family comes first. Our goal is to make the UK Family and Spouse Visa process smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you are bringing your partner, spouse, or child to join you in the UK, we’ll ensure your application meets every requirement of the Home Office family route.

Who Can Apply for a Family or Spouse Visa?

Family and partner visas allow loved ones of British citizens or settled persons to live together in the UK. You may apply if you are a:

• Spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Fiancé or proposed civil partner intending to marry in the UK
• Unmarried partner in a relationship of at least 2 years
• Parent of a British or settled child
• Child of a parent with settled or British status

Eligibility Overview

To qualify, you must demonstrate that:

• Your relationship is genuine and subsisting — supported by communication records, visits, and shared responsibilities.
• You meet the financial requirement of at least £18,600 per year (increasing with dependents).
• You can communicate in English at the required level.
• You have suitable accommodation for your family in the UK.

The Application Process — Step-by-Step

We guide you through every step of your application journey, providing structure and reassurance:

1. Initial Consultation: We review your situation and confirm the correct visa route.
2. Document Collection: We create a personalised checklist and help you prepare key evidence (financial, accommodation, relationship).
3. Application Drafting: We assist with completing online forms and writing clear supporting statements.
4. Submission & Biometric Appointment: Guidance through uploading documents and attending your visa centre.
5. After Submission: Ongoing support until a decision is received — and advice for next steps (extensions or ILR).

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary depending on location, but typically:

• Standard application: 8–12 weeks
• Priority service: around 5 working days (for an additional fee)

Visa Duration & Pathway to Settlement

Once granted, a Spouse or Partner Visa is valid for 30–33 months. You can apply to extend for another 30 months before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on the route. Following ILR, you may apply for British Citizenship — making this visa an essential step in your family’s long-term future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete evidence or untranslated documents
• Missing financial documents (e.g., not including six months of payslips)
• Failing to meet the English language or accommodation standards
• Applying under the wrong category (e.g., visitor instead of family route)

How The McKenzie Friend Can Help

We provide full assistance from start to finish — helping you prepare, review, and submit your visa application with confidence.

• Expert knowledge of Family, Spouse, and Partner routes
• Affordable fixed-fee support
• Professional document review and preparation
• Support for appeals and reapplications if needed

The McKenzie Friend provides immigration support and partners with OISC-regulated advisers for complex or appeal-level cases requiring representation.