Family & Spouse

UK Spouse & Family Visa Applications

At The McKenzie Friend, we offer clear and affordable guidance for couples and families seeking to reunite or remain together in the UK. Whether you’re applying for a Spouse Visa, Partner Visa, or Family Route Visa, our expert support ensures your application is accurate, complete, and compliant with Home Office rules.

Understanding the UK Family & Spouse Visa Routes

The UK Family and Spouse Visa routes allow British citizens and settled individuals to bring their loved ones to live with them in the United Kingdom. These routes fall under the Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and apply to:

• Spouses or civil partners of British citizens or settled persons
• Unmarried partners in a relationship of at least 2 years
• Fiancés or proposed civil partners
• Parents of a British or settled child
• Children joining parents who are settled or applying under the family route

Spouse Visa Requirements

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet key requirements including:

• Genuine Relationship: Evidence that your relationship is real and ongoing (e.g. marriage certificate, photos, joint bills).
• Financial Requirement: You or your partner must show a minimum income of £18,600 per year (more if you have children).
• English Language: The applicant must pass an approved English test or have an academic qualification taught in English.
• Accommodation: You must have suitable accommodation for your family in the UK.
• Immigration Status: The sponsoring partner must be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Documents You’ll Need

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of cohabitation (joint bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence)
• Bank statements and payslips showing income
• Accommodation documents (tenancy, mortgage, or property ownership proof)
• English language test certificate or degree taught in English
• Passport and biometric information

Our Step-by-Step Approach

1. Consultation & Eligibility Review: We assess your situation to confirm eligibility under the family route.
2. Document Preparation: We help you gather evidence that meets Home Office standards.
3. Application Completion: Step-by-step support through the online application and visa fee payment.
4. Biometric & Submission: Guidance for uploading documents and attending your appointment.
5. Post-Decision Support: Help with visa extensions, appeals, and switching routes where necessary.

Visa Duration & Extensions

Successful applicants are usually granted a visa for 30–33 months. After this period, you can apply to extend for another 30 months. Once you’ve completed 5 years on the family route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British Citizenship.

Common Challenges We Can Help You Avoid

• Meeting the financial threshold with mixed income (employment + self-employment)
• Incorrect evidence of cohabitation or communication
• Failing to meet English or accommodation requirements
• Errors on the online application leading to delays

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend?

• Expert knowledge of UK family and spouse visa routes
• Step-by-step support through every stage of the process
• Fixed, affordable fees with no hidden costs
• Comprehensive guidance for appeals and extensions
• Ongoing support towards ILR and British Citizenship

The McKenzie Friend provides immigration assistance and works alongside OISC-accredited professionals for complex or appeal-level matters.