A spouse or civil partner of a UK resident can apply for a visa that grants admittance into the country for 2 years – after which permanent status can also be granted.  In order to be able to apply for this visa, both parties must be over 21 years of age, show that they intend to live together permanently as husband and wife or civil partners, can support themselves and any dependents without help from civil funds, and have adequate accommodations.  They also have to have met each other – which may sound strange, but in some cultures arranged marriages in which husband and wife do not meet until the wedding date are common.

If a couple has been married or in a civil partnership for four years prior to admission to the UK, this two year visa process can be bypassed altogether, and an application can be made for Indefinite Leave to Remain which is a more permanent entry to the country and can lead to citizenship.

If the couple is in a civil partnership rather than a legal marriage, they must come from a location that recognizes such partnerships and show proof of its legality.  In the US, California and Maine, among others, currently recognize such partnerships.

The applicant will also need to show that he or she has significant command of the English language, unless he or she is over the age of 65 at the time of application.

British law treats an unmarried partner applicant differently from the spouse or civil partner category – an unmarried partner must have lived with the person who is now settled in the UK or is being admitted at the same time for two years, must show proof of any previous marriage as having dissolved, and the couple cannot be close blood relatives.

If for any reason this Visa is denied, there is a right of appeal.

Consult an immigration lawyer in the UK to find out whether or not you qualify for either classification.  Simply contact one if you have any questions, and he or she’ll clarify all issues.  They can also help expedite your admission process considerably!

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