Receiving approval for a UK spouse visa is an experience that will last a lifetime. It signifies the start of a new journey, allowing you to join your partner in the United Kingdom and build a life together.
However, once the initial joy settles, you may find yourself wondering, “What happens next?” Navigating life as a spouse visa holder involves understanding your rights, fulfilling legal obligations, and adapting to your new environment.
A UK spouse visa lets you join your British or settled partner in the UK. Within the country, visas are usually issued for 30 months, while abroad, they are usually issued for 33 months.
To maintain your status, you must meet certain conditions, including living with your partner and not relying on public funds.
After holding a spouse visa for five years through two consecutive grants, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which offers a route to permanent residency.
When your visa is approved, you’ll either receive a vignette (a sticker in your passport) if you’re applying from outside the UK or an updated eVisa if you’re already in the country.
The vignette permits entry into the UK within a designated timeframe, typically 30 days. Once in the UK, you’ll need to register for eVisa, which serves as proof of your immigration status.
Key Steps After Your Visa Approval
1. Travel to the UK
If you’re applying from outside the UK, one of your first steps will be travelling to join your partner. Ensure that you travel to the UK within the validity period of the vignette attached to your passport.
If you miss this timeframe, you may face difficulties entering the country and might need to apply for a replacement vignette.
2. Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Your BRP is an essential document that confirms your right to live, work, and study in the UK.
You must collect it within ten days of arriving in the UK from the location specified in your visa decision letter, often a local post office. Keep this document safe; it will be required for many official processes.
3. Settle Into Your New Home
At first, relocating to a new nation can be difficult.
Whether you’re moving into a home already arranged by your partner or finding accommodation together, settling into a comfortable living environment is crucial.
Ensure that your housing meets government standards for adequate space and safety.
4. Register with Local Authorities
Certain registrations are necessary once you’ve arrived:
Healthcare: Register with a local General Practitioner (GP) to access medical services through the National Health Service (NHS). This step ensures you can receive healthcare when needed.
Council Tax: If you’re renting or owning property, ensure that council tax payments are set up correctly with your local council.
National Insurance Number: If you intend to work in the UK, you will need a National Insurance (NI) number for tax purposes. You can apply for it online or over the phone.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a spouse visa holder, you have several rights:
You can reside in the UK with your partner.
You are free to work or study without any restrictions.
You have access to healthcare services through the NHS.
However, there are also responsibilities:
You must reside with your sponsoring partner and have a sincere, ongoing relationship.
You cannot access public funds or benefits.
You must comply with all visa conditions to avoid jeopardising future applications.
Understanding these rights and responsibilities will help ensure that you remain compliant with immigration rules while enjoying life in the UK.
Adapting to Life in the UK
1. Embracing Cultural Differences
Relocating to a new country involves adjusting to new customs, traditions, and lifestyles.
The UK has its unique culture, from its love of tea and football to its diverse communities and rich history. Take time to explore and understand British culture, as it will help you feel more at home.
2. Building a Support Network
While having your partner by your side provides invaluable support, building connections outside of your immediate relationship is equally important.
Getting involved in community groups, going to local events, or taking up hobbies can help you connect with others and build friendships.
3. Managing Finances
In the UK, the cost of living varies depending on where you live. Cities like London are generally pricier than rural areas.
Budgeting for essentials such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation will help you manage financially as you settle into your new life.
Preparing for Future Applications
Your initial spouse visa is temporary. Applying for a visa extension before it expires to stay in the UK still means you must meet the exact spouse visa requirements as before.
Additionally, after completing five years on a spouse visa route, you may be eligible for ILR if you meet all requirements.
1. Financial Income Requirements
Regardless of whether you apply for a spouse visa or a spouse visa extension, you’ll need to demonstrate that you continue meeting the spouse visa income requirements set by the Home Office.
This usually means showing proof that your UK partner makes more than £29,000 yearly. Savings of £88,500 can also count toward this requirement under specific conditions.
2. Proving Your Relationship
You must provide evidence that your relationship remains genuine and subsisting during each application stage.
Some examples of this type of documentation include utility bills, bank statements, photographs taken together over time, and letters sent to the same address for both partners.
3. English Language Requirements
For both extensions and ILR applications, demonstrating English language proficiency is mandatory unless exempt due to age or medical reasons.
Ensure that any required tests are taken well before submitting an application.
To Sum Up
Securing your UK spouse visa is a significant achievement, but it also brings important obligations. From picking up your permit to adjusting to life in the UK and preparing for future applications, there is plenty to keep in mind.
If you remain informed and implement the necessary measures, the transition with your partner will be more manageable.
