How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to join my husband/wife (spouse)?

You need to show:

• that your spouse:
  • Currently lives and is settled in the United Kingdom; or
  • Is returning to the United Kingdom to live there permanently;
    
• that you both:
  • Are in a legally valid marriage (according to UK law);
  • Are intending to live together permanently as man and wife;
  • Have met each other;
  • Can support yourselves and any dependants without help from public funds(although you may in some cases rely on help from other people);
  • Have adequate accommodation where you and your dependants can live without help from public funds;
  • Are not under 16.

NOTE: In order to show these things you MUST provide documentary evidence such as:

• Telephone bills showing calls to your spouse;
• Correspondence between you;
• Greetings cards;
• Marriage certificates;
• Certificates of divorce of any previous marriages;
• Wedding photographs;
• Financial evidence, such as bank statements, pay slips etc.;
• Evidence of employment and terms of employment;
• Evidence of any relevant job offer and terms of such an offer;
• Evidence of qualifications for any relevant offer of employment;
• Evidence of ownership or tenancy of accommodation;
• Evidence of adequacy of accommodation eg letter from local authority.

What if I have more than one husband or wife?

United Kingdom law will see additional marriages as valid ONLY in limited circumstances. Only one husband or wife will be allowed to join you.

Do I need to apply to the British authorities before I leave my country?

To enter the UK as a spouse you will need to apply for a visa (known as entry clearance) from the British Embassy or High Commission in the country where you live, unless you are someone who is NOT a visa national who wishes to stay for a period of six months or less.

I did not enter the UK as a spouse. Can I apply to stay as a spouse?

You may apply to the Home Office. If you are not applying under European Community law, you will need to complete a Home Office application form. These are available on the Home Office website.
To apply for further leave to remain, get form FLR(M)
To apply for indefinite leave to remain, get form SET(M)

My spouse is a national of the European Economic Area (EEA). What rules apply to me?

If you are a non-EEA member but your husband or wife is an EEA-member you must an EEA family permit before you travel to the United Kingdom. This is a form of entry clearance. You may apply for this at your nearest British Embassy or High Commission.

If I am refused entry clearance to enter the UK as a spouse can I appeal?

Yes you can, provided your application was for a period of time not exceeding 6 months.