Immigration through a British spouse
If you have a spouse, partner, civil partner or are in a long-term relationship with a British or Irish citizen, we can advise you on how you can move to the UK. Immigration through your British or Irish spouse will allow you to live and work in the UK without restriction, as well as eventually naturalise as a British citizen.
* Note: Partners of Irish Nationals can also apply for this route in the same way.
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Want to know if you qualify to join your British spouse in the UK?
UK immigration made easy
1. Assess
Use our online assessment to see if you qualify.
2. Consult
Expert advisors ensure you follow the right route for your goals.
3. Assist
We ensure every detail is correct and assist with the next step.
British spouse basics
In order to move to the UK you need to be in a relationship that is seen as legitimate by the UK Home Office. Three different partner statuses are allowed: Married partners, unmarried partners and fiancés. The relationship or marriage may be heterosexual or same-sex.
Types of partners
Married or Civil partner
You can apply through your partner if you are lawfully married to a British citizen or settled person. Civil partners are treated in the same way as married couples in the application.
Unmarried partner
You may apply if you are in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person. You will also have to demonstrate that you have been living together for two years.
Fiancé
You can apply if you are engaged to a British citizen or settled person. You must show that you intend to get married or become civil partners within six months.
Discover your immigration options today
Are you eligible to move to the UK with your British spouse?
To be eligible you must:
- Be in a long-term relationship with a British citizen OR Irish citizen or permanent resident in the UK
- Have been living with your partner for at least two years, be married or in a civil partnership
- Meet the financial criteria
- Meet the English language requirement
If you satisfy these criteria, you’re on your way to getting your application approved. Applying for this is particularly tricky, especially when it comes to proving the validity of your relationship. Get accredited advice to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Let us answer your questions about UK immigration
Applying to move to the UK can be a complicated process, but we try to make it as easy as possible. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive about UK immigration routes.
1. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge and how much does it cost?
This surcharge lets immigrants in the UK access the National Health Service (NHS) as though they were UK residents. All applicants who apply to stay in the UK for longer than six months must pay the surcharge.
2. What is a BRP card?
You must collect your BRP card within 10 days of your arrival in the UK or before your 90-day vignette expires, whichever is later. If you fail to collect your BRP within this time, you may be subject to a fine or even your right to be in the UK could be cancelled. You will need to pick up your BRP at the UK Post Office branch nearest to your intended UK address, as stated on your application form.
3. Where do I collect my BRP card and how long do I have to do so?
You must collect your BRP card within 10 days of your arrival in the UK or before your 30-day vignette expires, whichever is the later. If you fail to collect your BRP within this time, you may be subject to a fine or your right to be in the UK could be cancelled. You will need to pick up your BRP at the UK Post Office branch nearest to your intended UK address, as stated on your application form.
4. When should I start my immigration application process?
We recommend that you begin working on your application six months before your intended date of arrival in the UK.
5. How long will it take for me to be granted permission to enter the UK?
Once submitted to UKVI, you can expect the application to granted within 12 weeks.
6. What is the priority service, and should I use it?
The UK offers a fast-track service will place your application at the front of the queue and you can expect the application to be granted in six weeks.
7. May I travel outside of the UK once I have entered the country?
You should allow at least 10 days in the UK to collect your BRP card before leaving the UK to travel elsewhere.
8. Do I need to provide original documents with my application?
No, the relevant authority will accept copies of your documents.
Charting your route to global citizenship
We bring together a unique set of financial, immigration and citizenship services. Whatever your goals, our team has what you need to internationalise yourself, your wealth and your business. Our clients are at the heart of our business and one of our core goals is to deliver exceptional service. We realise that all of our clients are unique in terms of both their current circumstances and their future plans and we pride ourselves on thinking differently to tailor solutions that help. There's a reason we've been around since 1995, but you don't have to take our word for it - put us to the test and find out for yourself.