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Spouse/Civil Partnership Visa

UK Partner and Spouse Visa Guide The UK Partner and Spouse Visa is a type of family visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to join their partner in the UK. To qualify, your partner must either be a British citizen or a settled person (someone with indefinite leave to remain). As of April 11, 2024, new regulations have been introduced, increasing the minimum salary requirement for a Spouse Visa to £29,000. While the application process can be complex, with the right guidance, it can become much more straightforward. UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2024 To successfully apply for a UK Partner and Spouse Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide evidence that: You are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your partner. Your combined gross annual income with your partner is at least £29,000. You have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK. You meet the English language requirement (minimum A1 level for the initial application). Exceptions for Applicants on Disability or Carer’s Benefits If your partner receives certain benefits, the minimum income requirement may not apply. These benefits include: Disability Living Allowance Severe Disablement Allowance Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Attendance Allowance Carer’s Allowance Personal Independence Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme Police Injury Pension Child Disability Payment Adult Disability Payment Pathway from Spouse Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After living in the UK for five years on a valid partner or spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR grants permanent residency in the UK, lifting immigration restrictions. To apply for ILR, you will need to: Reside in the UK continuously for five years with a valid partner visa. Show that you’ve lived with your partner continuously since your last visa extension. Prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Demonstrate your intent to continue your relationship after obtaining ILR. Meet the required English language proficiency and pass the Life in the UK test. Have suitable accommodation for yourself and your partner. Continue meeting financial requirements without relying on public funds. How We Can Help If you need assistance with your UK Spouse Visa application, our experienced immigration lawyers are here to help. Call us at 0203 442 0292 to ensure your documents are properly arranged and receive expert guidance throughout the application process. Let us make your journey to UK residency as smooth as possible.

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Unmarried Partner Visa

Are you thinking of applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, also known as the UK de facto visa? This visa allows unmarried partners of British citizens or individuals settled in the UK to live together in the UK. While the process of obtaining a UK family visa can be complex, with the right guidance, it becomes much more manageable. UK Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements 2024 To make a successful application for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria and provide evidence that: You are in a genuine, ongoing relationship and have lived together for at least 2 years.Your combined gross annual income with your partner is at least £29,000. You have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK. You meet the English language requirement (minimum A1 level for the initial application). Exceptions for Applicants on Disability or Carer’s Benefits Your partner receives certain benefits, the minimum income requirement may not apply. These benefits include: Disability Living Allowance Severe Disablement Allowance Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Attendance Allowance Carer’s Allowance Personal Independence Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme Police Injury Pension Child Disability Payment Adult Disability Payment Pathway from Unmarried Partner Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After living in the UK for five years on a valid partner visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency in the UK and removes immigration restrictions. To qualify for ILR after holding a UK partner visa for five years, you will need to demonstrate the following: Residence: You must have lived in the UK continuously for five years on a valid partner visa. Continued Cohabitation: You have continuously lived with your partner in the UK since your last visa extension. Genuine Relationship: You must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Future Plans: You must show your intention to continue your relationship with your partner after obtaining ILR. English Language & Life in the UK: You will need to meet the required English language level and pass the Life in the UK test. Suitable Accommodation: You must have appropriate accommodation arrangements for you and your partner. Financial Requirements: You will need to continue meeting the minimum income threshold to support yourselves without relying on public funds. How Can We Help If you need assistance with your UK Unmarried Partner Visa application, our experienced immigration lawyers are here to help. Call us at 0203 442 0292 to ensure that your documents are properly arranged and to receive expert guidance throughout the application process. Let us help you make your journey towards UK residency as smooth as possible.

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Indefinite Leave To Remain (10 Year Route)

ILR on the 10-Year Long Residence Route allows individuals who have legally resided in the UK for a continuous period of ten years to apply for permanent residency. This status, also called “settlement,” provides indefinite permission to live, work, and study in the UK and is a pathway to British citizenship. Eligibility Requirements To qualify for ILR on the 10-Year Route, applicants must meet the following criteria: Lawful Leave to Remain: Applicants must currently have valid leave to remain in the UK. 10-Year Continuous Lawful Residence: Continuous Residence Requirement: Applicants must have spent ten consecutive years residing legally in the UK, which can include time spent on various visas or immigration categories. Current Leave Requirement: Applicants will usually need to have held their current permission to stay for at least one year before applying. Continuous Residence Rules: Absences must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period during the 10-year qualifying period. Total time outside the UK must not exceed 548 days over the entire 10-year period. Applicants cannot include time spent in the UK under the following categories: Standard Visitor Visa, Short-term Study Visa, or Seasonal Worker Visa. Immigration bail, temporary admission, or temporary release. Time in prison, young offender institutions, or secure hospitals. Any period of overstaying after visa expiry, including stays with “exceptional assurance” during COVID-19. Time spent in Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands also does not count toward the 10-year period. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK: If aged 18 to 65, applicants must: Pass the Life in the UK Test. Prove English language skills (B1 CEFR or higher). If these requirements are not met, applicants may need to extend their leave to fulfil these conditions. Required Documentation Applicants will need to provide: A current passport or valid travel document. Their biometric residence permit (if available). All previous passports covering the 10-year period. Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh. Important Points Applications must be made from within the UK. Applying 28 days before completing the 10-year qualifying period is recommended to ensure compliance with continuous residence requirements. Please contact our UK immigration lawyer for immediate assistance by sending an email to us at contact@aaraflaw.co.uk and one of our UK immigration lawyer shall call you back. Alternatively, you can call us on 0203 442 0292 .

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Naturalisation

Unless you are British by descent, obtaining British citizenship requires applying to the Home Office through the process of naturalisation. Naturalisation in the UK is the legal process by which a foreign national can acquire British citizenship. This process is governed primarily by the British Nationality Act 1981, and applicants must satisfy various criteria related to residency, character, and intent. Here’s an outline of the core requirements and steps involved: Eligibility Requirements Residency: Applicants typically need to have lived in the UK for at least five years before applying (or three years if married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen). Absence Limitations: During the residency period, applicants must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK (270 days if married to a British citizen). Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Most applicants must hold ILR for at least one year before applying, unless married to a British citizen. Good Character: Applicants over the age of ten must meet a “good character” requirement, which assesses criminal records, immigration history, and other factors. Language Proficiency and Knowledge of Life in the UK: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and pass the Life in the UK Test. Application Process Submission of Form AN: The application for naturalisation is made via Form AN, available on the UK government website. Fees: There is a fee for the application, currently set at £1,330 for naturalisation (as of 2024). Biometric Data: Applicants must submit biometric information as part of the application process. Supporting Documents: Various documents are required, including proof of residency, language test results, and any certificates showing ILR status. Approval and Citizenship Ceremony • Upon approval, applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony, during which they make an Oath of Allegiance and a pledge to respect the rights and freedoms of the UK. • They then receive a Certificate of Naturalisation, after which they can apply for a British passport. As a British citizen, you gain the right to apply for a British passport, vote in elections, and live and work in the UK free from immigration controls.

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Sponsor Licence

Sponsor Licence For Businesses Your Trusted Partner for Business Sponsor Licences Employer Sponsorship License: Employers need a Sponsor Licence issued by the UK Home Office to act as a sponsor. This license allows them to assign sponsorship certificates to foreign workers they wish to employ. Getting a UK Sponsor Licence involves a specific Home Office application process with fees. Certificate of Sponsorship: All foreign workers, including those from the European Union (EU), now require Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer to obtain a work visa. The Sponsor Licence lets you electronically assign a special code (Certificate of Sponsorship) to each worker. They use this code to apply for their work visa. Defined Certificates For individuals applying on a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, it is necessary to obtain Defined Certificate of Sponsorship for these workers through the sponsorship management system (SMS). Access to the SMS is granted upon receiving your licence. How Can We Help You At Aaraf Immigration Lawyers, we recognize that navigating the complicated landscape of immigration law can be challenging for businesses. That’s why we’re here to streamline the process for your business. We will take these three simple steps :- Initial Consultation: Discuss your sponsorship goals with our immigration expert. We’ll assess your needs and provide tailored advice on the most suitable path forward. Dedicated Expertise: You’ll be assigned a Sponsor Licence Specialist lawyer who will meticulously examine your case who will guide you through every stage of the application, ensuring compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Confident Submission: Our comprehensive service offers complete support, from initial consultation to submission. We’ll handle all aspects of the application, maximizing your chance of success and providing you with the peace of mind you deserve. Main Documents for Licence Application: Company full name and registration details with the Companies House in the UK Annual Accounts (SIGNED) if your business is trading over 18 months. Business bank statement from a registered and regulated by the FCA and PRA. Employer liability insurance certificate (minimum employee cover £5 million) Commercial Lease, Licence or Tenancy agreement Approval from Regulatory body if applicable , i.e. Health & Safety star rating for food businesses, ACCA, SRA, QCC etc. VAT Certificate (if registered) PAYE or Account Office reference letter from HMRC Employee’s information Evidence of company Pension scheme Duration of a Sponsor Licence Sponsor licences used to require renewal every four years, but a recent policy change eliminates that step. Licences granted after April 6, 2024 are automatically extended for 10 years, so there’s no need to reapply or pay a renewal fee. This simplifies the process for employers with valid licences expiring on or after that date. If you require assistance with your sponsorship licence application, speak to our helpful immigration lawyer by calling us on 0203 442 0292 or 07788250721. Sponsor Licence Fees You must pay an application fee, which varies based on the type of license you are applying for and the type of organization you represent. Type of Licence Small Sponsor Medium/Large Sponsor Worker £536 £1,476 Temporary Worker £536 £1,476 Are you a small business ? You’re usually a small sponsor if at least 2 of the following apply: your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less your total assets are worth £5.1 million or less you have 50 employees or fewer Processing Time: Most applications are dealt with in less than 8 weeks. UKVI may need to visit your business. Priority Service You may be able to pay an extra £500 to get a decision within 10 working days. This service is limited to a small number of applications every working day. Your Licence Rating You’ll get an A-rated licence if your application is approved. A-Rating – Full Sponsor Licence An A-rated licence lets you start assigning certificates of sponsorship. Downgrading To B-Rating Your A-rated licence may be downgraded to a B-rating at a later stage if you do not continue to meet your sponsor responsibilities Maintaining a Sponsor Licence Maintaining a sponsor licence can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Our team offers expert guidance to ensure you stay compliant. . We’ll work closely with you to monitor changes and promptly report them to the authorities, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what matters most – your business

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Self Sponsorship Route

SELF SPONSORSHIP VISA Live and Work in the UK: Start or manage your UK company with a Self-Sponsored Business Visa. Our expert lawyers simplify the process for you and your key staff. If you’re looking to establish a business in the UK or expand your existing overseas operations into the UK, the Self Sponsorship route could be an ideal solution for you to work and live there. It’s important to understand that there isn’t an official visa known as the ‘Self Sponsorship Visa.’ Instead, this pathway allows you to enter the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa category. The self-sponsored business visa leverages the significant flexibility of the Skilled Worker visa rules, allowing you to issue a work visa for yourself based on a business you own or have an interest in. Once your visa is granted, your business can also sponsor other skilled workers. This makes the visa an excellent option for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those looking to expand their business to the UK. Self-sponsorship in the UK is open to anyone who meets all of the following criteria: Has experience, skills, or qualifications in the area of the business they wish to establish. Has a business idea or has identified an existing UK business to take over. Has adequate resources to support their proposed business in the UK. Note that there is no minimum or maximum investment required for your business venture; it depends on your business needs and may range from £25,000 or more. Ideally has a person who is settled in the UK or a British citizen to take on the responsibilities of the Authorising Officer. Has the ability to sit and pass an approved English language test at Level B1, if required. B1 CEFR in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is the minimum level of English language proficiency required for the visa. The main advantages of self-sponsorship visa route are : Engage in any type of business activity. Obtain a 5-year visa for yourself and your dependents from the outset. Become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Permanent Residence after 5 years of employment. No minimum investment required. UK Self Sponsorship Visa Requirements You must be able to satisfy the following requirements: Must be over the age of 18 Have a UK Company with a UK resident Director The Company must have a Sponsor Licence Your job is listed on the eligible occupation list Your UK job must pay you a minimum salary according to the Job Role Have enough funds to satisfy the maintenance requirement Complete an English Language Test Provide a valid TB Test Certificate How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help Whether you need an assessment of your prospects for successfully applying for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, advice on preparing a successful Skilled Worker sponsor licence application, or professional assistance with preparing and submitting an application to sponsor yourself as a Skilled Worker, we can manage your self-sponsorship Skilled Worker route application on your behalf. We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our business clients’ needs. We are dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice directly to business owners, offering a professional and friendly service If you require assistance with your Self Sponsorship visa application, speak to our helpful immigration lawyer by calling us on 0203 442 0292 or contact@aaraflaw.co.uk

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