The Spouse Visa UK can help you and your partner create a permanent home together in the United Kingdom. This is a route that is complex but very significant under the rules of UK immigration, allowing couples to take their next step in the UK together. 

Let us understand how you can switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa successfully. 

How to Transition to a Spouse Visa UK

A spouse visa can be applied from anywhere in the world from within the UK or outside. All applications are processed online through the official website of the UK Government.

You have to switch over to a Spouse visa before the Fiancé visa ends. You cannot overstay in the UK after it expires, otherwise, it will be a violation of UK immigration laws. Neither can you apply for a Spouse visa in the UK once your Fiance visa expires. You will need to exit the UK and apply for a new Spouse visa from outside the country.

As part of the spouse UK visa application process, you should complete the form thoroughly online as well as provide all your supporting documents. Make sure you type in all of your details accurately and correctly, otherwise, your application can get delayed or rejected.

You might also need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information items like fingerprints and photographs.

Essentially, the Home Office may schedule you and your partner or spouse for an interview if additional information is required about your application and the relationship.

How to Submit Your Documents for Spouse Visa Application 

The switch over from a Fiancé visa to a spouse visa necessitates filling out an application on the official website of the UK government. Once the online application for switching to a spouse visa has been submitted, you will need to prepare your documents for submission. Your documents must be original and translated into English if they are not in the English language. It is important to arrange the documents because organized application packages would easily speed up the processing.

However, the fee for the application for a spouse visa is paid online at the time of submission of the application. 

Processing Times and Costs of a Spouse Visa Application 

Usually, a spouse visa application is processed within 8 to 12 weeks from the date of submission. However, the time required in processing can change because of the volume of applications currently received by the Home Office. 

Switching from a fiancé visa to a spouse visa comes with several costs other than the visa fee. The standard Spouse Visa fee is £1,258. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which socializes you as an entire National Health Service user. The IHS now costs £1035 per year, starting from January 2024.

Conclusion 

Make sure to provide all supporting documents and fulfill all requirements such as financial requirements, genuine relationships, and others. Hiring an immigration solicitor may help you navigate the process better.