The waiting period and concern about a potential visa refusal may be the most challenging aspects of the application procedure for a UK Spouse visa.
However, because applying for a spouse visa is so important, our UK spouse/unmarried and partner visa experts at The SmartMove2UK advise taking these costs into account PRIOR to beginning the application process without legal assistance.
According to the most recent figures from the Home Office, 1 in 4 application for spouse visas are turned down. Applications for a UK Spouse visa are still turned down, even if there is a 1 in 4 probability that they will be.
Due to this plus the 12- to 14-week processing time for the UK Spouse visa, receiving a denial might be disheartening. It would still take 9 to 12 months for a decision even if you wanted to appeal the rejection of your UK visa. Applications are denied for a variety of reasons depending on the application, but there are a few elements that can enhance your spouse's visa for the UK's likelihood of being rejected.
Our team has gathered data for the three years from 2020 to 2022 in order to compare the number of UK Spouse visas approved and denied throughout those three years.
From 2020 to 2037, 4,251 UK Spouse visa requests were rejected, as opposed to 5,087 that were approved.
42,182 UK Spouse visa requests were granted in 2021, compared to 6,682 denials.
In 2022, 16,850 UK spouse visa requests were approved vs 2,339 rejections.
Denials may occur for a variety of reasons, such as failing to provide adequate evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, lacking sufficient funds, or failing to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.
Lack of knowledge of the requirements or a misreading of the numerous Home Office guidelines could be to blame for the inability to generate the documents.
Steer clear of statistics.
Love is not a game of chance, but when the stakes are this high and the prospect of a UK Spouse visa refusal exists, it starts to feel that way—and it also becomes very expensive.
Therefore, notwithstanding how prepared you think your application is. You could lose time and money if a spouse visa application is rejected due to one untied thread.
This is why it's always a good idea to consult a specialist. Working with immigration lawyers that have a proven track record of accomplishment and expertise in problems regarding UK spouse visas has always been advantageous. As evidenced by the countless UK visa holders who have taken advantage of our assistance and are now living happier lives in the UK with their partners.
The top 11 reasons why a spouse visa to the UK would be denied
omitting to provide the required or supporting documentation
being unable to commit for a long time to a relationship
failing to achieve the English language proficiency requirement for a UK spouse visa while concealing one's criminal background
Lack of evidence of intended residence: intention to move to the UK
unable to provide spouse visa financial proof for the UK
unable to show a connection (evidence of time together, utility bills)
obscuring previous marriages in the absence of proof of previous unions Immigration to the UK has a troubled history of being turned away.
What to do if your request for a spouse visa to the UK is denied
You may appeal the decision by making a fresh application to the immigration tribunal if your request for a spouse visa, an ILR, a resident card, or permanent residence was denied while you had a full right of appeal.
Our UK-immigration lawyers at The SmartMove2UK have helped many couples make successful applications to join their partner in the UK, even after a refusal. Our team knows the right paperwork, the order of paperwork and other important details that the Home Office expects out of a UK Spouse visa application and we can help you too.