At First Law Solicitors, we provide clear, precise, and strategic legal advice for couples seeking to live together in the United Kingdom under a Spouse Visa.
We recognise that this application is deeply personal, often representing the foundation of your family life. Our role is to translate that emotional importance into a legally strong, evidence-based submission that meets every requirement of Appendix FM.
Based in Manchester and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID No: 665823), our immigration team acts for clients across the UK and internationally. Each application benefits from professional oversight, meticulous document preparation, and compliance with the latest Home Office and data-protection standards.
The UK Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person to live and work in the UK. The visa is normally granted for 30 months (2.5 years) and can be extended for a further 30 months, completing the five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
To qualify, both partners must intend to live permanently together in the UK and meet the financial, English-language, and accommodation requirements set by the Home Office. We handle every stage of the process, from initial eligibility checks to final digital submission, ensuring that no technical or evidential error jeopardises your success.
You must be legally married or in a recognised civil partnership with a British citizen or a person holding settled status (ILR or permanent residence). The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, and both partners must plan to live together in the UK.
As of 31 December 2025, the minimum income requirement (MIR) is £29,000. The previously proposed increase to £38,700 was paused following the 2025 government review. The MIR can be met through income from employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings, provided the evidence complies with Appendix FM-SE.
If your earlier spouse visa was granted under transitional rules (pre-April 2024), you may still be subject to the £18,600 threshold. Our solicitors determine which framework applies and present your finances accordingly.
For an initial application, you must demonstrate A1 level English on the Common European Framework (CEFR). For extensions, the requirement rises to A2, and for settlement (ILR) to B1. Approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) or qualifying academic qualifications are accepted as proof.
You must show that suitable accommodation will be available for both partners, without relying on public funds. Evidence such as tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or letters from landlords must meet Home Office formatting and content standards.
The Home Office applies a strict “balance of probabilities” test when assessing whether a relationship is genuine and whether financial and accommodation requirements are met.
Our solicitors prepare a complete portfolio of evidence covering the entire period of the relationship, including joint financial responsibilities, correspondence, photographs, and records of time spent together.
Every document is cross-checked against Appendix FM-SE to ensure that date ranges, signatures, and sources align with official evidential guidance. This precision significantly reduces the risk of refusal on technical grounds.
All spouse-visa applications are now completed through the Home Office MyHMCTS digital platform.
In line with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, applicants verify identity through Digital ID Verification (IDV) and authorise forms with Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).
At First Law Solicitors, we manage the entire process digitally via our secure client portal. This system protects sensitive personal data through encryption and full DUAA 2025 compliance, eliminating the delays and risks associated with paper-based filing.
A successful spouse visa allows you to live, work, and study in the UK and to access healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge.
After 2.5 years, you must apply for an extension before progressing to Indefinite Leave to Remain at the five-year mark. Our firm provides long-term immigration planning, ensuring every stage of your journey is strategically aligned with your ultimate goal of British citizenship.
We also assist with dependent-child applications, ensuring that every family member’s status remains synchronised under the same route.
Our solicitors frequently act for clients with complex international financial arrangements, self-employment income, or cross-border assets. We liaise with accountants, registrars, and foreign institutions to obtain properly translated and certified documentation that meets Home Office evidential standards.
For cases involving prior refusals, relationship breakdowns, or disputed financial eligibility, we prepare detailed legal representations and, where appropriate, pursue Administrative Review or First-tier Tribunal appeals.
Strategic Oversight: Every case is managed by a senior immigration solicitor specialising in family-route applications under Appendix FM.
Evidence Integrity: We build each application around a coherent narrative supported by verifiable documentation.
Digital Security: All data handling, signatures, and evidence storage comply with the DUAA 2025 and SRA Standards.
Long-Term Planning: We design your application with your five-year settlement trajectory in mind, preventing future obstacles at the ILR stage.
We combine legal precision with discretion, offering a calm, structured approach at what can be one of the most emotionally charged stages of life.
If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or settled person and wish to begin or continue your life together in the UK, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a private consultation with an experienced immigration solicitor.
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