switching to souse visa

"+ 44 (0)20 8757 5751 info@whytecroftford.com
 

Switch Tier 4 Student to UK Spouse Visa
by Whytecroft Ford | Oct 26, 2022 | Further Leave to Remain, Spouse Visa, Student Visa, UK Immigration, UK Settlement

Updated on 10 October 2023

International students in the UK who are married to British Citizens or settled persons can switch to the Spouse Visa route under the Immigration Rules. Switching from a Tier 4 student visa to a spouse visa has many benefits, including no work restrictions and early settlement. You must prove that you meet certain Spouse Visa UK criteria for finances, accommodation, English language, etc.

If your visa application is successful, you will be granted an initial two and a half years. To remain in the UK after this period, you must apply for a spouse visa extension before your leave expires. After five years, you can become eligible to apply for settlement in the UK.

A visa refusal may result in you leaving the country at the end of your student visa. Your best option is to consult with an experienced immigration adviser. In this post, we explore the topic of switching your immigration category from a Tier 4 Student Visa to a UK Spouse Visa.

Requirements for switching to a UK Spouse Visa
You will need to meet these spouse visa requirements to be eligible to switch to this route:

You and your partner are both aged 18 or over.
Your spouse or civil partner must either be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status;
Your relationship must be genuine, meaning that you are in a marriage or civil partnership recognized by UK law; or have lived together in a relationship for at least two years;
You and your spouse or civil partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK and have suitable accommodation.
You have good knowledge of the English language.
You and your partner meet the minimum income requirement.
You meet the suitability criteria, which essentially consider criminal convictions and other character-related factors.
Income Requirement for a Spouse Visa Switching
The Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) and different ways of meeting the standard requirement are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. The MIR is the same when switching from the student route.

Your spouse must earn a gross salary of £18,600 per annum to satisfy that they can support you. The MIR increases with each dependent child:

1 child – £22,400 per annum
2 children – £24,800 per annum
3 children – £27,200 per annum
As mentioned, there are different ways you can prove that you meet the MIR, such as income from employment, self-employment, non-employment income or a combination of such. You can also meet the MIR through cash savings alone, which means you will need at least £62,500. 

In addition, you must prove that you have adequate accommodation to live with any dependents.

To discuss your UK Spouse Visa application with an experienced immigration adviser, contact our team on 0208 757 5751 or complete our contact form. 

English Requirement for Spouse Visa Route
In the absence of an academic qualification such as a degree taught or researched in English, you can prove your knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English or take a test if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country such as Canada, New Zealand or the USA. You will also be exempt if you are over 65 or have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement.

How to switch from Tier 4 Student Visa to Spouse Visa?
You must ensure that you have valid leave as a Tier 4 Student at your spouse visa application time. You will need to gather documents to prove that you meet the visa criteria and make an application to the Home Office UKVI on the government website. You will then need to attend an appointment to provide your biometric information, i.e., your fingerprints and a digital photo. 

Documentary Evidence
You will need documents to prove that you are meeting the criteria, such as (including but not limited to):

Proof of identity and immigration status, such as a valid passport
Evidence that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, such as your marriage certificate 
Proof that your accommodation is sufficient, such as a tenancy agreement
Financial documents proving you meet the income requirements, such as an employment contract and letter
Evidence that the English language requirement is met, such as an English Language Test Certificate or Degree certificate.
The documents stated here are examples of some of the documents you may need to prove your eligibility. The specific documentation required in your application will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you have been married before, you should provide proof of your divorce.

How long does it take to switch to a Spouse Visa?
The average processing time for switching from a Tier 4 visa to a spouse visa from within the UK is around 8 to 12 weeks. You may be able to opt for additional paid services to speed up the processing time. 

Cost of switching
As of 04 October 2023, the fee for making an application to switch from a Tier 4 visa to a spouse visa from within the UK is £1,048. In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee of £624 per year. Depending on your circumstances, you may incur additional costs.

UK Spouse Visa Advice
Our immigration advisers regularly assist foreign national Spouses in relocating and settling in the UK with their families. The financial requirement rules are complex and include mandatory requirements in the documentary evidence that must be provided to demonstrate access to the relevant funds. Failure to demonstrate that you meet the Spouse Visa application criteria may result in the application being delayed or even refused. 

Our UK Spouse Visa lawyers can provide a no-obligation assessment of your prospects of qualifying for a Spouse Visa or professional advice or assistance with preparing a Spouse Visa application. 

At Whytecroft Ford, we know that accurate and timely advice could make all the difference in the world. We are a highly driven professional team that provides clear and reliable immigration advice to individuals applying for a UK Spouse Visa. We apply our extensive knowledge and expertise to our client’s needs.

Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a spouse visa while in the UK?
You can apply for a spouse visa overseas or from the UK. If you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa.

Can I switch from a fiance visa to a spouse visa?
Applying for a spouse visa is possible once you have married on a fiancé visa.

Can I switch from a visit visa to a spouse visa UK?
No. Unfortunately, you cannot switch from a Visitor Visa to any other visa in the UK. 

Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
Yes, you can work freely in the UK, which is one of the reasons it is also one of the most applied. 

What Our Clients Say

Related Posts
Request a FREE assessment from our experts







Receive your assessment via:
Email or
Telephone
Privacy Policy
I agree to your Privacy Policy
SUBMIT

What is the Income Requirement for my Family Visa?
Given the recent increases in the financial requirements for a Family Visa application, we will address which minimum income threshold should be...
 Aug 16, 2024

Combining Income for Partner Visa
Individuals seeking to join their family members in the UK must now meet an income requirement of £29,000 per annum. This requirement, known as the...
 Aug 08, 2024

Can I lose ILR status?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is also known as permanent residence, settlement or settled status, allowing individuals to live and work in the UK...
 Jul 30, 2024

Apply for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
If you are in the UK with Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be eligible to switch to Settled Status. Settled status gives...
 Jul 26, 2024

Apply for a UK Certificate of Entitlement
A Certificate of Entitlement is an alternative document to a British passport that proves you have the right of abode in the UK. Having the right of...
 Jul 23, 2024

Avoid British Citizenship Application Mistakes
Applying for British citizenship is a significant milestone, but it’s a process filled with potential pitfalls that can lead to delays or even a...
 Jul 19, 2024

Fiance Visa Steps for UK Transition
As you embark on the exciting journey of married life, several important steps will ensure a smooth transition to long-term residency in the UK....
 Jul 16, 2024

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) FAQs
Settling in the UK is a significant milestone, granting individuals the freedom to live, work, and study without time restrictions, and to stay with...
 Jul 15, 2024

Understanding UK Transit Visas
When planning an international trip that involves passing through a UK airport, knowing the transit visa requirements is important for a smooth...
 Jun 28, 2024

Whytecroft Ford Ltd is a limited company registered in England and Wales under company no. 08381805. We offer professional advice and services in relation to UK Immigration and Indian Law matters. Our expert consultants have many years of experience in their fields.


ADDRESS

Whytecroft Ford Ltd

450 Bath Road

Longford

Heathrow

UB7 0EB

 

T: 0208 757 5751

E: info@whytecroftford.com

CONNECT WITH US

ACCREDITATIONS


© copyright – Whytecroft Ford Ltd 2024

Terms of Use

Privacy & Cookies

Sitemap


"
 https://www.whytecroftford.com/switching-a-tier-4-student-visa-to-a-spouse-visa/#:~:text=%2B%2044%20(0)20,Sitemap

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

quantum entanglement

" Skip to main Sign in Search the web Advertisement Top Stories: Democratic party rebrand ICE raids in California Grok chatbot controversy Birthright citizenship lawsuits Camp Mystic before, after Photos: July full 'buck moon' Measles prevention Walmart water bottle recall Breaking cultural food norms Mourning and tributes in Texas Quantum Entanglement in Your Brain Is What Generates Consciousness, Radical Study Suggests Darren Orf Thu, July 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM GMT+1 4 min read 48 Is Cognition Driven By Quantum Entanglement? gremlin - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story: For the past 30 years, scientists have investigated whether the human brain might require quantum processes to achieve cognition. A study from Shanghai University uses mathematical models to suggest that certain fatty structures (which sheath the nerve cell’s axon) could poten...
Read more

God's existence by science

Read now ➤ Home People PEOPLE Harvard University Scientist Set to Prove Existence of God Using New Mathematical Formula 0 Updated Friday, March 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM by  Israel Usulor 4 min read A scientist who specialises in astrophysics at Harvard University is set to unveil a mathematical formula to prove that God exists The Malaysian astrophysicist, Dr Willie Soon, said there is a possibility that God exists and noted that this could be proven using mathematics He said through his work and extensive calculations, the equation might hold the solution to bridging the divide between science and religion CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. A Harvard University scientist has argued strongly that there is a possibility that God exists. The scientist, Dr Willie Soon, specialises in astrophysics and his assertion has the potential to revolutionize how scientists and religionists understand the universe. Dr Willie Soon said using ma...
Read more

Binaural beats

Image
Binaural Beats Freak The Brain Wave Audio Expert You are here:  Home   /   Binaural Beats   /  10 Huge Benefits of Listening to Theta Binaural Beats 10 Huge Benefits of Listening to Theta Binaural Beats Theta binaural beats are essentially sound waves with a frequency that corresponds to the Theta brain state. The frequency range is 4-8 hertz (Hz) and is sometimes cited as 4-7 hertz. These frequencies (binaural beats) are embedded underneath meditation-style music or nature/ambient sounds, and when you listen along, your brain is encouraged to follow and produce more theta brainwaves. This is made possible through a process called “frequency following response.” I cover exactly how this process works  here . But read that later. Let's continue for now. Generally, we associate theta with deep relaxation, meditation, creativity, and heightened intuition. Theta waves also play a role in the early stages of sleep. As detailed in  this post , there are nume...
Read more