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Visa requirements for partners of British expats returning to the UK as a family unit
For partners of British expats returning to the UK as a family, the visa requirements include proving a genuine relationship (marriage, civil partnership, or durable partnership) with the intention to live together permanently, meeting the financial requirement through savings or income, and demonstrating basic English skills (A1 level speaking and listening).
For assistance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Relationship requirement for partners of expats
Married couples must provide their marriage certificate, and if applicable, divorce certificates from previous marriages. Certificates must be legally recognised in the country of issue and professionally translated if not in English. Civil partnership certificates are treated the same.
Unmarried couples typically need to prove two years of cohabitation through joint finances, property ownership, bank accounts, tenancy agreements, or utility bills. If this isn’t possible, alternative evidence and explanations are required. Periods of separation due to work or family commitments must be documented with proof the relationship continues.
Intention to live together permanently in the UK is usually declared in the application. Additional evidence may be needed if there are significant commitments outside the UK.
For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Financial requirement
The financial requirement can be met through income or savings, with a minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year.
This income can come from the British sponsor’s employment or self-employment abroad, provided there’s a realistic job offer or continuation of self-employment in the UK. Income from the non-British partner is not considered, even if they are the main earner. Such partners may consider the Skilled Worker visa instead.
Non-employment income like pensions, rental income, or interest can count for either partner. If relying on savings, the amount needed is £88,500, which can be held by either or both partners, in any currency with the exchange rate applied at application.
Some income can be supplemented by savings, but self-employment income cannot be combined with savings.
For expert advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
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English language requirement
You must demonstrate English proficiency at A1 level in speaking and listening, using approved test providers like PSI Services, IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert, or Pearson. Acceptable ID includes your passport, UK biometric residence card, EEA ID card, or Convention Travel Document.
After passing, you’ll receive a SELT unique reference number to include in your visa application—no paper documents are needed. The test is valid for two years.
If you pass a higher-level test, it can be used for visa extensions and ILR applications: A2 level for extensions and B1 for ILR, both in speaking and listening. Once you’ve used a higher-level test result in an application, it doesn’t expire for future applications.
For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Costs
The application costs are: £1,846 for the visa fee, £3,105 for the Immigration Health Surcharge, and an optional £500 for priority service. Payments are made in local currency with a 5% surcharge on the exchange rate, so the final amount may be slightly higher.
For details, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Processing time
Most applications are processed within 3 months. The optional priority service usually speeds up decisions to within a month, but this isn’t guaranteed.
A well-prepared application with complete information reduces delays and follow-up requests.
For assistance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
The role of legal representatives
Your immigration consultants role is to maximise your application’s chance of success. For most cases, they can provide advance assurance of a positive outcome.
In complex cases requiring Home Office discretion, they highlight the strength of your case to encourage a favourable decision.
For expert help, contact ZAR Immigration consultants