Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Enables spouses or partners of UK citizens or residents to live in the UK, requiring proof of relationship and meeting financial criteria.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
3 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Upon a positive decision on a visa application, the foreign national no longer receives a physical vignette (sticker) in their passport. Instead, they are granted an electronic visa (eVisa). All information regarding the visa's validity and conditions is stored digitally within the applicant's UKVI account.</p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">These visas can be broadly divided into two categories based on the intended length and purpose of stay:</p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>FOR APPLICANTS MARRIED TO UK CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Their stay in the UK is typically for a period exceeding six months. The eVisa is granted with a specific validity period. The "valid from" date in the eVisa is the start of the period during which the applicant must enter the UK. They have the right to enter the country at any point between this start date and the "valid until" date for entry (usually 90 days from the date of approval). Before travelling, the applicant must create or activate their UKVI account and link their valid passport to it. Upon arrival, this UKVI account and the linked eVisa serve as official proof of their immigration status for the duration of their stay, which may be several years depending on the visa type (e.g., a spouse visa).</p> </li> </ul> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>FOR APPLICANTS NOT MARRIED TO UK CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS (e.g., Standard Visitors):</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Their stay is usually limited to a maximum of six months. In line with UK Immigration Rules, the Entry Clearance (now the eVisa) serves as both permission to enter and to stay. The applicant cannot enter the UK before the "valid from" date of their eVisa, and their stay must not exceed the six-month period calculated from the date of entry. The visa's validity (e.g., six months) is determined at the consulate based on the applicant's circumstances and purpose of visit. The conditions of stay (e.g., no work permitted) are clearly stated in the eVisa record.</p> </li> </ul>
2 years 9 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">These visas can be broadly divided into two main groups based on the intended purpose and length of stay:</p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>FOR APPLICANTS MARRIED TO UK CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Their stay in the UK is typically for an extended period, often leading to settlement. Upon approval, the applicant is granted an electronic visa (eVisa). A physical vignette (sticker) is no longer issued. The initial permission to enter the UK is usually tied to a 90-day window, which is encoded in the eVisa.</p> </li> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Before travelling, the applicant must create or activate their UKVI account (if not already done during the application) and link their valid passport to it. This step is essential for their immigration status to be visible to airlines and border authorities.</p> </li> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">After entering the UK, the UKVI account and the linked eVisa serve as the official proof of their immigration status. The period of stay initially granted under this visa (e.g., 33 months for a standard Spouse Visa route) is clearly stated in their eVisa record. This period can typically be extended further, in accordance with the Immigration Rules.</p> </li> </ul> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>FOR APPLICANTS NOT MARRIED TO UK CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">Their stay is usually temporary and limited to a maximum of six months. The duration of stay granted is determined by the consulate based on the applicant's individual circumstances and the documentary evidence provided to support the purpose of the visit. The maximum stay allowed for this visa type is up to 6 months.</p> </li> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">This visa is also issued as an eVisa. The applicant must similarly ensure their UKVI account is set up and their passport linked before departure.</p> </li> <li> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph">The specific period for which they are permitted to stay (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months) will be encoded in their eVisa. While it is possible to apply to extend a stay in some circumstances, it is generally expected that visitors will leave the UK at the end of their authorized period.</p> </li> </ul>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>The visa is not renewed, but rather the residence status, which after 33 months is replaced by an additional residence permit. After 5 years, a foreign citizen who entered on this visa is entitled to receive an unlimited residence permit.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>This visa allows multiple entry into the country.</p>
5 months 18 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Normally, for applications from outside the UK, it takes up to 24 weeks to process an application. This period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional verification of the application is required.</p>
£2,064 (~$2,780)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>The consular fee may vary depending on the specific purpose of the visit and the validity period of the visa.</p> <p> </p> <p>The consular fee is an official payment for processing a visa application by the UK embassy or consulate and does not include any additional fees that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as a visa centre fee, the cost of processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents and others.</p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid for the entire duration of the stay, or other travel document with all applications. The passport must have at least 1 page blank for a visa.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of relationship
Such as marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate; a tenancy agreement, utility bills or council tax bills; confirming that the applicant lives at the same address or pay bills together; a bank statement from a joint bank account, letters confirming the applicant and the partner are on the voting register for the same address; student finance paperwork.
Proof of a partner or spouse meets requirements
The partner must meet one of the requirements: - be a British or Irish citizen; - have settled in the UK; - be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status; - have a Turkish businessperson visa or Turkish worker visa; - have protection status; - have permission to stay as a stateless person.
Proof of partners (spouses) meet requirements
Both of the partners need to be 18 or over.
Information about children
The applicant needs to give details about own children (and the partner’s children if she/he has one). The applicant will be asked about all children, even if they’re not applying.
Information about life outside the UK
Information about countries outside the UK the applicant has lived in and visited, and about family and friends in the countries where she/he was born or has nationality.
Proof of good knowledge of English
A certificate of academic qualification or CEFR test result if the applicant needs evidence of English language proficiency in accordance with the requirements of UK government.
Proof of meeting the financial requirements
Documents such as bank statements, employment certificates etc., proving that the applicant and her/his partner meet the minimum income requirement of UK government.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Proof of financial means
Financial documents showing that the applicant has sufficient funds available, showing the access to the funds, such as: bank statements which detail the origin of the funds held; building society books which detail the origin of the funds held; proof of earnings, such as a letter from the employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details).
Tuberculosis test certificate
If the applicant has been residing within a country listed in Appendix Tuberculosis (TB) of the Immigration Rules for the 6 months immediately preceding the application. The certificate must be no older than 6 months when applying for a visa. The test certificate must be from either an: approved test center abroad or in the UK.
Travel history
Copies of previous passports showing evidence of travel to other countries.
Documents for minor children
Legal document showing the relationship between the applicant and at least 1 of their parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers. If the foreigner is not traveling with the parent or guardian, they need to provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).
Letter of invitation
From inviting persons or organizations, or sending organizations, with a description of the purpose of the visit and/or details of the event, coverage of financial costs and contact information.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirming full payment of visa fees and required charges.
Medical certificates
Health certificates, vaccination certificates, etc. depending on the purpose of the visit, citizenship and country of submission of documents by the applicant.
Proof of sponsorship
If someone else (the sponsor) is providing for travel, maintenance or accommodation it's necessary to provide evidence showing: what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family and how this support is being provided; the person supporting the applicant has enough funds to adequately support themselves and their dependents.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservation, rental agreement, invitation from relatives, friends or organizations or other accommodation options.
Current immigration or residence status
Proof of legal residence if the applicant is not a national of the country in which he applies but has the right to reside there and if it is not included in the passport.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Family visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgVisa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
3 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
£2,064 (~$2,780)
Last updated 2026-04-27