Immigration and Asylum
Living together should not depend on guessing which documents the Home Office expects. SJS can advise on spouse, partner and other family applications, including extensions. We begin with the relationship, the UK family member's status and the circumstances of everyone applying, then explain the requirements that need to be met.
Understanding your next steps
Spouses, partners, parents, children and adults needing long-term care have different requirements. A person joining someone with a work or study visa may need a dependant application instead. We identify the route before asking you to gather a large document bundle.
The application may need evidence of the relationship, income or savings, accommodation and English language ability. The financial rules and permitted evidence depend on the route and history. We can explain what is relevant to your circumstances and identify missing documents.
Previous refusals, time spent apart, earlier marriages or changes in income can affect preparation. If there is domestic abuse or your partner has died, tell us privately at the outset because different provisions may need consideration.
A clear way forward
Provide nationalities, immigration status, relationship dates, where each person lives and the date any current permission expires.
We assess the appropriate route, the supporting evidence and any issues needing explanation before an application can be prepared.
We explain the costs and timetable, review the documents and prepare the application with you. Eligible family members may need separate applications.
Planning ahead
Our quotation will explain the agreed legal work and any dependant applications. Home Office fees, the healthcare surcharge where applicable and translation costs are separate. Fee waiver eligibility can be considered where relevant.
Financial and overseas civil documents can take time to obtain. An in-country extension should be planned before permission expires. Processing times differ by route and application location and should be checked when preparing the case.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Not necessarily. Partner applications can be available to qualifying unmarried partners, but the relationship requirements and evidence must be checked. Living together alone does not answer every requirement.
No. The route, date and circumstances can affect the financial rules and acceptable evidence. We check the applicable provisions instead of assuming one figure fits everyone.
Switching is restricted and is not generally available to visitors under the ordinary family route. Get advice on your circumstances before making plans or allowing permission to expire.
No. Marriage does not itself grant immigration status. An application may still be needed, and the relevant immigration requirements must be satisfied.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
