UK Spousal Visa Application

To-Do List

This brief step-by-step guide ensures you gather all the required documents and meet all UK visa requirements for a successful UK Spousal Visa application.

Verify Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, confirm that both the UK citizen sponsor and the foreign spouse meet the necessary requirements:

✅ Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

• The couple must have a legally recognized marriage.
• Proof of continuous communication and cohabitation where possible.
• Evidence of visits, financial support, or joint responsibilities.

✅ Financial Requirement (£18,600 per year minimum)

• The UK sponsor must earn at least £18,600 per year or have savings.
• If sponsoring children, add £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

Acceptable sources of income:

• Employment Income (payslips + employer letter).
• Self-Employment Income (tax returns, business accounts).
• Savings (if above £62,500, can be used instead of income).
• Pension Payments (if applicable).
• Rental Income (if owning properties).

✅ Accommodation Requirement

• The couple must have suitable housing in the UK.
• Can be owned or rented by the UK sponsor.
• Must meet UK housing standards (not overcrowded).

✅ English Language Requirement

• The foreign spouse must pass an approved English test (A1 CEFR or higher).
• Accepted tests: IELTS Life Skills A1, Trinity College GESE Grade 2, or PTE Home A1.
• Test must be taken at a UKVI-approved test center.

✅ Tuberculosis (TB) Test

• The foreign spouse must take a TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic in Vietnam.
• Certificate is valid for 6 months.
• Approved clinics: UK Recognised Medical Centres.

✅ Intent to Reside in the UK

• The couple must intend to live together in the UK permanently.

Gather All Required Supporting Documents

Documents for the Vietnamese Applicant (Spouse)

📌 Valid Passport (valid for at least six months).
📌 Previous Passports (if any, to show travel history).
📌 National ID Card.
📌 Birth Certificate (officially translated and notarized).
📌 Marriage Certificate (translated and legalized).
📌 TB Test Certificate (from a UKVI-approved clinic).
📌 English Test Certificate (from an approved test provider).
📌 Two Passport-Sized Photos (UK visa format).
📌 Bank Statements (if showing personal savings or assets in current country of residency).

Documents for the UK Sponsor (British Citizen Spouse)

📌 Valid UK Passport (scanned copy of all pages).
📌 Proof of UK Residency (utility bill, council tax bill, tenancy agreement).
📌 Employment Evidence:

• Payslips (last 6 months).
• Bank Statements (minimum 6 months showing salary deposits).
• Employment Contract.
• Letter from Employer confirming job details.
  📌 Self-Employed Applicants (if applicable):
• Business registration certificate.
• Tax returns (SA302) from HMRC.
• Business bank statements (6 months).
• Audited financial accounts.
  📌 Accommodation Proof:
• Mortgage statement or tenancy agreement.
• Property inspection report (if required).
• Letter of consent from the homeowner (if staying with family/friends).

Relationship Proof (Must be strong to avoid visa refusal)

📌 Photos Together (wedding, family events, holidays).
📌 Call Logs & Chat History (WhatsApp, Zalo, Facebook Messenger, Skype etc.).
📌 Flight Tickets & Travel Stamps (to show visits).
📌 Bank Transfers (proof of financial support).
📌 Joint Bank Accounts (if applicable).
📌 Letters from Friends & Family confirming the relationship is genuine.

Online Visa Application (VAF4A Form)

✅ Visit the UK Government Visa Website: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
✅ Create an Account and start the application.
✅ Complete the VAF4A form (provide accurate details).
✅ Select Standard or Priority Service.
✅ Pay the Visa Fee:

• £2,846 (Standard Processing). +
• £2,500 (Priority – 6 weeks processing): or
• £3,000 (Super Priority – 24 hours processing).
  ✅ Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
• £1,035 per year × 2.5 years = £2,587.50 upfront.
  ✅ Biometric Appointment at VFS Global Vietnam.

Attend the Biometric Appointment at VFS Global Vietnam

📍 Locations: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang.

📌 Bring the following:

• Printed Visa Application Form (VAF4A).
• Biometric Appointment Confirmation Letter.
• All Supporting Documents (originals + copies).
• TB Test Certificate.
• English Test Certificate.
• Passport & Photo ID.

📌 Submit Biometric Data (fingerprints + photograph).
📌 Submit Supporting Documents (check if required to be uploaded online).

Wait for the Visa Decision

✅ Choose a Submission Method:

• Upload documents online via UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS).
• Submit original documents at VFS Global.
  ✅ Track the Visa Progress through UKVI or VFS Portal.
  ✅ Processing Time:
• Standard: ~24 weeks.
• Priority: ~6 weeks (£1,500 extra).
• Super Priority: 24 hours (£3,000 extra).

Prepare for Arrival in the UK

✅ Receive Decision Email & Passport with Visa (valid for 90 days).
✅ Travel to the UK within the visa validity period.
✅ Collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
✅ Register with the NHS & a GP.
✅ Apply for a UK National Insurance (NI) Number.
✅ Open a UK Bank Account.

Plan for Visa Extensions & Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

✅ Live in the UK for at least 2.5 years before applying for a visa extension.
✅ After 5 years, apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
✅ Pass the Life in the UK Test.
✅ Meet the financial requirements for ILR application.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal when you apply without PTB-BC Consultancy

⚠️ Missing Documents → Double-check and upload everything correctly.
⚠️ Insufficient Relationship Evidence → Provide strong proof of communication, visits, and financial support.
⚠️ Failure to Meet Financial Requirement → Ensure employment or savings meet the threshold.
⚠️ Incorrect Information on Forms → Be honest and accurate.
⚠️ English Test or TB Test Not Done at Approved Centers → Check UKVI-approved providers.

This brief step-by-step guide ensures a smooth UK Spousal Visa application process.

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