UK Settlement (Spousal) Visa

Caters for South Africans married to British nationals (or South Africans that hold UK permanent residence).

Specifics of the UK Settlement (Spousal) Visa

 Introducing the UK Settlement (Spousal) Visa:
Caters for South Africans claiming family dependency to residents of the United Kingdom. More specifically, South Africans claiming immediate family dependency (married like partner or dependency as a minor below the age of 18 years).

 Duration of visa:
UK Settlement (Spousal) Visa is issued for an initial two and half years.

Settlement rights:
Granted. This UK Settlement (Spousal) Visa grants settlement rights (the right to live, work and settle in the UK). Time spent in the UK therefore counts toward earning British nationality (and the dependents of a British national can therefore earn their own British passports).

 Family Dependents:
Permitted. Immediate family members (married like partner and minors below the age of 18 years) are permitted to join the British national.

Step children can qualify (subject to specific conditions being met).

 Processing Times:
12 weeks. From the date of submission, applicants experience an average of 60 working day processing times.

 Common Reason for Refusal:
Financial Requirement. Most of these cases are refused based on applicants not meeting the complex financial requirement.

    Whole Process:
Once South Africans are awarded entry clearance (permission to enter in the UK), they can apply for unlimited amount of visa extensions. After 5 years of continued UK residence, they can apply for permanent resident status. After 6 continuous years of UK residence, they can apply for British nationality through residence.