You must now show that you can speak and understand English if you are a non-European migrant and you want to enter or extend your stay in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here.
This requirement was introduced on 29 November 2010. You must meet the requirement if:
- you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and
- you are in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled here; and
- you want to apply to enter or remain in the UK as that person's husband, wife, civil partner, fiance(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner.
The new requirement applies to applications for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain and further leave to remain. It does not apply to indefinite leave to remain or citizenship applications where the existing Knowledge of Life requirement continues to apply.
The visa, once issued, allows the holder to work without restriction and to exit and re-enter the UK multiple times for a 2 year period. The 2 years issued is a probationary period whereby, shortly before the end of the visa, the Home Office will require to see proof that the couple has been genuinely living together throughout the length of the visa as man and wife.
At the end of the 2 year period, provided the marriage is genuine and that it will continue to subsist, the Home Office may consider issuing a ILR visa, which is commonly called "permanent residency".
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is for general guidance ONLY.
We are not responsible for any loss or expense which results from relying on this information.
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