The Impact of Brexit on UK Spouse Visas: What You Need to Know 2024
Brexit is a drama that is unfolding in front of our eyes for several years, and it refers to the decision that was made after the 2016 referendum when the people of the UK decided that the country needed to leave the European Union for better conditions in the country. But that decision brought only instability in the country and difficulties for the people. It’s been said that the UK is heading for a “messy divorce,” which will have a significant impact on UK spouse visas, which is happening to some extent, confirm some of the law offices from the UK that offer help in obtaining a UK family visa. Now the conditions have changed from what they were before, so everyone must familiarize themselves with what the UK offers and demands.
Otherwise, it is about one of the visas that you can get thanks to the fact that your partner is from the UK, or your partner can get a visa thanks to the fact that you are from the UK. This is an opportunity that whoever gets from the partners opens up space for life, building a family, career, and life successes in this country. But now that the conditions have changed, it is necessary to be very careful in that direction because there have been changes that it is good to know.
That is why we are talking about this topic today and we are bringing you many more things that will give you clear answers and information regarding this issue. So let’s see together what exactly it is about. Let’s get started!
How did Brexit affect UK spouse visas and what do you need to know about it?
The UK government has stated that bilateral agreements between the UK and other European Union member states will no longer be ratified, meaning they will not come into effect, which followed the successfully held referendum on the exit of the UK from the European Union. This means that EU citizens wishing to reside in the UK after Brexit will need to apply for a secure residency card (previously known as a ‘marriage visa’), i.e. they will be counted as citizens who come from outside the country because this country no longer is part of the European Union. Non-EU spouses of British citizens will also need to apply for a residence visa, something that does not change because it existed before and remains exactly the same. The application process can take up to six months if you have all the necessary documents and if you meet all the conditions and costs about 1000 pounds to complete the procedure.
What would all this mean if you were married to a British citizen?
We are sure that there are people among you who are married to a British citizen and at the moment are not sure what they should do. If you are married to a British citizen, you should be prepared for some changes that are expected after Brexit. Your citizenship may not automatically transfer to your spouse after Brexit, so you may need to apply for it through the Home Office. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship, such as joint bank accounts or wedding photos because that is the only way you can prove that the marriage was not concluded out of interest and that it is a matter of true love which entails certain benefits such as is this visa. Finally, you’ll likely need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate where your spouse lives if you want your visa application processed quickly, and the interview will be done procedurally to give final approval of the visa.
And what if you are not yet married to a Brit?
If you are not married to a British citizen, in that case, it is normal that the situation and circumstances are different. Things may be simpler for you because here the situation is different than when you are married. In that case, you need to know the rules in case you want to marry a British person or you need to know the rules that apply to other visas. It is important that you read the rules and procedures relating to other visas, as this is the only way you will be able to apply and comply with the full procedure provided for by UK law after leaving the European Union and the laws relating to the Schengen area.
The good thing is that the UK does not change the decision on the granting of this visa and the possibility of obtaining it remains.
In most countries when big decisions are made they are changed thoroughly, but in the UK this is not the case. In the UK, the decision, especially when it comes to visas, is not so easily changed, the granting of this visa continues. There are slightly changed conditions for obtaining it, which must of course be respected to obtain permission to obtain a spouse visa. So try to follow the rules that the UK laws prescribe and get the spousal visa that you can get if you are married to a spouse who comes from the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Brexit has really brought a lot of changes to the UK in every aspect. It brought difficulties to the citizens of this country, but especially to those who are from the countries of the European Union, but who lived or worked in this country. Difficulties are particularly visible when it comes to visas, especially the ones provided if you have a spouse from the UK. But of course, the rules have changed a little, it is important to follow them and understand the changes in order to respect them when applying. Of course, it would be good to get legal advice in order to get a fully completed process and a chance to exercise your right to obtain a spouse visa.