Spouse Visa Entry Clearance: Applying From Outside the UK
We handle spouse and partner visa entry clearance applications for couples applying from outside the UK, from the online form through to your biometric appointment and final decision.
Entry clearance is the route a husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner uses to apply from overseas to join a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. Fundamental to every entry clearance application is the immigration status of the sponsoring partner in the UK — they must be a British citizen or hold indefinite leave to remain (or equivalent settled status) for the application to succeed. If you want the full breakdown of eligibility, income and English language requirements, see our UK Spouse Visa Guide — this page focuses on what’s specific to applying from overseas.
How the Overseas Application Works
Unlike an in-country extension, entry clearance is applied for and decided entirely before you travel. The process runs in four stages:
- Online application — completed via the GOV.UK entry clearance portal, specifying the visa application centre in your country of residence.
- Biometric appointment — fingerprints and a photograph are taken at your local visa application centre (VAC); some centres offer priority slots for an additional fee.
- Document submission — your supporting evidence bundle (relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and TB certificate where required) is uploaded or submitted at the same appointment.
- Decision — standard entry clearance decisions are typically issued within 12–24 weeks, with priority (5 working days) and super-priority (1 working day) services available in eligible locations.
TB Test Certificate
If you’re applying from a country on the Home Office’s listed countries for TB testing, you’ll need a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic before you can submit your application. This is specific to overseas entry clearance applications and doesn’t apply to in-country switching or extension routes.
Meeting the Requirements as an Overseas Applicant
The eligibility, financial (£29,000), suitability, relationship, accommodation, and English language (CEFR A1) requirements are the same ones set out in our UK Spouse Visa Guide — the difference for entry clearance is how and when you evidence them:
- Financial requirement: evidenced through your sponsor’s UK-based income, savings, or a combination, submitted as part of your overseas application bundle rather than gathered after arrival.
- Genuine and subsisting relationship: this is one of the most heavily scrutinised parts of an entry clearance decision, since the caseworker has never met either party in person. See our guide on evidence of a genuine relationship for what a strong overseas evidence bundle should include.
- Accommodation: must be confirmed and evidenced before travel — mortgage documents, tenancy agreement, or a letter from the property owner, since you won’t have a UK address history to draw on.
- English language: CEFR A1 speaking and listening, evidenced by an approved test certificate, nationality exemption, or a degree taught in English, submitted with the overseas application.
Spouse / Partner Entry Clearance Application Refused?
A refusal doesn’t end your journey to the UK. Common reasons include missing paperwork, insufficient relationship evidence, or a financial requirement evidenced under the wrong category. Depending on the refusal notice, you may be able to:
- Appeal a spouse visa refusal on human rights grounds
- Submit a fresh entry clearance application addressing the refusal grounds
- Apply for judicial review if the decision was unlawful
What Happens After Entry Clearance Is Granted
Once you arrive in the UK on entry clearance, you’re on the same five-year route as an in-country applicant: an initial 33-month visa, followed by a spouse visa extension (FLR(M)) at the 30-month stage, then eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a spouse once you’ve completed five years of continuous lawful residence.
Why Adam Bernard Solicitors
- Leading immigration solicitors in London with extensive experience in UK immigration law
- Direct experience managing overseas entry clearance applications from application centres worldwide
- Free video consultations via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype for clients who cannot attend in person
- A proven track record with entry clearance refusals and complex Home Office decisions
- Offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London)
Get in touch with Adam Bernard Solicitors for expert guidance on spouse visa entry clearance, partner visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain, and settlement applications.
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Our Clients Share Their Success Stories.
Good service 👍 👌 many thanks for the great service you have provided to us. Our visa got approved just within 2 weeks only because of your hardwork and subject matter expertise. I am very thankful to you
For me, it was the attitude towards the job the lawyers displayed. Totally unmatched. I've been in and out of law firms because of the divorce with my wife and other related issues but Adam Bernard Solicitors was it for me guys. The best!
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