Leading UK immigration lawyers for Spouse visas and Sponsor licences
Based in London, Mulgrave Law specialises in UK spouse visas and business sponsor licences — providing expert immigration advice to help families and businesses navigate UK immigration with confidence.
Mulgrave Law is a leading immigration law firm in the City of London. Our team provides expert immigration services, advice and representation to businesses and private individuals — with cost-effective legal expertise and personalised, high-quality service.
Expert immigration solutions for individuals Mulgrave Law is an immigration law firm based in central London, assisting both national and international clients. We help private individuals and businesses. Our acclaimed immigration solicitors provide professional and personalised immigration law advice and representation for those seeking to enter or stay in the UK for work, study, or to unite with family. We handle a wide range of visa applications for individuals, including UK spouse visas, family visas , Indefinite Leave to Remain , citizenship , Student and Visit visas . Whether you’re applying for a UK visa or challenging an immigration decision, our immigration lawyers offer expert legal guidance with a professional and supportive approach. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; our lawyers recognise each client’s unique situation and provide tailored immigration law solutions to meet individual needs. Mulgrave Law is proud to employ some of the best immigration lawyers in London, who work directly with you, drawing on over two decades of combined experience in preparing high-quality visa applications and achieving successful outcomes in appeals and judicial reviews. Our immigration lawyers prioritise the client, providing expert legal advice with a human touch. We understand that immigration law can be daunting, and we strive to be both supportive and professional, always aiming to be the best immigration lawyers and solicitors in London. From the point of hiring Mulgrave Law, you will notice you are receiving the best service from your dedicated case lawyer at an affordable cost.
UK Spouse Visa | UK Partner Visa or UK Marriage Visa is a type of Family Visa UK spouse visa is a route which allows married/unmarried partners or a fiancé of British or Irish citizens, persons who are settled in the UK, EEA nationals with pre-settled status, persons with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, and persons with refugee status or humanitarian protection to join and remain with their partner in the UK. Who can apply for UK Spouse Visa You can apply for a spouse or partner visa if your partner is one of the following: A British or Irish citizen in the UK; or Has indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK; or Is an EU national with pre-settled status under Appendix EU; or Has limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker under Appendix ECAA; or Has refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK. You can also apply under this route if your British partner or partner with indefinite leave to remain is coming back to the UK with you. UK Spouse Visa | UK Partner Visa | UK Marriage Visa application requirements as of April 2024 To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet a number of requirements set out by the Home Office. This includes financial requirements, as well as providing evidence that your relationship with your partner is genuine and subsisting. Here we go through the main requirements for a spouse visa application. Age requirements for UK Spouse visa You and your partner must be over the age of 18 and intend to live together in the UK. Genuine Relationship Requirement You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by the UK, or you must have been in a relationship similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least 2 years. If applying as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, you must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK. Accommodation Requirement You must have adequate accommodation available in the UK, which will be exclusively occupied by you and your partner. Your arrival must not lead to overcrowding in the property. English Language Requirement You will meet the English language requirement if any one of the following applies: You have passed an approved English language test at level A1 or above. If you wish to extend your stay in the UK at a later date, you will need to pass at least a CEFR level A2 test to show continuing improvement in line with the time you have been in the country. You have a degree/academic qualification that was taught in English and you have obtained comparability statements from Ecctis; for a qualification from the UK, you only need to provide your degree certificate. You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. You will be exempt from meeting the English language requirement if you are over 65 or have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement. Financial Requirement You and your partner in the UK must have an annual income of at least £29,000 from April 2024. The financial requirement can be met in the following ways: Annual income of £29,000 per annum Cash savings of £88,500 A combination of the above The UK Spouse Visa financial requirement can be satisfied in a variety of ways, including by relying on: Earnings from employment Earnings from self-employment or as a director of a limited company Cash savings above £16,000 Pension(s) Non-employment income, e.g., income from property rental or dividends from shares You will be exempt from meeting the financial requirement if your partner in the UK is receiving one of the following benefits: Disability Living Allowance Severe Disablement Allowance Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit Attendance Allowance Carer’s Allowance Personal Independence Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme If the exemption applies to you, you will still be required to show that you and your partner will be able to adequately maintain and accommodate yourselves without recourse to public funds. Your dedicated lawyer at Mulgrave Law, will assess if you can meet the criteria of adequate maintenance, this depends on the benefits/income received by each family unit and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. TB Test Requirement for Entry Clearance Applications Citizens of some countries are required to submit a TB test certificate. The TB test must be taken at an approved test centre. How to apply for a UK Spouse Visa Spouse Visa applications are made using an online application form. There are different application forms depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. If you are applying for a Spouse Visa from outside the UK, you should apply in the country where you are resident (otherwise than as a visitor). You do not need to be a citizen of that country. If you are already in the UK and have been granted permission to stay for a period of more than six months, you can apply for leave to remain as a spouse from within the UK. Before filling in your application form, you must always check your eligibility for your visa type and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you have checked your eligibility, you should prepare your supporting documents as there are specific document requirements. Some documents are time-sensitive, and you should ensure that you have procured the correct documents before submitting the online application form. The next step in the process is to complete the online application form, pay the application fee, and book a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. The Home Office online systems allow you to upload documents in support of your Spouse Visa application. UK Spouse Visa application fees as of April 2024 The Home Office fee for a UK Spouse Visa application submitted outside the UK is currently £1,846. The Home Office application fee to switch into the spouse category from within the UK or extend your stay as a spouse is currently £1,048. Additional fees will apply if you use the Priority or Super Priority Service. In addition to the above fees, you will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which amounts to £1,035 for each year. Duration granted for successful UK Spouse Visa If your application for a UK Spouse Visa is successful, your Spouse Visa will be valid for 33 months initially. If you apply for leave to remain in the UK as a spouse, you will be granted leave valid for 30 months. Before your initial grant of leave expires, you will need to apply to extend your stay. If your application for further leave to remain as a spouse is successful, you will be granted leave for a further 30 months. After spending 5 years in the UK as a spouse, you will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. How our immigration lawyers will assist you Solicitors at Mulgrave Law regularly assist foreign national spouses in relocating and settling in the UK with their partners. We specialise in this type of Family Visa. Our Spouse Visa team boasts decades of experience and understands every complexity. We have helped hundreds of clients prepare and submit their UK Spouse Visa applications. As your Spouse Visa immigration lawyers, we carefully assess your case to determine whether you meet all Home Office requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Spouse Visa even if you do not meet all the rules. Some requirements are mandatory, while others are exceptionally complex. We will guide you through the latest laws, prepare your application, and advise you on the necessary documents. Once you instruct us, we will liaise with the Home Office, UKVI and other authorities on your behalf. Whether you need expert immigration advice on the changing rules for UK Spouse Visa applications or the qualification criteria, our immigration lawyers can help. You can expect dedicated support from your Spouse Visa lawyers. We always put the client first, and our advice is clear, honest, and reliable. Apart from our first-rate service, you can expect the following from your lawyer. We guarantee a fixed and transparent fee, disclosed before you instruct us, with no hidden admin charges. An experienced lawyer will be dedicated to handling your case from start to finish. We will provide you with a detailed document checklist based on your circumstances. We assess your documents to ensure they meet the Home Office requirements. We prepare detailed representations in support of your application. We submit your application and book a biometric appointment. We liaise with the Home Office after the submission of the application, if required. If the application is refused due to our error, we will refund our processing fee or assist with the resubmission of the application without charging any further fees.
EU Settlement Scheme Applications The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU nationals and their family members who were living in the UK before 31st December 2020 to protect their rights to live and work in the UK. Our EU Settlement Scheme lawyers & solicitors can guide you with your EUSS application. EU Settlement Scheme: Applications for EU Nationals and their family members The United Kingdom (UK) has left the European Union (EU), and the rules on the free movement of people no longer apply to the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was introduced to offer EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members living in the UK before the end of the transition period the opportunity to protect their right to live in the UK after the transition period ended. The scheme also protected other rights, including access to healthcare, benefits, and pensions. Applications to the EUSS closed on 30 June 2021. Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme can still be made if you have ‘reasonable grounds’. If you are an EU national or a family member of an EU national, you can still make one of the following relevant applications for leave to enter or remain in the UK. EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is available to non-EEA citizens who wish to travel to and enter the UK in order to join or accompany a close family member who is a relevant EEA citizen. Who Benefits from the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit benefits a family member of a relevant EU national, making it easier for them to travel to the UK, as the Home Office assesses your eligibility prior to your arrival. It allows you to come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires. Requirements for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit In order to qualify for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, you will need to prove that: You are the joining family member of a relevant EEA citizen (an EEA citizen who holds settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or has applied and is waiting for a decision). You will be accompanying the EEA citizen to the UK or joining them in the UK within 6 months of the date of application. Your family relationship began prior to 31 December 2020. Family Members Eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit The following family members of relevant EEA citizens may be eligible to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit: Spouse of a relevant EEA citizen. Civil partner of a relevant EEA citizen. Durable partner of a relevant EEA citizen. Child (or grandchild or great-grandchild) of a relevant EEA citizen or of their spouse or civil partner. Dependent parent (or grandparent or great-grandparent) of the relevant EEA citizen or of their spouse or civil partner. You will need to demonstrate that your relationship existed prior to 31 December 2020. Fees It is free to apply for the permit. However, you will need to attend a biometric appointment in your country of origin. Switching to the EU Settlement Scheme from a Family Permit If you wish to stay in the UK beyond the validity period of your EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, then you will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme: Within 3 months of entering the UK, or Before your EUSS Family Permit expires (whichever is earlier). Making an Application Under the EU Settlement Scheme Eligibility for an Application for EU Settlement Scheme Pre-Settled Status The deadline for most people to apply for pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. You can only apply to the scheme after this deadline if you: Have a good reason for making a late application Are upgrading from pre-settled to settled status Are switching from an EUSS family permit to pre-settled status Are an EU national applying to join a family member in the UK Joining Your EU Family Member in the UK Your family member should usually apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as a family member before they come to the UK. They’ll need to apply using the government’s ‘EU Exit’ app. When they’ve got pre-settled or settled status, they can come or continue to live in the UK. How Long Does Pre-Settled Status Last? If you have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, it will be granted for 5 years. At the end of the 5 years, it will usually extend by another 5 years. This extension will be granted automatically, to those who haven’t yet applied for settled status, ensuring no one loses their rights due to a missed application. Settled Status Under Appendix EU, if an EU national or eligible family member has lived in the UK for 5 continuous years, they are eligible to apply for EU settled status. Demonstrating 5 Years of Continuous Residence In order to demonstrate 5 years of continuous residence, you will need to show that you have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for at least 6 months in every 12 months during a consecutive 5-year period. Under the Immigration Rules, the following absences will not be considered to break the continuous qualifying period: A single period of up to 12 months for an important reason such as childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, or an overseas work posting A period of compulsory military service of any length Time spent abroad as a Crown servant, or as the family member of a Crown servant Time spent abroad in the armed forces, or as the family member of someone in the armed forces Switching from Pre-Settled to Settled Status If you hold pre-settled status, you can apply for settled status as soon as you are eligible. This is usually after you have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for 5 years in a row (‘continuous residence’ as explained above). You may not be eligible for settled status if, during the 5 years, you have spent more than 6 months outside the UK in a 12-month period, unless one of the exceptions applies. How immigration lawyers & solicitors at Mulgrave Law can assist you with your EU Settlement Scheme application Our team of experienced lawyers and solicitors specialises in helping EU nationals and their families relocate, work, and study in the UK. With the UK undergoing significant changes in immigration law, Mulgrave Law stays current with these updates and guarantees clear, personalised legal advice regarding the EU Settlement Scheme. Your dedicated lawyer or solicitor will ensure that your EU Settlement Scheme application is supported by the strongest legal arguments and evidence. Our high success rates reflect our deep understanding of the complexities of UK immigration law, thanks to our team of some of the best immigration lawyers in London. Here is what you can expect once you instruct us. Take advantage of our FREE 30-min consultation to find out more. We guarantee a fixed and transparent fee, disclosed before you instruct us, with no hidden admin charges. An experienced lawyer will be dedicated to handling your case from start to finish. We will provide you with a detailed document checklist based on your circumstances. We assess your documents to ensure they meet the Home Office requirements. We prepare detailed representations in support of your application. We liaise with the Home Office after the submission of the application, if required. If the application is refused due to our error, we will refund our processing fee or assist with the resubmission of the application without charging any further fees.
Mehreen Khattak is Director and founder of Mulgrave Law. Accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, Mehreen provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of UK immigration law. Since embarking on her career in 2011, she has amassed extensive expertise, specialising in family and business visa applications.
Mehreen is a trusted advisor to SMEs and multinational corporations, guiding them through the complexities of business expansion and hiring foreign workers to the UK, such as obtaining Sponsor licenses and ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements.
Mehreen speaks English, Urdu, and Pashto, enabling her to effectively communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, she is deeply committed to securing the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Her unwavering dedication to clients is underscored by her professionalism, efficiency, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She firmly believes that the client always comes first, and her track record speaks volumes about her ability to deliver results while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compassion.
Sayed is the Director of Operations at Mulgrave Law, bringing over two decades of experience in people, operations, and client management to his role. With a meticulous understanding of all elements of office processes, from GDPR compliance to marketing strategies, Sayed ensures that the law firm operates with precision. Client satisfaction is paramount to him, and he prioritises it above all else.
While not a lawyer by profession, Sayed possesses a keen interest in immigration law. He regularly attends legal seminars to expand his knowledge and stay abreast of developments in the field.
Alisha Pereira serves as the Director and a qualified solicitor, bringing over a decade of rich experience as an immigration advisor. Specialising in both corporate and private immigration matters, she adeptly handles a wide range of cases including work visas, business visitors, indefinite leave to remain, European applications, legal right to work checks, audits, sponsor license / compliance, spouse visas, and naturalization applications.
With a background that includes working with several city law firms, Alisha has garnered invaluable experience collaborating with SMEs and high net worth individuals. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated proficiency in navigating complex immigration issues, consistently achieving the best outcomes for clients.
We would highly recommend Mulgrave Law. Mehreen was exceptionally helpful and friendly when helping us apply for a sponsor license and visa for an employee. We had a successful outcome and would definitely use them again.
5.0
I have to say, the professionalism and care that Alisha put into my case was by far a great experience. After having spoken to her on my first initial phone call, she reassured me all the way and I just can’t thank her enough. Also, the guidance, kind words, and belief she helped me build in myself. Even though it took a while due to the Covid restrictions, excellent communication and trustworthy lawyer, and a new friend. Kudos to you and going forward in the future. I highly recommend each person and anyone who needs the help and wherever in the UK or Northern Ireland you are, go ahead, lift your phone, ring these wonderful talented lawyers for each of your cases. I can’t thank Alisha at Mulgrave Law enough for getting me my BRP residence permit.
5.0
Mehreen is very professional, helpful, and responsive to my requests and questions. She helped my employer to apply for the sponsor licence and assisted me in applying for the Skilled Worker visa. I am so pleased that both the sponsor licence and my Skilled Worker visa have been sorted out in a timely manner. It was lovely to work with her, and I definitely recommend Mulgrave Law if you ever need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa or sponsor licence.
5.0
Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to Alisha at Mulgrave Law Solicitors. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to join my family in England. You have helped us so much and given us our dream. Your assistance in obtaining my visa means a lot to me. I am very happy that I will be joining my wife and children very soon. Your work is brilliant, and I appreciate everything you did. We will be using you again for future visa applications. You helped our dreams come true. Thank you, Alisha Pereira.
5.0
Myself and my partner highly recommend Mulgrave. We applied for the Fiancé visa, and our solicitor was Alisha. We couldn’t recommend her enough; she was really helpful and did everything that was needed for us. Now, my partner is here with me, and we are now waiting for our baby together, like a real family should be. We are going for the next visa, the spouse one, after we get married. So, anyone who is looking to come to the UK, I would definitely go with Mulgrave. Thank you for all your help and support.
5.0
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Mulgrave Law. Their professionalism, diligence, and efficiency have significantly influenced the positive outcome of my case. I am truly overwhelmed by their dedication and cannot thank them enough for making such a difference. Highly recommended for anyone in need of outstanding legal assistance.
Speak to an expert immigration lawyer at Mulgrave Law on 020 7253 7248. Or complete our simple enquiry form below. We respond to genuine enquiries within 24 hours.
