From Standard Visitor To Lawful Resident: Spouse Visa Success Story
28.10.2025
Our client first arrived in the United Kingdom on a Standard Visitor visa to complete a short course of study. After successfully finishing his studies, he returned to his home country. Some time later, he came back to the UK as a Temporary Worker.
While he was residing in the UK, war broke out in his home country, Ukraine, making it impossible for him to return safely. The client sought to regularise his status through the Ukraine Scheme, but having applied without professional assistance, he received no updates or outcome from the Home Office. Eventually, he was granted leave to remain under the private life route.
Despite a complex immigration history, the client has now successfully obtained leave to remain as a partner (spouse visa), thanks to the work of Tetiana Deren and Daria Kotkova.
A spouse visa allows a non-UK national married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person to live and work in the UK. The initial grant of leave is usually for 2 years and 9 months, followed by an extension for 30 months, after which the applicant may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, subsequently, British citizenship.
This visa forms part of the family migration route, enabling individuals to live with or join family members in the UK. The sponsor must meet the required financial threshold, demonstrate adequate accommodation, and hold valid immigration status. Applicants must also meet the English language requirement and provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship. Complex immigration histories, including periods of overstaying or previous refusals, must be addressed carefully to ensure a positive outcome.
If you believe you may be eligible under the family route, or have developed private life ties to the UK that could support an immigration application, contact Sterling Law today. Our team will assess your circumstances and help you identify the most suitable route to remain lawfully in the UK.
