In today’s featured story, we sit down with Mr. Mohamad Amin Nejat — a distinguished University of Birmingham graduate, OISC-accredited immigration lawyer, and registered expert with the UK Immigration Advice Authority. As the founder of Nejat Immigration Ltd, a Birmingham-based immigration law firm, Mr. Nejat brings a wealth of experience in helping families navigate the intricate UK immigration system.
Our focus is on the UK Spouse and Partner Visas, which allow individuals to join their spouse or partner who is a British or Irish citizen, a refugee, or a person with settled or pre-settled status in the UK. In this interview, Mr. Nejat addresses key questions, dispels common myths, and offers his expert legal perspective.
Interview with Mr. Mohamad Amin Nejat, OISC-Certified Immigration Lawyer
Q1: Mr. Nejat, could you explain what a UK Spouse Visa is and who qualifies for it?
Mr. Nejat:
Certainly! The UK Spouse Visa (also referred to as a Partner Visa) is intended for those married to or in a civil partnership with a person who is:
A British or Irish citizen
Settled or pre-settled in the UK
A holder of refugee status or humanitarian protection
A Turkish Businessperson or Worker under specific visa routes
Unmarried partners may also apply if they’ve lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
A genuine and subsisting relationship
Meeting the financial requirement (currently £29,000/year or £88,500+ in savings — with exceptions)
Adequate accommodation in the UK
Passing a Secure English language test and TB test (unless exempt)
Q2: The income threshold was recently raised to £29,000. How can applicants meet this requirement?
Mr. Nejat:
Yes, from April 2024, the minimum gross annual income required is £29,000 — and it may increase in the future. Applicants can satisfy this requirement through:
Salaried employment of the UK-based partner
Self-employment or business income
Savings over £16,000 (calculated with a specific formula)
Pensions or investment income
A combination of income and savings
For example, if our International Education Consultant earns £28,000 annually, she would need savings equal to 2.5 times the shortfall between £28,000 and £29,000, plus £16,000 — approximately £18,500 in savings.
Q3: What are the most common reasons for Spouse Visa refusals?
Mr. Nejat:
Refusals often occur due to:
Insufficient financial evidence (e.g., missing payslips or bank statements)
Lack of proof of genuine relationship (few photos or messages)
Incorrect application forms or missing documents
Not meeting the English language requirement
Tip: Provide strong, well-organized documentation, including marriage certificates, shared bills, and travel evidence.
Q4: Can someone switch to a Spouse Visa from another UK visa, such as a Student or Work Visa?
Mr. Nejat:
Yes. Individuals already in the UK on visas like the Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Innovator Founder Visa can switch to a Spouse Visa without leaving the UK, provided they meet all criteria.
However, you cannot switch if you entered on a Visitor Visa.
Q5: What is the application timeline and cost for a Spouse Visa?
Mr. Nejat:
Processing Time:
Outside UK: Up to 12 weeks (or 30 working days with £500 priority service)
Inside UK: Around 8 weeks (or 2 working days with £1,000 super-priority service)
Costs (2025 Estimates):
Application fee: £1,846 (outside UK) / £1,048 (inside UK)
IHS fee: £1,035/year (about £3,105 for 2.5 years)
Total estimated cost: £5,000–£6,000
Q6: What happens after 5 years on a Spouse Visa? Can someone apply for British citizenship?
Mr. Nejat:
After two successful renewals (totaling 5 years), applicants may qualify for:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
British Citizenship – One year after ILR, if all residency and language criteria are met.
Q7: Any final tips for Spouse Visa applicants?
Mr. Nejat:
Start early — gather documents several months in advance
Get expert help if your case is complex (e.g., self-employment, refusals)
Be honest — even minor discrepancies can result in rejection
Q8: What must unmarried partners prove to qualify for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
Mr. Nejat:
You must prove at least 2 years of continuous cohabitation. Solid evidence includes:
Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements
Utility or council tax bills in both names
Shared financial documents (bank, credit cards)
Official mail (NHS, DVLA, etc.) sent to the same address
Photos and travel history help, but official cohabitation documents carry more weight.
Q9: Can unmarried partners qualify if they’ve lived apart temporarily?
Mr. Nejat:
Yes — provided the separation was temporary and the relationship continued. Examples:
Up to 3 months apart, with clear evidence of ongoing communication and visits
Longer gaps due to valid reasons (e.g., military service or medical issues)
We usually explain such circumstances in a cover letter, supported by travel tickets, messages, or joint commitments.
Q10: What if the visa is refused?
Mr. Nejat:
We understand how devastating a visa refusal can be. At Nejat Immigration Ltd, we offer a No Win, No Fee service for eligible married applicants. If refused:
You’ll receive your IHS refund from the government
We refund our professional fee
You have two main options:
Reapply
Cost: £1,846 (outside UK) / £1,048 (inside UK)
Timeline: 8–12 weeks
Ideal for weak evidence cases (e.g., only photos or messages)
Appeal
Cost: £140 (with hearing)
Timeline: Several months
Best for complex cases or errors in decision-making
Q11: One of our readers asks: “I’m a British citizen earning over £100,000. I met a woman on Instagram, and we’ve developed strong feelings. Can I sponsor her as a partner or fiancée?”
Mr. Nejat:
Unfortunately, no. The Home Office is strict on preventing sham relationships. Even with high income, you must prove:
A genuine relationship (at least 2 years cohabiting or legal marriage)
Clear intent to live permanently in the UK
Meeting online isn’t enough. We always advise: Build a strong, well-documented relationship before applying.
Conclusion
We sincerely thank Mr. Mohamad Amin Nejat for his valuable insights. While the UK Spouse Visa process may seem complex, with the right preparation, evidence, and expert legal support, many couples successfully reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Please note: that all the fees connected with your application, including but not limited to, visa costs, IHS surcharges, and other mandatory government imposed charges, are subject to change in case they are revised by the UK government or relevant authorities.
Company Name: Nejat Immigration Ltd
Email: info@nejat.uk City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.nejat.uk/en
