international
Both also need to show proof of income , which includes your gross annual income amounting to at least £ 18,600 ( R376,375 ). For each dependant child also applying , this increases by £ 3,800 ( R76,893 ) for your first child , and £ 2,400 ( R48,564 ) for each child after your first .
One of the main differences is that , when applying for a spouse visa , you must prove that there is adequate accommodation set up for when you arrive in the UK . This must meet the UK living standards and you must be able to show this .
The pros and cons
One of the main benefits of the fiancé visa is that it offers a smooth transition to the spouse visa , as you do not need to leave the UK to apply .
Under the spouse visa , you can stay in the UK for 30 months before you need to apply for an extension . You can also work and study in the UK , with all time spent in the country counting towards minimum residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain ( ILR ) and British citizenship .
After you have lived in the UK for five years , you can apply for ILR status , which is a form of permanent residency and , if granted , you can therefore remain in the UK without restrictions . Once you have resided in the UK for one year under ILR , you will be eligible to apply for full British citizenship .
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Lauren Whitehead