Question: I applied for a settlement visa three weeks ago in Nigeria. I married my wife a year ago in the UK on an (overstayed) visit visa. When I got back to Nigeria to do my spouse visa application, we found out she was pregnant with our first child. It would be devastating to be refused or delayed to go and support my wife through the pregnancy and birth period! I stated on the application that I would like to travel to the UK by the end of the month, does this assist in getting a response quicker?

Answer: Generally applications for settlement may be concluded within up to 1- 4 months. In our experience, the British High Commission in Lagos takes on average between 1-2 months. Applications may sometimes be delayed where immigration officers feel it necessary to make further enquires. It is always helpful to indicate a reasonable date for your return to the UK, although this does not mean that your application will automatically be processed by the date you have requested.

If there has been a change of circumstances such as your wife’s pregnancy, you may wish to update the Entry Clearance Officers with a letter and documentary of your wife’s pregnancy and ask that this information is considered with the rest of your application.
 

By Greenfields Solicitors,
www.greenfieldssolicitors.com
 

Disclaimer: The above article ismeant to be relied upon as an informative article and in no way constitutes legal advice. Information is offered for general information purposes only, based on the current law when the information was published in this newspaper.

You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry. For legal advice regarding your case, please contact Greenfields Solicitors for a Consultation with a Solicitor on 020 8884 1166.

If you have permanent settlement status in the UK, such as British citizenship or Indefinite leave to remain, and you are engaged to or would like to marry someone from abroad in the UK rather than in their home country, and settle permanently here after the wedding, you may sponsor your partner’s application for what is known as a Fiancé(e) Visa.

In order to qualify for leave to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled in the UK or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, you will need to meet the following requirements:

According to the United Kingdom Immigration Rules, in order to qualify for leave to enter the UK with a view to settlement (settlement visa) as the spouse/civil partner of a person present and settled in the UK or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, you will need to meet the following requirements: