Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in the UK with their British or settled spouse; such a visa is called a UK spouse visa. Normally issued for an initial period of 30 months, it is extendable. After five years within the UK, the holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to settle permanently in the UK. Therefore, it is important for holders of a UK spouse copyright at least know their basic rights, since this will guarantee compliance and a smoother stay in the country.

1. Right to Work

Whether the work is full-time, part-time or freelance, spouses holding visa status have permission to work in the UK. This includes working in any sector; they are not limited to certain types of jobs. It is, however, important to note that a visa holder should not breach any conditions set forth in a visa - it should be made conditional upon a bona fide, continuing partnership with their spouse in the UK.

In cases of change of circumstances, such as separation or divorce, the spouse visa holder should inform the UK Home Office, as this might affect their right to stay or work in the UK.

2. Right to Access Public Services

An accompanying spouse visa holder residing in the UK will be entitled to access public services, such as health services for the NHS as well as education. Any legally residing foreign national is by law entitled to register with a General Practitioner (GP) and receive medical treatment through the NHS. They may, however, be required to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of their copyright as payment for the NHS while they stay in the UK.

With respect to education, children of spouse visa holders living in the UK may attend schools. Such a visa holder can also enrol in educational programs if fulfilling the necessary requirements.

3. Right to Travel

A spouse visa holder may freely travel to and outside the UK; they must, however, observe provisions of the visa. Leaving the UK for a long time puts one's visa status at risk, as well as application for future extension or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A person absent from the UK may not prove that they were in a genuinely established relationship and is thus susceptible to a refusal of their visa on re-entry.

Before starting their travel outside of UK for a longer period during the visa tenure, a spouse visa holder should consult an immigration attorney.

4. Right to Extend Visa

A person who holds a spouse visa applies for an extension before its expiry. Generally, the extension is for another 30 months, and after five years of continuous residence, one can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The married couple has to be in a genuine marriage or civil partnership so that the applicant would qualify for extension or ILR.

5. Right to Work and Study

They can study in the United Kingdom as a spouse visa holder. It is unnecessary to apply for a different student copyright college or university. They are allowed to modify their educational programs if they meet the stipulations of their visa.

6. Right to Apply for Citizenship

Eligibility criteria for petitioning British Citizenship, after living in the UK for five continuous years under a spouse visa include: not having spent more than 180 days outside the UK within five years, being able to take the Life in the UK Test, and having a good character.

Conclusion

Bringing along one's wife or husband to the UK partner visa is important for different rights within the country, such as the right to work, the right to healthcare, and the right to housing with a British or settled partner. Spouse visa holders may also extend the validity of their visa and apply for settlement or citizenship on an indefinite basis. However, the important thing for holders of such visas is that they strictly maintain the terms of their visit and inform the Home Office immediately if there are any considerable changes concerning their circumstances to avoid complications with their visa status.