I've read that a spouse visa for uk is around £1900 for my thai wife and can take between 14-18 months, if they visa is unsuccessful do I lose the £1900 and have to pay again when applying next time. Is this information correct and does it take that amount of time any help and information would be appreciated. Also is it better using agents solicitors or doing yourself.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The cost of a UK spouse visa is around £1900, and it can take 14-18 months to process. If the application is unsuccessful, the fees are typically non-refundable, meaning you must pay again to reapply. Additionally, there is an NHS surcharge of around £1035 per year. Some users report variations in processing times based on documentation readiness, with some receiving decisions in just weeks. It is debated whether to use solicitors or handle the application independently, with some stating the application can be straightforward if all requirements are met.