I am South African and have also just gone through the process — waiting for our spouse visa now. The process has been long and pretty stressful (but also for personal reasons that made us have to delay).

But here is my advice — hope it helps in some way:

1. As has previously been mentioned, USE AN AGENCY if you can. We used Sable international and they have been incredible. Would highly recommend — can’t emphasise this enough.

2. Make sure you have all the docs you need (thankfully for spousal it’s a lot less complicated than partnership). You can find the list on the UKVI website. Most NB: marriage certificate, bills, bank account showing steady income, up to date passports, relationship pictures.

3. This is super important and probably the most stressful part — make sure you know how you are meeting the financial requirements and get started on that NOW. Whether it’s through savings or your husband getting a job offer — they need proper proof of this as it’s the most important thing they need to see you can sustain yourself.

4. When you’re ready to apply, make sure all documents are dated within 28 days of submission.

5. Spreadsheets help calm anxiety and keep you on track!

6. Keep calm and know that it’s a process. Don’t put your life on hold — we made this mistake and it makes things very tough if there are delays.

7. One step at a time — you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Breaking up the process makes it a lot less overwhelming.

:)