Post:
Hi all, looking for advice on a UK spouse visa (applying from India) after a complicated history.
Background
I’m Indian, husband is British
Graduate visa expired: 15 May 2024
Applied for Unmarried Partner visa (in UK): April 2024
Refused: Sept 2024
Appeal submitted: 4 Oct 2024 (via solicitor)
Home Office withdrew refusal: 1 Dec 2025 (said visa would be granted subject to checks)
Due to long delays, I’ve now left the UK (so assuming application is withdrawn)
Relationship
Engaged: 8 Feb
Legally married (UK): 26 July 2025
Hindu wedding (India): 19 Feb 2026
Current plan
Apply for a new spouse visa from India
Questions
1.Do it ourselves or solicitor?
Given the previous refusal + appeal, is it safe to apply ourselves or better to use a solicitor?
2.Documents needed?
Standard spouse visa docs + anything extra due to my history?
3.Processing time / priority
I need to be back in the UK before July 2026
Is priority recommended right now?
What are current timelines?
4.Previous refusal / appeal
Do I need to submit all previous documents (refusal letter, appeal, withdrawal letter)?
Will this affect my new application?
5.IHS refund
I paid IHS for the previous application:
How do I request a refund?
Will it be automatic or do I need to apply?
Does it depend on the application being withdrawn?
Would really appreciate any recent experiences or advice especially from anyone who reapplied after a withdrawal/refusal.
Thanks in advance 🙏