Can you get all of the below? If you can, I would seriously consider applying for FLR(M). It would save the risk of immigration and saves waiting until April (for savings) to apply and
then waiting for your decision. If you applied for FLR(M) this week you could have your 'spouse' visa (FLR(M)) accepted on the day and your Biometric Residency Card in your hand in the next couple of weeks.
(this checklist taken from a recent post applying for FLR(M) but is roughly what you need providing the financial requirement is met by salaried employment)
APPLICATION
-Applicant Passport, Student Visa, and previous passport.
-Sponsor Passport.
-Applicant photo X2, name on back.
-Sponsor Photo X1, name on back.
-Completed application FLR(m) 12/2016 version.
-Fee payment confirmation print.
-Appointment confirmation print.
-IHS fee payment confirmation email.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT
- Last 6 payslips
- Last 6 posted original bank statements.
- Letter from employer stating position, type of employment, start date and current salary (and how long this salary has been held)
ACCOMODATION
-Original tenancy agreement
CORRESPONDENCE LAST 2 YEARS (either shared or an item each) between
-Jan 2015 - April 2015
-May 2015 - Aug 2015
-Sept 2015 - Dec 2015
-Jan 2016 - April 2016
-May 2016 - Aug 2016
-Sept 2016 - Dec 2016
(these are things like bills etc)
RELATIONSHIP
-Original marriage certificate
See if you can achieve it and are considering it and we'll go into
exactly what you need