A UK Spouse Visa enables married partners of UK citizens or settled persons to join their spouse in the UK.
Key takeaways
- UK Spouse Visa is available to partners of British or Irish citizens, individuals with settled status (indefinite leave remain), pre-settled status, a Turkish Worker Visa or humanitarian protection.
- Key Requirements: Genuine relationship, financial support, English proficiency, suitable accommodation.
- Financial Threshold: The sponsor must earn at least £29,000 annually or meet alternate income/savings criteria.
- Visa Length: Initially granted for 33 months, renewable for another 30 months, leading to settlement after 5 years
- Application timeframe: 12 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside the UK
- Application fees: £1,846 (applications from outside the UK), £1,258 (applications from inside the UK), other fees include the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year
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What is the UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa (partner route under Appendix FM) lets the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK live, work and study in the UK. Meet all the rules and you’ll usually be on a 5-year route to settlement (ILR); otherwise there may be a 10-year route based on exceptional circumstances.
UK Spouse Visa Requirements at a glance
To qualify, you will typically need to show:
- Genuine & subsisting relationship and an intention to live together permanently
- Financial requirement (Minimum income requirement) – for first-time partner applicants from 11 April, 2024, the MIR is £29,000 (different rules apply to certain extensions and exemptions)
- English Language – proficiency at A1 CEFR at the first grant (unless exempt), A2 at extension, B1 for ILR
- Suitable accommodation without overcrowding
- In some cases, you may need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- You must meet the suitability requirements. That is, you must not fall for refusal based on your immigration history or criminality
Read our deep-dives:
Document Checklist for UK Spouse Visa
You will need to include support evidence in support of your UK spouse visa application. A typical document list will include:
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (or proof of durable relationship)
- Passports & immigration history
- Financial evidence (salary, self-employment, dividends, savings, etc)
- English language proof (approved SELT or exemption)
- Accommodation evidence (tenancy, property ownwership, permission to live with family)
- Relationship evidence (cohabitation, communication, travel, photos)
Helpful guides:
Get specialist advice for your UK Spouse Visa
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. Call us now on +44(0)2034799979 or email: info@ukvisagateway.com
UK Spouse Visa Application Process & Timeline
Applications are submitted online on the UKVI website.
- You will need to submit supporting documents according to Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules.
- You will need to pay the applicable application fee. Most applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- A biometric appointment must be booked and supporting evidence uploaded.
- Decision – processing times vary depending on where you are applying from inside the UK (8 weeks) or from outside (12 weeks). You can also request expedited priority service.
UK Spouse Visa Fees & Overall Costs
Applicants must pay the application fee and IHS fee where applicable. Additional costs may include priority service fees
- Application fees – applying from inside the UK £1,258, applying from abroad £1,846
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 per adult of leave (reduced rate for children)
What happens if you can’t meet a rule? (10-year route & exceptions)
If you cannnot meet the minimum income rule or English now, there may be options on the 10-year partner route based on family life/exceptional circumstances (e.g. insurmountable obstacles, best interests of a child). Evidence must be strong and specific.
Start here: UK Spouse Visa 10-Year Route (Private/Family Life)
How we can help
Gateway Immigration Services can help you navigate the UK Spouse Visa application process smoothly and efficiently. Our experienced team will ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements, maximizing your chances of success. Let’s bring your dream of a life together in the UK to reality!
- Precision eligibility mapping – we review your situation and flag any gaps early, whether you are relying on self-employment, director income or cash savings
- Document engineering – Appendix-compliant application bundle that tells a clear story
- Quality control – thorough review before submission
- Timeline management – we align application date, English test and financial evidence windows
Get specialist advice for your UK Spouse Visa
Book a confidential consultation with our UK immigration experts today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is a UK spouse visa valid?
It is usually granted for 2.5 years, after which it can be extended.
How do I prove my marriage is valid for the UK Spouse visa process?
What documents are required for a UK spouse visa application?
Passport, proof of relationship, financial documents, English language proficiency proof, and accommodation details, among others.
Can I include my children in my UK spouse visa application?
Yes, dependent children can be included in the application if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Am I able change to a UK spouse visa from a different visa category while still in the UK?
Yes, in some cases, you can make the change to a spouse visa from within the UK, provided all requirements are met.
Do I need to provide biometric information for the UK spouse visa?
Yes, applicants must provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process.
Do I need to take an English test for the UK spouse visa?
Yes, unless you are exempt due to nationality, age, or having a degree taught in English.
Do I need to provide proof of accomodation when applying for a spouse visa?
Yes, you must prove you and your spouse live in a registered and legal address; full details surrounding proof of accomodation for UK spouse visas are here.
Author
Tochi Okoronkwo
Tochi is an OISC certified immigration adviser with expert knowledge of UK Immigration Law and a genuine desire to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
