Switching to a UK Spouse Visa from Another Visa Category

Who Can Switch to a Spouse Visa?

You can switch to a spouse visa (FLR(M)) from the following categories, provided your current leave is valid at the time of application:

Skilled Worker and other Points-Based System work visas
Student visa (Tier 4 or Student route)
Graduate visa
Intra-Company Transfer visa
Most other leave to remain categories that are not specifically excluded

The key condition is that your current leave is valid and has not expired. You must also meet all the substantive requirements of the spouse visa route — the same financial requirement, relationship evidence, and accommodation standards.

Switching from a Graduate Visa

The graduate visa is a common pre-switching category for international students who marry their partner during or after their studies. The graduate visa cannot be extended, so if you do not switch before it expires, you must either leave the UK or become an overstayer. The graduate visa is typically granted for two years (three years for doctoral graduates). The applicant's graduate visa income — if they are currently working — can count towards meeting the £29,000 financial requirement for a switching application, provided that employment will continue after the visa is granted.

Switching from a Student Visa

Switching from a student visa to a spouse visa is permitted while the student visa remains valid. A student visa typically includes a short wrap-up period after the course end date — the switching application should be submitted before the visa expires. If the applicant is relying on their own UK employment income to contribute to the financial requirement, that income must have been earned within the permitted hours under the student visa conditions.

Switching from a Skilled Worker Visa

Switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a spouse visa is straightforward in terms of eligibility. Note that a Skilled Worker visa is sponsored by an employer — switching to a spouse visa removes the sponsorship requirement, which gives the holder greater flexibility including the right to change employer or work in a sector that might not otherwise be available under the work route.

Who Cannot Switch?

You cannot switch to a spouse visa from inside the UK if you:

Are in the UK as a visitor (including on a Standard Visitor visa)
Entered the UK on a short-term student visa
Have leave as a transit visitor
Are currently an overstayer
Entered the UK illegally

If you fall into one of these categories, you must generally leave the UK and apply for entry clearance from your home country.

Overstayers and Unlawful Entry

Overstaying by more than 28 days triggers an automatic ban on re-entering the UK after you leave: one year for overstays between 29 days and six months, two years for overstays of six months to a year, and ten years for overstays above that.

An overstayer generally cannot switch visa categories inside the UK. Overstaying by fewer than 28 days may be disregarded in certain circumstances, particularly if the person applied for an extension before their visa expired and the application was rejected. The 28-day grace is not automatic. If you are, or believe you may be, an overstayer, seek specialist advice before taking any steps.

Timing Your Application

Submit the switching application before your current visa expires. Once the application is submitted and acknowledged, your current leave is extended by law (Section 3C leave) until a decision is made — meaning you remain in the UK lawfully throughout the processing period. Submitting two to three months before expiry is sensible and common.

Financial Requirement for Switching Applications

For in-country switching applications, the applicant's own UK employment income can count towards the £29,000 threshold. This is a significant difference from entry clearance applications, where only the sponsor's income counts.

Combined income example: The sponsor earns £18,000. The applicant is working in the UK and earns £14,000. Together they earn £32,000, which exceeds £29,000. For a switching application, this combined income qualifies. The applicant's income must come from employment they will continue to hold after the switch.

Documents Needed for a Switching Application

Marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English)
Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, employer letter)
Relationship evidence (photographs, communication records, cohabitation evidence)
Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement or mortgage statement)
English language evidence (test certificate or exemption)
Your current valid passport showing your existing UK leave
Evidence of your current immigration status (BRP number or eVisa share code)
For combined income cases: your own payslips and employer letter alongside the sponsor's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a graduate visa to a spouse visa?

Yes, provided your graduate visa is still valid when you apply and you meet all spouse visa requirements.

What if my visa expires before I apply?

You become an overstayer. This has serious consequences including re-entry bans when you leave. Submit before expiry.

Can I switch if I have overstayed?

Generally no, unless the overstay is under 28 days and meets specific conditions. Seek advice before acting.

How much does it cost?

The FLR(M) application fee is £1,407. The Immigration Health Surcharge adds approximately £2,588 for a 30-month visa.