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UK Spouse Visa
A visa for the husband or wife of a British or settled citizen
A UK Spouse Visa allows the husband or wife of a British or settled citizen in the UK to join your loved one in the UK.
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Eligibility
To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age – both parties must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Relationship – applicants must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or EU Pre-Settled/Settle Status in the UK.
- Legal marriage – the marriage or relationship must be genuine, legally recognised, and ongoing.
- Financial requirement – The UK sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 annually, or provide evidence of sufficient savings.
- English language – applicants must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved test or having an academic qualification taught in English.
- Ongoing marriage – applicants must provide proof of intention to live together permanently in the UK.
- Suitability – applicants should not have any criminal convictions or previous immigration violations.
Meeting these criteria and providing strong supporting evidence is essential to successfully obtaining the visa.
Financial requirement
The financial requirement for a UK partner or Spouse Visa can be met through income, cash savings, or a combination of both. The required level of financial resources depends on the date of your application.
If you submitted your initial application before 11th April 2024 and are applying for extension the requirements apply:
| Number of Applicants | Financial Requirements |
|---|---|
| Partner with no children | £18,600 |
| 1 additional child | £22,400 |
| 2 additional children | £24,800 |
| 3 additional children | £27,200 |
| Each additional child | Plus £2,400 |
If you submitted your initial application after 11th April 2024 then you will be subject to the increased financial requirement.
As of April 11, 2024, applicants seeking a UK Partner Visa for the first time need to demonstrate a minimum annual income of £29,000. This income threshold applies regardless of any dependent children included in the application.
English language requirement
Applicants must show they can speak and understand English proficiently. To fulfill the English language requirement, applicants may satisfy the criteria through one of the following methods listed here.
Costs
The UK Spouse Visa costs £1,538 for overseas applications and £1,048 for domestic ones. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which costs £624 per year. Priority services and super-priority services incur extra charges. Fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the latest rates before applying.
Processing time
Processing times for UK Spouse Visa applications vary. For standard applications submitted outside the UK, the process usually takes up to 12 weeks. Applications made from within the UK generally take 8 weeks. Priority services can reduce processing time to 5-10 working days, while super-priority services may provide a decision within 24 hours. Factors such as document accuracy and case complexity can impact timelines.
Conditions of stay
A successful UK spouse or partner visa offers a strong start to your life together in the UK. You will receive an initial stay of 30-33 months, contingent on your application location. Your family will also benefit from access to free public schools and the NHS healthcare system. Plus, any dependents on your visa can work or study freely in the UK.
How we can help
Visa Positive offers complete, ready-to-ship UK Spouse Visa applications designed for approval. As immigration lawyers who are experts in UK family visas we can assess your eligibility for this route and support you with all aspects of the application process. Simply get started with our always available questionnaire.
Our guarantee
We stand behind our work. In the unlikely event your application is refused, we’ll provide a full refund of your fees.
FAQ’s
This depends on your relationship status. A Spouse Visa is for those already married or in a civil partnership and a fiancé(e) visa allows you to get married/enter a civil partnership in the UK.
Meanwhile, a civil partner visa functions similarly to a Spouse Visa but for existing civil partnerships.
The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a partner has significantly increased.
Effective April 11, 2024, it is now £29,000 and there are even further increases planned for later in 2024 and early 2025.
Yes, you can extend your Spouse Visa in the UK if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. To apply for an extension, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, meet the financial requirement, and provide evidence of adequate accommodation and English language proficiency. Ensure you apply before your current visa expires to maintain your legal status in the UK.
You can appeal or submit a new application. Rejection reasons are usually provided, so address them in follow-up actions. If appealing, you may need to present additional evidence or clarify points. Alternatively, submit a new application with new supporting documents. Seek professional advice to strengthen your case.
You will receive a 2.5-year visa valid for living, working, and studying in the UK. Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) outlines visa conditions, which you must follow to maintain legal status. Before visa expiration, apply for an extension or begin ILR application after five years of continuous UK residence. Enjoy your new life with your partner.