If you are married to a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK and want to join them or continue living with them here, you will need to apply for a spouse visa. The official name for this route is the “Family visa: partner” under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
The spouse visa application process can feel overwhelming, especially if you are navigating it for the first time. This guide breaks down the eligibility requirements, the documents you need, the costs involved, and the timeline you can expect.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK spouse visa, you and your partner must meet several requirements. These are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, and every requirement must be met at the date of application.
Relationship Requirement
You must be in a genuine and subsisting marriage or civil partnership with your sponsor. The Home Office will assess whether your relationship is real, and you will need to provide evidence that you are in a committed partnership. This includes your marriage certificate, photographs together, evidence of communication, and any other documentation that demonstrates the genuineness of your relationship.
Financial Requirement
Your sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income requirement. As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold was raised to £29,000 per year, with further increases planned. This can be met through employment income, self-employment income, cash savings above £16,000 (calculated using a specific formula), or a combination of income and savings. You should check the current threshold at the time of your application, as this figure is subject to change.
English Language Requirement
The applicant (not the sponsor) must demonstrate English language ability at a minimum of CEFR level A1 for the initial application. This can be proven by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), holding a degree that was taught or researched in English (from a recognised institution), or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. Some applicants are exempt, including those aged 65 or over and those with certain physical or mental conditions.
Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK that is not overcrowded and that you own or occupy exclusively. This is typically demonstrated through a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from the homeowner if you are staying with family or friends, along with details of the property.
Documents You Will Need
Preparing the right documents is one of the most important parts of a spouse visa application. Missing or insufficient evidence is one of the most common reasons for refusals. You will typically need to provide the following:
Valid passports for both you and your sponsor. Your marriage or civil partnership certificate. Financial evidence for the past six months, including payslips, bank statements, an employer letter, and P60s or tax returns as applicable. Evidence of your English language ability. Proof of accommodation. Evidence of your genuine relationship, such as photographs, communication records, travel evidence, and statements from family or friends. If you have children, their birth certificates and any custody documents.
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If any documents are from overseas, check whether they need to be legalised or apostilled.
The Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
You apply online through the GOV.UK website. The form will ask detailed questions about your personal circumstances, relationship, finances, and immigration history. Take your time and answer accurately — inconsistencies between your form and your supporting evidence can raise concerns.
Step 2: Pay the Fees
You will need to pay the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the online application. The spouse visa is initially granted for 33 months, so the IHS will be calculated accordingly.
Step 3: Provide Your Biometrics
If applying from outside the UK, you will book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your country to provide your fingerprints and a photograph. If applying from within the UK, you will use the UKVCAS service to provide biometrics at an approved centre.
Step 4: Submit Your Supporting Documents
You will upload your supporting documents through the online portal. Make sure everything is clearly labelled, legible, and organised. A well-presented application with a clear cover letter can make a significant difference to how efficiently your case is processed.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and the current workload of the Home Office. Entry clearance applications from outside the UK typically take around 12 weeks for a standard service decision, though priority services are available for an additional fee. In-country applications can take around 8 weeks on the standard service.
Costs Involved
The total cost of a spouse visa application includes the Home Office application fee (approximately £1,846 for entry clearance or £1,048 for in-country extension), the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), and your solicitor’s professional fees if you choose to use one. You should also budget for the English language test, any document translations, and travel to a biometrics appointment.
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusals
The most frequent reasons for spouse visa refusals include failing to meet the financial requirement, providing insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents, and failing the English language requirement. Working with an experienced immigration solicitor can help you avoid these pitfalls by ensuring your application is thoroughly prepared before submission.
The Route to Settlement
The spouse visa is the first step on a five-year route to settlement in the UK. You will be granted leave for an initial period of 33 months, after which you will need to apply for a further 30 months of leave. After five years on this route, provided you continue to meet the requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship if you wish.
How Farani Taylor Solicitors Can Help
At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we have extensive experience in spouse and partner visa applications. We guide our clients through every stage of the process, from the initial eligibility assessment to the preparation and submission of a comprehensive application. Our aim is to take the stress out of the process and give you the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UK spouse visa last?
The initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months. You then apply for a further 30 months of leave. After five years in total, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Can my spouse work in the UK on a spouse visa?
Yes. A spouse visa allows you to work in the UK without restriction, including self-employment. You can also study and access public services.
What if my income is below the minimum threshold?
If your sponsor’s income is below the threshold, you may be able to rely on savings, a combination of income and savings, or income from your own employment if you are already in the UK with permission to work. An immigration solicitor can advise you on the options available in your specific circumstances.
This article is authored by Sajjad Hussain, Solicitor in our Immigration Department. Reach him at 02072427306.