Spouse Visa

Overview

The UK spouse visa route, also known as the UK partner visa, is a pathway that enables spouses, civil partners and eligible unmarried partners of British or Irish citizens or individuals with qualifying immigration status in the UK to join their loved ones and build a life together in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

• Relationship Requirements:

1. The applicant must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British or Irish citizen, or a person with qualifying immigration status in the UK, such as settled status or indefinite leave to remain.
2. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, and the couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
3. If not married or in a civil partnership, the applicant must generally have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. The couple does not necessarily have to have lived together for the entire two-year period if there are valid reasons why they cannot live together.

• Financial Requirements:

1. The applicant and their partner usually need to demonstrate a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000.
2. The financial requirement can generally be met through permitted sources of income, including employment, self-employment, pension income, certain non-employment income and qualifying cash savings. Savings can be used instead of, or in combination with, income subject to the applicable rules.
3. There is no additional £3,800 requirement for the first child or £2,400 for each subsequent child for applications subject to the current £29,000 threshold. Those additional amounts generally apply under transitional rules to applicants who first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner.

• Accommodation Requirements:

1. The couple must have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependants without relying on prohibited public funds.

• English Language Requirement:

1. The applicant must generally demonstrate knowledge of English by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least at CEFR level A1 for the first partner visa application, unless exempt.
2. When extending the visa after 2.5 years, an applicant who previously passed A1 will generally need to demonstrate English at CEFR level A2 in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies.

• Genuine Relationship:

1. The couple must provide evidence that their relationship is genuine and continuing, such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate, evidence of living together, joint financial responsibilities, correspondence and other relevant documentation. The evidence should reflect the couple’s individual circumstances.

Application Process

• Online Application:

1. The application is submitted online via the UK government’s official visa and immigration service. Applications from outside the UK must normally be made from outside the UK, while eligible applicants in the UK can apply online to extend or switch to the family visa route.

• Supporting Documents:

1. Proof of relationship, such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate and relevant evidence of the relationship.
2. Financial evidence, such as payslips, bank statements and employment letters, depending on the source of income being relied upon.
3. Proof of accommodation, where applicable.
4. Evidence of meeting the English language requirement, unless exempt.

• Biometrics Appointment:

1. The applicant needs to prove their identity and provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as required.

• Decision:

The processing time can vary. Applications made from outside the UK usually receive a decision within 12 weeks. Applications made from inside the UK that meet the financial and English language requirements usually receive a decision within 8 weeks. Applications made inside the UK that do not meet those requirements can currently take around 12 months. Faster services may be available in some circumstances.

After Approval

1. The initial partner visa is generally granted for up to 2 years and 9 months
2. The applicant can then apply to extend their visa for a further 2 years and 6 months.
3. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on the family visa as a partner, the applicant may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided all relevant settlement requirements are met. Time spent in the UK on other visas, or as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, generally does not count towards this 5-year period.
4. After obtaining ILR, the applicant may eventually be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting the applicable residence, English language, Life in the UK Test and other requirements.

Key Considerations

1. Maintenance of Status: The applicant must continue to meet the relevant relationship, financial and other visa requirements when extending their stay and applying for settlement.
2. Financial Exceptions: Different financial rules may apply where the UK-based partner receives certain specified disability or carer’s benefits. In such cases, the applicant may need to satisfy an adequate maintenance requirement instead of the £29,000 minimum income requirement.
3. Legal Advice: It is often advisable to seek legal advice or assistance from immigration specialists to ensure all requirements are met and the application is correctly completed.

This visa route is an important pathway for those seeking to build a family life in the UK with their British, Irish or otherwise qualifying partners.

Written on: 24 August 2026