Planning to join your partner in the UK? Whether you’re newly married or have been together for years, the UK Spouse Visa is your path to building a life together on British soil. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the requirements — and trust us, there’s a bit to it!
In this post, we’ll break it all down in a simple, no-stress way.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa allows you to live with your husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term partner in the United Kingdom if they are a British citizen or have settled status (like Indefinite Leave to remain or permanent residence).
You can live, work, and even study in the UK — and after some time, you may be able to apply for permanent residency.
Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?
You can apply if:
- Your partner is a British citizen, has settled status, or holds refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK
- You’re legally married, in a civil partnership, or have been living together for at least 2 years
- You’re both over 18 years old
Key Requirements You Must Meet
- Genuine Relationship Requirement
You must prove your relationship is real and ongoing. This means showing you’re not just marrying for visa purposes.
You may need to provide:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Photos together
- Chat history or call logs
- Joint bills, tenancy agreements, or travel tickets
- Letters from family and friends confirming your relationship
Tip: Be honest and detailed. The UK Home Office is thorough in checking for genuine relationships.
- Financial Requirement
You and/or your partner must meet a minimum income threshold to show you can support yourselves without government help.
- £18,600 per year (for a partner only)
- Add £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each additional child
You can meet this through:
- Salary income
- Self-employment
- Pensions
- Certain benefits
- Cash savings (at least £62,500 if using savings alone)
- Accommodation Requirement
You must have a place to live in the UK that’s adequate and not overcrowded. This could be rented, owned, or a family member’s home — but you’ll need to provide proof like a tenancy agreement, utility bills, or a property inspection report.
- English Language Requirement
You must be able to speak and understand English. To prove this, you’ll need to either:
- Pass an approved English test (A1 level or higher)
- Have a degree taught in English
- Be from a majority English-speaking country (like the USA, Canada, Australia)
- Valid Documents
Your application should include:
- Passport and travel documents
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
- Evidence of income or savings
- Proof of accommodation
- English language certificate
- TB test results (if required from your country)
How Long Does the Visa Last?
If you apply from outside the UK, your spouse visa is usually granted for 2 years and 9 months. If you’re applying from inside the UK (switching visas), it’s 2 years and 6 months.
You can extend the visa and, after 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
How Much Does It Cost?
Application fee:
- £1,846 (if applying from outside the UK)
- £1,048 (if applying from inside the UK)
Healthcare surcharge:
- Around £1,035 per year — paid upfront for 2.5 years
Optional: Extra fees for priority processing, English tests, translations, and biometric appointments.
Getting a UK Spouse Visa isn’t impossible, but it does require planning, patience, and paperwork. The key is to be prepared, organized, and honest. Once approved, you can finally be with your loved one and start your life together in the UK — legally and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does a UK Spouse Visa take to process?
It usually takes about 2 to 3 months to get a decision, but processing times can vary depending on where you apply from and whether you use priority services.
- Can I work in the UK on a Spouse Visa?
Yes! Once your Spouse Visa is approved, you can work full-time, part-time, or even be self-employed — no restrictions.
- Is there an interview for the UK Spouse Visa?
Not always, but in some cases, you may be called for an interview — especially if the Home Office needs more proof that your relationship is genuine.
- What happens if we don’t meet the financial requirement?
If you don’t meet the income requirement through salary, you might still qualify by combining income with savings or using certain government benefits your sponsor receives. If not, your application may be refused.
- Do I need a lawyer to apply for a Spouse Visa?
No, it’s not required — but many applicants choose to hire an immigration lawyer to help with complex cases or to avoid mistakes that could cause delays.
- Can I apply for a Spouse Visa while inside the UK?
Yes, if you’re already in the UK on a valid visa (like a student or work visa), you can switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK.
- Can I include my children in the same application?
No, each child must apply as a dependent in a separate application, but you can submit them together at the same time.
- What if my English level is very basic?
You’ll need to pass an A1 English test from an approved provider. If you fail, you can retake the test before applying again.
- Can I extend my Spouse Visa?
Yes, you can apply for an extension after 2.5 years, and once you’ve spent 5 years on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible for permanent residency (ILR).
- What if my application is refused?
You’ll usually have the right to appeal the decision or reapply. If this happens, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice before taking the next step.
