The UK Spouse Visa enables non-UK citizens to join their partner in the United Kingdom. As a long-term visa category, it plays a critical role in family reunification under UK immigration law. In this comprehensive guide, we explore eligibility requirements, documentation standards, the application process, and common mistakes applicants make — all to help you ensure a successful application.
UK Spouse Visa Overview
The UK Spouse Visa is a part of the Family visa route that allows individuals to live with their British partner in the UK for up to 2 years and 9 months. After renewal, applicants may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
A successful Spouse Visa application depends on a combination of eligibility criteria, sufficient evidence, and an error-free process.
Source: UK Government – Family Visas
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To be eligible, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK (with ILR or refugee status).
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Fiancé(e)s and proposed civil partners should apply under a different category: the Fiancé Visa.
Table of Contents
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement
Minimum Income Threshold
One of the most stringent parts of the application is meeting the financial requirement. As of 2024:
- The sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 per year.
- For dependants, the threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
Check the latest Home Office financial threshold updates
Sources of Income
Acceptable sources of income include:
- Employment (of the sponsor)
- Self-employment
- Pension income
- Non-employment income (e.g., property rental)
- Savings (must be over £88,500 if relying solely on savings)
English Language Requirement
Applicants must prove they can speak and understand English. This can be met by:
- Passing an approved A1 level speaking and listening test from an approved provider (e.g., IELTS for UKVI).
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada).
- Holding an academic degree taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC.
Approved Secure English Language Test providers
Accommodation Requirement
Applicants must show they have suitable accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds. This includes:
- A property that complies with UK overcrowding standards.
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement.
- Supporting documents such as tenancy agreements, council tax bills, or a property inspection report.
Relationship Requirement
To meet the relationship requirement, couples must provide:
- Valid marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Evidence of living together and shared responsibilities.
- Proof of ongoing contact and cohabitation, such as:
- Joint bank statements
- Utility bills
- Photos spanning years
- Travel history and tickets
- Chat or call logs (especially for long-distance relationships)
The Home Office looks closely at the genuineness of the relationship, especially in international marriages.
Required Documents for Spouse Visa
An applicant must submit the following documents:
- Valid passport and old passports (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, joint bills)
- Financial evidence (employment letters, payslips, bank statements)
- English language test result
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applying from a listed country)
- Accommodation documents
- Cover letter outlining the couple’s circumstances
It’s advisable to include an indexed list and label each document clearly.
Spouse Visa Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather Documents – Ensure all paperwork meets Home Office requirements.
- Submit Application Online – Apply through the official UK visa portal.
- Book Biometrics Appointment – Schedule a visa center appointment in your country.
- Attend Appointment – Provide fingerprints, photographs, and submit documents.
- Wait for Decision – The decision is usually made within 12 weeks unless you choose priority processing.
UK Spouse Visa Fees and Processing Times
Current Fees (As of June 2025)
- Application Fee (outside UK): £1,846
- Application Fee (inside UK for extension or switch): £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
Processing Time
- Standard: Up to 12 weeks
- Priority Service: 5–10 working days (additional £573)
- Super Priority: 1 working day (additional £1,000, where available)
Use the UKVI Visa Decision Waiting Time Tool
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Rejection
The following are the top reasons applications get refused:
- Failure to meet the financial threshold
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Weak evidence of relationship
- Incorrect visa category selection
- Language test failure or invalid test centre
- Missing translations for non-English documents
- Overstaying or immigration history concerns
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Double-Check All Financial Documents: Ensure your payslips, bank statements, and employment letter match perfectly in dates and figures.
- Submit Original Documents (or Certified Copies): This reduces the chance of suspicion over forgeries.
- Use Clear Annotations and Labels: A well-organised bundle helps caseworkers navigate your evidence easily.
- Don’t Underestimate Relationship Evidence: More is better, especially if you’ve lived apart.
- Prepare a Cohesive Cover Letter: Explain how all requirements are met, including a timeline of your relationship.
Spouse Visa Extension and ILR Pathway
After 2 years and 9 months, Spouse Visa holders can apply for an extension for another 2.5 years. To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, you must:
- Still meet all original requirements.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Demonstrate continued knowledge of English (B1 level or above).
After holding ILR for 12 months, applicants may apply for British citizenship.
See our guide to ILR Requirements and Application Process
Useful Resources and Tools
- UKBloom Spouse Visa Eligibility Checker
- Childcare and Schooling Cost Calculator
- UKBloom Income Tax Calculator
- Gov.uk Family Visa Overview
- Life in the UK Test Practice
Internal Links for Related Articles
- UK Visa Financial Requirements Guide
- Difference Between Spouse Visa and Fiancé Visa
- Top Mistakes to Avoid in UK Visa Applications
- UK Bloom Resource Hub
- How to Write a Supporting Letter for a UK Spouse Visa
Conclusion
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa is a complex but manageable process if approached with the right information, detailed documentation, and preparation. By ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application, you significantly improve your chances of success and a smooth transition to life in the UK with your partner.
