Moving to the United Kingdom to live with your husband, wife, or partner is a dream for many couples. The UK spouse visa — also known as the UK Partner Visa — allows foreign spouses or partners of British citizens and permanent residents to live, work, and build a life together in the UK.
However, this visa has some of the strictest requirements, especially around finances, relationship proof, and English proficiency. This detailed guide will help you understand exactly what you need, how to qualify, and the steps to apply successfully.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa is part of the Family Visa category that allows a non-UK partner to join or remain with their partner in the United Kingdom. It is issued for 2 years and 9 months initially if you’re applying from outside the UK, or 2 years and 6 months if applying from inside the UK.
After living together in the UK for 5 years under this visa, you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — a key step towards British citizenship.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To qualify, both you and your partner must meet the following basic criteria:
- Age Requirement:
You must both be 18 years old or older at the time of application. - Relationship Status:
Your partner (the sponsor) must be one of the following:- A British citizen
- A person with settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status)
- A refugee or someone under humanitarian protection in the UK
- Genuine Relationship Requirement:
You must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, and that you intend to live permanently together in the UK. - Application Intent:
You must plan to make the UK your permanent home together after the visa is granted.
Relationship Evidence You Must Provide
The UK Home Office looks closely at the authenticity of your relationship. You’ll need to provide strong evidence showing that your marriage or partnership is genuine and not arranged for immigration purposes.
Acceptable Proof Includes:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate recognized in the UK
- Photographs of you and your partner together over time
- Joint tenancy agreements, bank accounts, or bills in both names
- Records of communication (calls, chats, emails, or travel tickets showing visits)
- Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
If you’re engaged, you can also apply as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, provided you plan to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
Financial Requirements (Updated for 2026)
The minimum income requirement is one of the most important — and most challenging — parts of a spouse visa application.
As of April 2024, the Home Office increased the threshold to reflect rising living costs.
Minimum Income Threshold:
- You (or your partner) must earn at least £29,000 per year (gross income).
- The previous lower threshold of £18,600 no longer applies for new applications.
Other Ways to Meet the Requirement:
You can meet the financial requirement through:
- Employment income (from you or your partner)
- Self-employment earnings
- Pension income
- Cash savings of at least £16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall
- Certain benefits or allowances, if your partner receives them, may exempt you from the income rule (for example, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, etc.)
Why It Matters:
This rule ensures that couples can support themselves without claiming public funds while living in the UK.
English Language Requirement
You must prove your ability to speak and understand English. This shows that you can integrate easily into UK life.
You can meet this requirement by:
- Passing an approved English test at level A1 (for first-time applicants) or A2/B1 for visa extensions.
- Holding a university degree taught in English (and verified by Ecctis UK).
- Being from an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.).
Accommodation Requirement
You and your partner must have adequate accommodation in the UK that meets public health and safety standards.
You’ll need to prove that:
- You will live together in a non-overcrowded property.
- You own or rent the accommodation legally.
- The property can comfortably house all dependents included in your application.
Acceptable proof includes tenancy agreements, property ownership documents, or letters from landlords.
Other Important Eligibility Rules
- Previous Marriages:
If either of you has been married before, you must show proof that the previous marriage or civil partnership has legally ended. - No Access to Public Funds:
You cannot claim benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefits while on a spouse visa. - Good Character Requirement:
You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations that could affect your application.
Documents Required for UK Spouse Visa
Here’s a checklist of the key documents you’ll typically need:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of genuine relationship (photos, chats, joint bills, etc.)
- Proof of income or savings
- Proof of English language ability
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required for your country)
- Sponsor’s passport or residence permit copy
- Completed application form and payment receipt
Fees and Processing Times
- Application fee (outside UK): £1,846
- Application fee (inside UK): £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year per adult applicant
- Processing time:
- Outside UK: Around 12 weeks
- Inside UK: Around 8 weeks (priority services may be faster)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa
Follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes or delays.
Step 1: Check if you qualify
Ensure both you and your partner meet the age, relationship, financial, and language requirements before you start.
Step 2: Gather all documents
Collect all necessary documents — financial proofs, relationship evidence, English certificate, accommodation papers, and passports.
Step 3: Apply online
Visit the official UK government site (www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse) and complete the online application form. Make sure all details match your documents exactly.
Step 4: Pay the visa and healthcare fees
You’ll need to pay both the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge before submission.
Step 5: Book your biometric appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Step 6: Submit documents
Upload all your supporting documents online or bring them to your appointment (depending on your country’s application process).
Step 7: Wait for a decision
After submission, your application will be processed. You can track updates online. If successful, you’ll receive your visa vignette (sticker) in your passport.
Step 8: Travel to the UK
Once your visa is granted, you must travel to the UK within 30 days (or within the window given on your vignette).
Step 9: Collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
After arriving, collect your BRP from the designated Post Office within 10 days. Keep it safe — it’s your proof of legal residence in the UK.
Extending or Switching Your Spouse Visa
If you’re already in the UK on a different visa (like a student or work visa), you can switch to a spouse visa as long as you meet the requirements.
You can also extend your spouse visa after 2 years and 6 months to continue living in the UK until you reach 5 years, when you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Not meeting the minimum income or English test level
- Forgetting to update details (like address or marital status)
- Providing inconsistent evidence between forms and documents
- Applying through unauthorized or fake agents
Final Thoughts
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa can be complex, but with proper preparation and the right documentation, you can greatly increase your chances of success. Always ensure you apply through the official UK government website, double-check all requirements, and seek legal advice if your situation is complicated.
Tip for Applicants:
Keep copies of every document and screenshot of your online submission — they’re often requested later during visa extensions.