How To Apply for a Spouse Dependent Visa in the UK

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Reuniting with your partner or family in the UK is a big step, and understanding the visa process properly is essential.

Whether you’re the spouse or partner of someone residing in the UK or you’re seeking to become a dependent under a work visa holder, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, gather the correct evidence and follow the application steps precisely.

This guide walks you through everything you need: who qualifies, what the rules are, how to apply step-by-step, common pitfalls and tips to improve your success rate.

What is a Spouse Dependent Visa for the UK?

A spouse/dependent visa allows a partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner) or dependant children of someone legally residing in the UK to join or stay with them. It falls under the family/partners category or the dependant category of work/skill-based visas.

The specific rules depend on the main visa holder’s status (for example, a Skilled Worker visa, a settled person, or a partner of a British citizen).

For example, if someone holds a Skilled Worker visa, their partner or child may apply as a “dependent” to join them.
If someone is a British citizen or has settled status, their partner can apply under the “partner/spouse” family route.

Who Can Apply: Eligible Relationships and Dependants

Eligible relationships for a partner/spouse dependent visa

To apply as a partner or spouse (under the family route), you must meet these:

  • Both you and your partner must be 18 years or older.

  • Your partner must be one of:

    • A British or Irish citizen; or

    • Someone with settled status in the UK (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain); or

    • From the EU/EEA/Switzerland with pre-settled status (if the residence began before 1 January 2021)

  • Your relationship must be recognised: you are married or in a civil partnership, or you have lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship akin to marriage.

  • If you are applying as a fiancé/fiancée or proposed civil partner, you must plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival.

Eligible dependants under a work-visa route

If your partner holds a visa such as the Skilled Worker visa, then you may be able to apply as a dependent spouse or civil partner. Key points:

  • You must be in a marriage or civil partnership recognised in the UK; or if unmarried partner, you must have lived together at least 2 years, unless cultural/other reasons prevent cohabitation.

  • Children under 18 qualify; children over 18 may qualify only if already in the UK as a dependant from before.

  • Be aware: new rules from 22 July 2025 mean many lower-skilled visa holders may not be allowed dependants.

Key Requirements You Must Meet

Relationship and accommodation

  • Prove your relationship is genuine and continuing: marriage/civil partnership certificate, shared address and expenses, joint bank statements, photos together, travel and communication evidence.

  • If you have not lived together due to work/study/cultural reasons you must show ongoing commitment: regular communication, financial support, time spent together.

  • Provide proof of accommodation in the UK (or how you’ll live together).

Financial requirement

  • For partner/spouse visa under family route a minimum income threshold applies. For example, from April 2024 the threshold is £29,000 for UK-based sponsors.

  • Under the dependant route for a work visa, there is usually a simpler maintenance requirement: e.g., the dependent partner must have £285 available to support themselves, and £315 for their first child (+ £200 for each additional child) unless the employer covers it.

  • Check for additional rules depending on the main visa holder’s role, occupation code and date of Certificate of Sponsorship. For instance, from 22 July 2025 only Skilled Worker visa holders in RQF Level 6+ roles can bring dependants.

English language requirement

  • For partner visa under family route: the applicant must have a certain level of English (e.g., CEFR A1) or qualification taught in English or exempt because they are from an English-speaking country.

  • For dependants of work visa holders, the English requirement may not apply if they are simply being added as a dependant. Always check current rules.

Good character and previous relationships

  • Provide evidence that any previous marriage or civil partnership has been legally ended (if applicable).

  • You must not have immigration breaches or serious criminal history that could lead to refusal.

How Long the Visa Lasts & Settlement Pathway

  • For a partner/spouse visa under the family route: initial stay is 2 years 9 months (if outside UK) or 2 years 6 months (if switching/inside UK).

  • After that, you typically extend for a further 2 years until you’ve reached 5 years, at which point you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if all conditions are met.

  • For dependants under the work visa route: your leave usually runs until the same date as the main visa-holder’s permit.

  • Be cautious: rule changes (such as from July 2025) may affect whether new dependants are allowed for certain roles.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Spouse / Dependent Visa

Here’s a detailed walkthrough you and your partner should follow to apply successfully.

Step 1: Confirm which route applies

Decide whether you will apply under the family partner/spouse route (for partner of British citizen/settled resident) or as a dependant of a worker/skill-visa holder. The eligibility criteria differ.

Step 2: Gather the required evidence

  • Relationship proof: marriage certificate/civil partnership certificate OR proof of cohabitation (2+ years), joint bank statements, photos, travel records.

  • Sponsor’s status: British/settled resident OR valid work visa details.

  • Financial evidence: For family route, sponsor’s income or savings; for dependant route, maintenance funds as required.

  • English language certificate (if needed).

  • Accommodation evidence in the UK.

  • Previous marriage/civil partnership end certificate (if applicable).

  • Identity documents (passports, travel documents).

Step 3: Apply online and pay fees

Go to the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and complete the correct application form for your route (e.g., “Partner / Spouse” or “Dependent of Skilled Worker”).
Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if applicable.

Step 4: Book biometric appointment

If applying from outside the UK, you’ll need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide fingerprints and photo. If applying inside the UK, you will upload biometrics via the provided system or attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment.

Step 5: Submit your documents

Upload or submit all collected evidence as per the checklist presented online. Make sure you meet the “genuine relationship” proof, financial proof, accommodation proof and any other route-specific requirement.

Step 6: Wait for decision & travel (if applicable)

  • If you applied from outside the UK, wait for the decision. Standard processing times: around 12 weeks for family route.

  • Once approved, you’ll receive a vignette (entry clearance sticker) and instructions on travel.

  • After arriving in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days (if required).

Step 7: After you’re in the UK

  • Comply with your visa conditions (work, study, travel rules).

  • Keep records and updates (address, job changes) as the main sponsor changes status.

  • Keep track of your eligibility for extension or settlement (ILR) once you reach 5 years.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Inadequate proof of genuine relationship (missing cohabitation evidence, irregular communication logs).

  • Failing to meet the financial requirement: be sure to check whether you meet the correct threshold depending on your route.

  • Applying through the wrong route (e.g., using “dependent of student” when you’re partner of settled resident).

  • Forgetting to attend biometric appointment.

  • Rule-changes: for example, new restrictions from 22 July 2025 for dependants of certain workers. Make sure you check the latest rules.

  • Relying on incomplete or unofficial information. Always use official sources or regulated immigration advisers.

  • Missing the settlement pathway timeline: if your stay counts toward ILR, you need continuous lawful residence and must abide by conditions.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a spouse or dependent visa for the UK is a significant undertaking but absolutely manageable with careful preparation. The key is to understand which route applies to your situation, gather strong evidence, meet the financial and relationship requirements, and submit a complete application. The immigration landscape evolves, so always check the latest guidance before submitting.

If both you and your partner approach it together — check eligibility, prepare early and follow the steps — you give your application the best chance for success.

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