Spouse Visa UK 2025 – How To Apply

In the event that their partner is a British citizen or a settled individual in the UK, such as an individual with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status, the UK Spouse Visa (also referred to as the UK Partner and Spouse Visa) enables eligible foreign nationals to reside and join their partner in the UK.

The right to reside in the United Kingdom is not routinely granted to individuals who are married to British citizens. In order to lawfully reside in the country with your spouse, you must submit an application for a Spouse Visa. Individuals who are married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term unmarried relationship are eligible to apply for this visa.

Applicants must satisfy particular eligibility requirements (described below) in order to qualify. The visa is initially granted for a period of up to 2 years and 9 months upon approval. You may subsequently apply to extend your stay, and you may ultimately become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which enables you to reside in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. You may also be eligible to petition for British citizenship by marriage after obtaining ILR.

Check Also: UK Family Visa Financial Requirements – New Income Reviewed

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa UK?

If your companion in the United Kingdom satisfies one of the following criteria, you may be eligible to apply for a UK companion or Spouse Visa:

• They are a citizen of the United Kingdom or Ireland, either by birth or naturalization.
• They possess settled status in the United Kingdom, including permanent residence, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or EU Settled Status.
• They possess humanitarian protection or refugee status.
• They possess either a Turkish Worker Visa or a Turkish Businessperson Visa.

You are required to exhibit the following, in addition to your partner’s status:

• you are planning to reside permanently in the United Kingdom together
• You are in a genuine and ongoing relationship, as evidenced by the existence of supporting documentation.

Proposed Changes to the UK Spouse Visa in 2025 Immigration White Paper:

The 2025 Immigration White Paper of the United Kingdom Government does not specify any modifications to the UK Spouse Visa. Nevertheless, it suggests more extensive reforms to the family migration route, which encompasses the Spouse Visa. These proposals are subject to consultation and must be verified through a formal Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules.

The following updates may impact future Spouse Visa applications, as indicated by the current proposals:

• In order to more effectively manage intricate family and private life immigration cases, a new, more transparent legal framework will be implemented.
• The relationship requirements will be enhanced to guarantee that only applicants in genuine and subsisting relationships are eligible for a Spouse Visa.
• In order to ascertain whether an update is required, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will evaluate the financial requirements.
• The excellent character requirement for applicants will be more strictly enforced, and the suitability criteria will be strengthened.

Spouse Visa holders will not be subject to the proposed extension of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This is a critical point. This implies that individuals who are currently on a UK Spouse Visa will continue to be eligible to apply for ILR after five years, provided that all other criteria are satisfied.

Spouse Visa UK Requirements:

In an effort to be granted a UK Partner or Spouse Visa, applicants must satisfy a number of eligibility requirements. These consist of the following: the provision of unambiguous evidence.

• Genuine and Eligible Relationship: It is necessary to demonstrate that you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with a companion who is either a British citizen or has settled in the United Kingdom.
• Income Requirement: The combined total annual income of you and your partner must be a minimum of £29,000.
  • Note: The previous income threshold of £18,600 continues to apply if you submitted an application as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner prior to April 11, 2024.
• Adequate Accommodation: It is necessary to establish that you will have access to appropriate housing in the United Kingdom that adheres to public health and safety regulations and is not overloaded.
• English Language Requirement: For your initial visa application, you must satisfy the English language requirement, which is currently at least CEFR Level A1.

1. Genuine Relationship Requirement:

In order to be eligible for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa, it is necessary to establish that the relationship is both genuine and eligible. This can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• You are legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognized by UK law; or
• You have been cohabitating in a relationship that is comparable to marriage or civil partnership for a minimum of two years; or
• You intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the United Kingdom within six months of your arrival.

The relationship’s authenticity and continuity are prioritized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). They exercise extreme caution regarding “sham” marriages or relationships, in which individuals fraudulently assert that they are in a qualifying relationship solely to secure a visa.

It is advisable to seek the advice of a qualified immigration solicitor if you are unsure whether your relationship satisfies the eligibility criteria. S/he can evaluate your circumstances and provide you with the necessary guidance.

2. Spouse Visa Financial Requirement:

A minimum gross annual income requirement of £29,000 must be met by both the applicant and their UK-based spouse in order to qualify for a UK Spouse Visa. An additional income threshold for dependents is no longer necessary if the applicant has children, as was previously the case.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will only evaluate the following sources of income:

• Income from employment or self-employment
• Pensions received by the applicant and/or their companion
• The UK-based partner’s maternity allowances or bereavement benefits
• Additional specified income and/or reserves held by either the applicant or their partner

The spouse visa financial requirements can be satisfied solely through cash reserves, provided that you have a minimum of £88,500 available (an increase from the previous requirement of £62,500). For a more comprehensive explanation, please refer to our Spouse Visa financial requirement page and How to meet Spouse Visa requirements if you or your partner is self-employed.

If a sponsor is receiving income from any of the following sources, they are exempt from meeting the financial requirement:

• Living allowance for individuals with disabilities
• Allowance for severe disability
• Guaranteed Income Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme War Disablement Pension, Constant Attendance Allowance, or Mobility Supplement under the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial injury disablement benefit Police injury pension
• Attendance compensation
• Allowance for caregivers

This implies that benefactors will not be required to demonstrate that they earn £29,000 or more. However, it is crucial to observe that the applicant will still be required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK and that they have suitable housing (without relying on public funds) in the event that their companion qualifies for exemption in accordance with the aforementioned. Please consult with one of our immigration solicitors for additional guidance.

3. English Language Requirement

If you are applying for a companion and spouse visa, you must demonstrate that you possess a sufficient understanding of the English language. There are three ways to accomplish this:

• Passing an English language test: You will satisfy the English language requirements by successfully completing an English language examination from an approved testing center in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This must be at least level A1 in both writing and speaking. In order to demonstrate that you have made continued progress during your time in the UK, you must be able to pass at least a CEFR level A2 if you would like to extend your stay.
• Academic qualifications: If you possess a degree or other academic qualification that was conducted in English, you will also satisfy the English language requirements.
• Exemption: If you are exempt, you will not be required to satisfy the English language requirements, including if:
  • You are over the age of 65.
  • You are unable to fulfill the requirement due to a physical or mental condition.
  • You are a national of any of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States

4. Accommodation Requirement:

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have adequate housing in the United Kingdom, which includes:

• Is owned or occupied exclusively by the applicant or the sponsor and their family members (in certain circumstances, it is permissible to remain with family or friends and to rent accommodation with the landlord’s consent).
• Has an adequate amount of living space
• Accommodates any public health standards

UK Spouse Visa Required Documents Checklist:

When applying for a UK spouse visa, you must submit a variety of supporting documents. Typically, these consist of:

Personal and Identity Documents:

• Payment of the application fee and completion of the visa application form
• A passport that is currently valid
• Any previous passports (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-sized color photographs that satisfy the UKVI’s requirements

Relationship Evidence:

• You should provide evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your companion, such as joint bills, photographs, travel history, chat logs, or letters.

Language Requirement:

• Evidence that you satisfy the English language requirement, such as an academic qualification taught in English or an approved CEFR A1 level test certificate.

Financial Requirement:

• You must provide evidence that you meet the financial criteria, such as bank statements, payslips, employment letters, or savings account statements.

Additional Documentation:

• Information regarding any prior applications for immigration to the United Kingdom (if applicable)
• Specifics regarding any criminal convictions (if applicable)
• National Insurance number (if issued)
• Provide proof of adequate housing in the United Kingdom, such as a tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if you are from a country where TB testing is mandatory
• Biometric data (digital photographs and fingerprints to be submitted at a visa center)

Important Note:

It is imperative to submit all documents in the appropriate format and with certified translations if they are not in English or Welsh to prevent delays or a potential refusal.

Given the complexity of the UK spouse visa requirements, we strongly advise you to seek professional legal advice. A qualified immigration solicitor can assist you in avoiding common hazards and ensuring that your application complies with all UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) standards.

For personalized guidance and support regarding your UK spouse visa application, please reach out to our team of experts at 0203 868 1508.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa UK?

For a UK partner and spouse visa, the application procedure is conducted online through the Home Office website. The application process is as follows:

• Verify your eligibility for a partner and spouse visa.
• Please gather the required documentation to demonstrate your eligibility.
• Complete the online application form.
• Pay the application fee (refer to the information below)
• Please upload any necessary documents to substantiate your application.
• Schedule a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph captured.
• If invited, participate in an interview.

UK Spouse Visa Cost in 2025:

Note: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid in advance for the entire duration of the visa.

Spouse Visa Extension:

You have the option to apply for an extension of your UK spouse or partner visa for an additional 2 years and 6 months after the initial grant of 2 years and 9 months. In order to qualify for the extension, you must:

• Continue to maintain a genuine and enduring relationship with your partner, who is based in the United Kingdom.
• Satisfy the financial, accommodation, and English language prerequisites.
• To prevent overstaying, submit your application prior to the expiration of your current visa.

This extension ensures that you remain on the five-year path to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Spouse visa to ILR:

You may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after residing in the UK for five years on a partner or spouse visa. ILR enables you to remain in the United Kingdom indefinitely without being subject to immigration control.

To qualify for ILR, you must:

• As a companion, I have resided in the United Kingdom for five consecutive years on a family visa.
• Since your most recent visa renewal, you have resided with your partner.
• Maintain an authentic and continual relationship with your partner.
• After submitting an application for ILR, you intend to maintain your relationship.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test and satisfy the English language requirement.
• Furnish evidence of appropriate accommodations.
• Maintain compliance with the minimum financial threshold.

If you are eligible, you will be able to petition for British citizenship and be exempt from visa restrictions once you have been granted ILR.

UK Spouse Visa Refused:

There are numerous reasons why an application for a UK spouse or companion visa may be denied, such as the following:

• Public Interest Concerns: If the Secretary of State determines that the applicant’s exclusion from the UK is in the public interest.
• Deportation Order: If the applicant is under a deportation order at the time of the application.
• Character, Conduct, or Associations: If the applicant’s exclusion is deemed beneficial to the public by virtue of their conduct, character, or associations.
• Noncompliance with Requirements: If the aspirant has neglected to:
  • Participate in an interview that is mandatory.
  • Furnish the specified documentation or information.
  • Conduct a mandatory medical examination, or
  • Please report to the appropriate authorities promptly upon receiving instructions.
  • The applicant’s intentionality or knowledge of any misrepresentation is irrelevant.
• Medical Grounds: When it is deemed unfavorable to grant entry clearance for medical reasons.
• Unpaid Fees: If the applicant has neglected to pay the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or other required fees.
• Insufficient Evidence: When there is insufficient evidence to establish that the UK provides suitable accommodation and competent maintenance.

It is strongly advised that you consult with one of our seasoned immigration solicitors if your partner or spouse’s visa application has been denied. They can provide guidance on the most effective measures to take in order to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions: