A Complete Guide to Applying for a UK Spouse Visa

The UK Spouse Visa is a key immigration route that allows non-UK nationals to live in the United Kingdom with their British or settled partner. If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or someone who holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), this visa can help you begin a new life together in the UK. However, the application process is detailed and requires careful preparation. This guide provides a complete overview of the eligibility requirements, documentation, fees, and process involved in applying for a UK Spouse Visa.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Spouse Visa

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must be legally married to a British citizen or someone who has ILR or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, and you must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

If you're applying as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, you must marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. For Spouse Visa applications, evidence of your existing marriage or civil partnership is essential.

Financial Requirements

One of the most crucial aspects of the UK Spouse Visa application is meeting the financial requirement. The sponsoring partner must have an annual income of at least £18,600. If children are involved, the income threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

Income can come from various sources, such as salaried employment, self-employment, cash savings over £16,000, pensions, or a combination. It's important to provide proper documentation like payslips, tax returns, or bank statements to prove that you meet the threshold.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must prove their knowledge of the English language. This can be done by passing an approved English test at CEFR level A1 or above, holding a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

The English language requirement is stricter for visa extensions. When applying for an extension, you must meet at least CEFR level A2. Proof of this requirement must be submitted with your application.

Documents You’ll Need

You’ll be required to submit a comprehensive set of documents as part of your application. These typically include:

Valid passports for both partners

Marriage or civil partnership certificate

Proof of genuine relationship (such as photos, chat history, or joint travel records)

Financial documents (like payslips and bank statements)

English language certificate

Proof of suitable accommodation in the UK

Ensure all documents not in English or Welsh are professionally translated before submission.

How to Apply for the UK Spouse Visa

The application process for the UK Spouse Visa starts online at the official UK government website. After filling out the form, you’ll need to:

Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Book a biometric appointment

Upload all required documents

Attend an interview or appointment if required

It’s important to double-check every section of the application before submitting it to avoid processing delays or rejection.

Visa Fees and Associated Costs

As of 2025, the visa fees are as follows:

Outside the UK: £1,846

Inside the UK (extension/switching): £1,048

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Optional services like priority or super priority processing may cost extra. Keep in mind that visa fees and IHS charges are subject to periodic updates, so always check the latest information before applying.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times for UK Spouse Visa applications can vary based on where you apply from:

Applications from outside the UK typically take 2 to 3 months

Applications from within the UK (such as visa extensions) usually take about 8 weeks

Some applicants may be eligible for faster processing through priority services, though these are not available in all countries.

Duration and Extension of the Visa

Once granted, the UK Spouse Visa is valid for 2 years and 9 months if applied from outside the UK, or 2.5 years if applied from within the country. Before your visa expires, you can apply for a visa extension for another 2.5 years.

After living in the UK continuously for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is an important step toward permanent residency and eventually British citizenship.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Many UK Spouse Visa applications are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Common reasons include:

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Failing to meet the financial or English language requirements

Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship

Previous immigration breaches or visa refusals

To minimize the risk of refusal, consider seeking advice from a regulated immigration advisor or solicitor, especially for complex cases.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa requires time, effort, and thorough documentation. To improve your chances of success:

Start preparing early, especially for financial and language requirements

Organize your documents clearly and logically

Be honest and consistent in your application

Use official government resources to stay updated on policy changes

Consider professional legal advice for added reassurance

Conclusion

The UK Spouse Visa is an essential route for couples who want to live together in the UK. While the application process can be challenging, it is entirely manageable with the right preparation and information. Whether you're just starting your application or getting ready for your visa extension or ILR, following official guidance and submitting strong documentation will put you on the path to success.

If you have any doubts, it's always best to seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes. Good luck with your UK Spouse Visa journey!