What is a Spouse Visa?
A Spouse Visa, also known as a UK Partner Visa, allows the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person to reside in the UK for up to 30 months.
This visa falls under the Family visa category and provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British Citizenship. To qualify, applicants must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, UK settled person, or UK refugee.
To apply for a UK Spouse Visa and enter the UK, you must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, UK settled person or UK refugee. The main eligibility criteria include providing proof that you are in a genuine relationship and that you meet specific financial conditions.
If you hold a Spouse Visa in the UK, you have the right to work just like any British citizen. However, you are not eligible for most benefits, including public funds, housing allowance, or tax credits.
Contact our immigration lawyers for expert advice on your UK Partner Visa application. We can guide you through the process of entering the UK and obtaining leave to remain with your partner if they are a UK citizen.
Please note that this visa differs from the UK Marriage Visitor Visa, which only permits you to travel to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership, regardless of your partner’s nationality.
Who can apply for a Spouse Visa?
You can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if you are:
- Legally married or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person.
- Both partners are at least 18 years old.
- In a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Able to meet the financial requirements.
- Intending to live together in the UK permanently.
- You are engaged, or you hold a Fiance Visa UK and will get married within 6 months of being in the UK
At Salam Immigration, we offer a wide range of services, including marriage and family visas, permanent residency and British citizenship applications, work permits and employment immigration services, deportation appeals, bail and detention matters, and refugee and humanitarian protection enquiries.
Get in touch with our expert spouse visa solicitors for guidance regarding UK Spouse Visa.
What are the requirements for a Spouse Visa?
Before you submit your application for a UK Spouse Visa, you need to:
- Genuine Relationship Test
- Be legally married or in a civil partnership.
- Both partners must be over 18 years old.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of English language
- Intend to live together in the UK permanently.
- Get Your biomatric taken to get leave to remain
- Meet the financial requirements (minimum income of £29,000).
- Have proof of suitable accommodation in the UK.
- To stay in the UK, you may also be required to take a medical test to confirm you do not have Tuberculosis (TB), depending on your country of residence.
What is the ‘Genuine Relationship Test’?
The UK Spouse Visa applicant needs to prove they are in a genuine relationship, such as a civil partnership, with their British citizen partner. You will need to prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting by providing evidence that:
- You have lived together for at least 2 years.
- You have children together.
- You share financial responsibilities.
How Do I Satisfy the Genuine Relationship Requirement?
There are many different types of evidence you can send to the Home Office, such as:
- Photos of you together.
- Travel itineraries showing trips taken together.
- Joint bank account statements
- Correspondence addressed to both of you.
- Proof of shared financial responsibilities.
- Birth certificates of children together.
- Evidence of living together (e.g., rental agreements).
- Personal statements detailing your relationship history.
If you do not have any evidence that meets these criteria, there is other evidence you may be able to provide, in some circumstances, instead, including:
- Letters from friends and family supporting your relationship.
- Social media interactions.
- Communication records (e.g., emails, messages).
If You Do Not Live Together
If you cannot live together because of work, study, or cultural reasons, you’ll need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other. You can do this by providing evidence that you:
- Regularly communicate with each other.
- Visit each other whenever possible.
- Make plans for your future together.
- Share significant events in each other's lives.
Before you submit your application for a UK Spouse Visa, you need to:
- Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
- Meet all eligibility and financial requirements.
- Provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Get in touch with our Immigration Lawyers to understand the requirements of UK Spouse Visa requirements.
Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa
To apply for a Spouse Visa, the UK national (sponsor) must meet specific financial criteria.
First of all, You need to prove that you and your husband/wife/partner meet the financial requirement and have enough money to support yourselves without claiming public funds.
- The sponsor must have an annual income of at least £29,000 before tax.
What if I don’t meet the financial requirement?
If you don’t meet the financial requirement, seek advice from our specialist immigration lawyers. Exceptional circumstances may apply, so it’s essential to understand your options.
Different Sources of Income can be included to meet spouse visa financial Criteria?
To meet the minimum income requirement for your UK Spouse Visa application, you can use:
- Cash Savings - £16,000 + (income requirement x 2.5 years).
- Self-employment income or employment income
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Verified investment dividends
Using Savings
Savings between £16,000 and £88,500 can contribute towards meeting the financial criteria for the Spouse Visa. If your savings are less than £16,000, they won’t help meet the requirements. Savings over £16,000 reduce the amount needed from other sources.
- Savings over £16,000 can reduce financial requirements.
- Savings of £88,500 or more will mean you have enough to meet the financial requirements with savings alone, meaning you do not need to prove a certain salary or other means of meeting the financial requirements
If your partner is applying from outside the UK, their savings can contribute but not their earnings. However, if they work in the UK, their earnings can count towards the total amount.
You can also use a combination of savings and earnings to help you meet the minimum income threshold. However, you must prove you have enough financial support for the entire length of the permit.
Can I use Income from Benefits?
In some cases, you won’t need to meet the mandatory eligibility criteria if you are claiming any of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
However, you will need to prove you have enough money to support your dependents. This is called ‘adequate maintenance,’ and the exact amount you need will depend on your individual circumstances.
Typically, you need at least £120 per week after housing costs. If you have children, this amount will increase.
Our Spouse Visa lawyers can help you Get a Spouse Visa. Get in touch with us now.
Spouse Visa Required Documents Checklist
Having all the correct documents to support your UK Spouse Visa application will help ensure its success and prevent delays. These are the documents you will need to send to the Home Office to get the right to remain in the UK:
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of Genuine Relationship
- A Valid passport to get leave to remain in UK
- Original Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate
- A Valid Certificate English language
- Proof of living together (At least for past two years)
- Any previous immigration documents
- Proof that you meet the income threshold & the financial requirement
- Proof that you are married to a British citizen or settled person (for example, UK citizens can submit a copy of their passport)
Please note that any documents that are not in English need to be accompanied by a translated version from a professional translator. All evidence must be in the exact format required by the Home Office.
What is the Spouse Visa English Language Test?
Applicants who wish to live in the UK need to prove that they can speak English.
If you must sit an English test in speaking and listening to get the right to remain in the UK with your UK spouse, your qualification will be valid only if your English exam is taken through an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Provider.
At present, SELT tests for immigration purposes can only be taken through Trinity College London or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Consortium.
English Language Test Exemptions
You do not need an English Language test if you:
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Are under 18 or over 65
- Have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement
- Hold a degree or any educational establishment that was taught or researched in English. Your qualification will only be valid if confirmed by UK NARIC.
If you want to settle in the UK with your partner, our team is happy to assist you in the process.
What are UK Spouse Visa accommodation requirements?
You will need to present proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards as part of your UK spouse visa application.
Your UK national partner, who acts as your sponsor, will need to show that they can provide adequate accommodation for themselves, the applicant, and any dependents who intend to live in the UK.
The Home Office requires you to provide evidence that your living situation is suitable for everyone involved and complies with the housing standards set by UK law. Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete will help prevent delays in your application process.
For proof of accommodation, the Home Office will ask you to provide:
- Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents
- Evidence of living arrangements
- Proof of sufficient living space
Qualifying for Accommodation Requirements
To qualify for the Spouse Visa UK accommodation requirements, your property needs enough rooms to accommodate the couple and any dependents. Each person needs an individual room, however:
- Two children aged under 10 can share one room
- Babies under one year can live in the same room as the couple
- The property must meet health and safety standards
- The accommodation must not be overcrowded
- You must provide a letter from the landlord (if renting)
- Evidence of adequate living conditions
This means that two children aged under 10 years can share one room, and babies under one year old can live in the same room as the couple.
Ensure your UK Spouse Visa application meets all accommodation requirements.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa
Ensure you start your Spouse visa application ahead of your planned move to the UK, and do not book your flight or travel before you get a visa approval from the Home Office. The UK Spouse visa application process can start online by completing Appendix FM and other forms from outside the UK. However, you may need to visit a visa application centre to give your biometrics as part of the process. Note that there are several forms and documents involved, and they must be filled correctly with sufficient evidence to increase your chances of obtaining a UK Spouse or Partner visa.
If you are applying from within the UK, the process is different as you will need to show proof that you are in the country on an eligible visa to switch to the UK spouse visa. You can only apply from inside the UK if your current visa is eligible. When reviewing your Spouse visa UK application, if the Home Office has any doubts about your application, you may be invited to come for a Spouse visa interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions to determine the genuineness of your relationship and intent in the UK.
The Spouse visa application process can be lengthy and difficult to go through alone. We can help. Contact us now on 0161 839 7396 or make an enquiry online to speak with one of our immigration lawyers about your application for a Spouse Visa UK.
Spouse Visa Fees
The Home Office fee for a Spouse visa is £1,846 for any application submitted from outside the UK. If you are submitting your spouse visa application from within the UK, the cost is reduced to £1,258. This charge will increase if you are applying with dependents and will increase for each dependent–see the table below.
There are additional costs related to your UK Spouse Visa application that you should consider as you prepare for the application. This includes:
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- English language test fee
- Document translation fees
- Legal representation fees
| Visa/Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK Spouse Visa fee for an application made from outside the UK | £1,846 |
| UK Spouse Visa fee for an application made from within the UK | £1,258 |
| Visa application fee for each child dependent (from outside the UK) | £1,846 |
| Visa application fee for each child dependent (from within the UK) | £1,258 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge for the foreign partner (per year) | £1,035 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge for the child (per year) | £776 |
| Super Priority Service (applications made in the UK) | £1,000 |
Fees for translation and English language test for a spouse visa application are subject to the provider.
The NHS fee for the spouse visa (immigration health surcharge) is per year. So, if your visa application is for two years and six months, you will pay the fee per year multiplied by 2.5.
Get expert assistance for your UK Spouse Visa application with Salam Immigration today.
Application Process for Spouse Visa
It usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks for a UK Spouse Visa case to be processed. The Partner Visa processing time can vary depending on the documents provided and the country from which the application is submitted.
Accepted Spouse Visa Application
When your application is accepted for a Spouse visa UK, you will be given leave to remain, which allows you to enter the UK within a 30-day period. Upon arrival in the UK, you will have a 10-day period in which to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If you fail to enter the UK within this time frame, you can submit an application for another 30-day entry permit, but you will be charged an additional fee.
Rejected Spouse Visa Application
If your case is rejected, you can appeal against the Home Office’s verdict. This is a long-winded and challenging process that is best assisted by an immigration adviser. Our experts can assist with all aspects of your case. If you need help with your Spouse Visa appeal application, please get in touch. We have offices located across the UK, including in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You can also use our office finder to locate the closest branch to you.
Spouse Visa rejected? Our lawyers can guide you on the next steps.
Spouse Visa Appeal Process
If you wish to submit a Spouse Visa appeal, you should act quickly and follow these steps:
- Submit your appeal to the Immigration Asylum Chamber within 28 days of receipt of the refusal decision if overseas, or 14 days if your application was made inside the UK.
- Ensure that your grounds for appeal are legitimate and are likely to be accepted.
- Prepare your case to submit the strongest possible application to the Immigration Tribunal.
- Gather the supporting documents to demonstrate why your application should be accepted.
- Attend your hearing at the Tribunal (if relevant).
Spouse Visa Appeal Timeframe
Unfortunately, the appeal process for a Spouse Visa UK can be quite lengthy. Some applicants may have to wait up to 12 months or longer for a decision on their appeal against a Spouse Visa refusal.
Reasons for Refusal
Some reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Incomplete documentation
- Lack of proof of a genuine relationship
- Failing to meet accommodation requirements
The best way to avoid having to go through the Spouse Visa appeal process is by ensuring that your initial application is as accurate as possible.
Renewing or Extending a Spouse Visa
You can renew and extend your UK Spouse Visa for another 2.5 years, as long as your current leave to remain hasn’t expired.
Extension Requirements
In order to qualify for a Spouse visa extension, you must:
- Continue to meet the financial requirement
- Prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting
- Provide proof of accommodation
- Pass an English test (if required)
- Provide current biometric information
There are a few other requirements for a UK spouse visa extension. Kindly reach out to us today on 0161 839 7396 for advice or support with a spouse visa extension application. After you have lived in the UK for a total of 5 years on your Marriage visa, you can apply for settled status (ILR). Get in touch with our lawyers if you need to apply for a UK Spouse Visa renewal.
How Can Salam Immigration Help?
Spouse Visa applications can be complex, and using the services of an immigration expert is highly recommended. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements, complete the relevant forms, and collate your evidence for submission. This will need to be extensive and prove that your relationship is genuine.
At Salam Immigration, we understand the importance of being close to loved ones, and we make it our priority to maximize your chances of doing this.
Our team of specialist immigration advisers and spouse visa solicitors can guide you through each step of your application process for a Partner Visa in the UK. Our services include:
- Detailed consultation
- Document preparation and review
- Submission of applications
- Representation at tribunals
- Appeals and reconsideration
Salam Immigration has an excellent track record of successful cases, and our spouse visa solicitors are highly experienced in this field. To apply for a UK Spouse visa, contact Salam Immigration online or on 0161 839 7396 today for professional, no-obligation advice or assistance.
We offer immigration advice in-person at our UK offices or via phone.
Additional Resources
- Initial consultation
- Family visas
- Work permits
- Immigration advice
- Visa renewals
Table of Contents
- What is a Spouse Visa?
- UK Spouse visa Requirements
- What is the 'Genuine Relationship Test '?
- How do i Satisfy the Genuine Relationship Requirement?
- If You Do Not Live Together
- Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa Required Documents
- English Language Test
- UK Spouse Visa Accomodation Requirements
- How to Apply for a Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa Fees
- Application Processs for Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa Appeal Process
- Renewing or Entending a Spouse Visa
- How Can Salam Immigration Help?
