Spouse Visa UK – 2025 Application Guide

The outcome of a UK spouse visa application can determine whether a couple lives together or remains separated across countries. In 2025, the process remains costly, complex, and unforgiving. One error can lead to refusal, with no refund and no second chances unless you start from scratch.

Applicants must meet strict spouse visa requirements, submit the correct documents, and follow the appropriate route depending on their country of application. Even if approved, a spouse visa grants only 2.5 years of stay, requiring an extension before applying for settlement.

This guide breaks down every step of the process. You’ll learn how to apply, what documents to prepare, how much it costs, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay or ruin an application.

How to Make a Spouse Visa Application

The spouse visa process in 2025 starts online, but quickly becomes complex. Whether you apply from outside or inside the UK, each route has different steps. You’ll need to enrol biometrics, upload documents, and attend appointments. A single mistake at any stage can delay your visa application or lead to its refusal.

Applying from Outside the UK

Applicants begin the process by completing the online spouse visa application on GOV.UK, paying the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. After submission, they are directed to a commercial partner site to book a Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment in their country of residence.

You must apply from a country where you have legal residence, such as citizenship, a valid visa, or a work permit. Applications made from countries where you are only visiting will be refused.

At the VAC, you must attend in person to provide fingerprints, a digital photo, and submit your original passport. All other supporting documents can typically be uploaded online in advance; originals are not usually required unless specifically requested.

Premium services may be available, including fast-track appointments, out-of-hours bookings, and the option to keep your passport during processing. Availability varies by country and should be checked in advance.

Applying from Inside the UK

If you apply for a spouse visa from within the UK, the process moves through the UKVCAS system. After submitting the online application and paying the fee, applicants either book a biometric appointment or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. 

The app scans biometric chips in passports or residence permits and captures a selfie. If your ID doesn’t have a chip, you must attend a UKVCAS service point to submit fingerprints and a photo.

Priority service aims to deliver a decision within five working days, while super priority offers a decision by the next working day. These services are available in limited locations and only for decision-ready applications.

Biometric Appointment & Document Upload Steps

After submitting your application, the next step is to upload your supporting documents and attend a biometric appointment. This is where your identity is verified through fingerprints and a digital photo.

Document uploads must be completed before the appointment. Each file should be clear, appropriately named, and categorised correctly. Poor uploads or missing files can result in delays or refusal.

At the appointment, bring your printed checklist, appointment confirmation, and a valid passport. If you paid for document scanning, arrive early and ensure your paperwork is separated and ready for processing.

How Much Does a Spouse Visa Cost in 2025?

The cost of a UK spouse visa in 2025 is substantial. Applicants must pay the spouse visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS); they may also incur additional costs for expedited processing. All fees are paid upfront and are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is accepted or refused. Planning and budgeting accurately are essential.

Visa Fees for Inside and Outside the UK

Applicants applying from outside the UK must pay £1,938 for the standard spouse visa application. If applying from inside the UK, the fee is £1,321 per person.

Each dependent added to the application incurs the same visa fee: £1,938 per person outside the UK and £1,321 per person inside the UK. These fees are non‑refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

A precise, accurate application that avoids mistakes protects your fee and improves your chances of success.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Breakdown

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covers NHS access during your visa period. Charges are applied per year, per applicant or child, and must be paid at the time of visa submission.

IHS Charges per Year

Applicant Type	Annual IHS Rate
Adult (18+)	£1,035
Child (under 18)	£776

For a standard 33-month (2.5-year) visa, the costs typically are:

• Adults: £2,587.50 (2.5 × £1,035)
• Children: £1,940 (2.5 × £776)

Longer visas incur higher charges proportionally (e.g., 33 months = 2.75 years). IHS is non-refundable and paid in full before biometrics or appointment scheduling.

Budget planning should include the IHS, along with visa fees and optional services, to avoid delays or surprises.

Optional Fees & Hidden Costs

Applicants can pay an additional fee for priority processing, premium document handling, or to retain their passport during the assessment. These services are optional but widely used when time is limited or travel is needed during processing.

The super priority service, when available, costs £1,000 and aims to deliver a decision by the next working day. Standard priority service, when offered, is cheaper but still incurs a significant cost.

Other charges may include biometric enrolment, document translation, or help with uploading documents. These vary by location. None of these fees are refundable, even if your visa is refused.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Times in 2025

Processing times for a UK spouse visa vary significantly depending on where you apply and your circumstances. Standard decisions may take weeks or months. Fast-track routes offer quicker outcomes, but they depend on the completeness and eligibility of the information provided. Understanding these timeframes helps set expectations and avoid costly delays.

Standard Processing Times by Visa Type

Outside the UK – Partner or Spouse Route
Applications submitted from overseas typically receive a decision within 12 weeks after the biometric appointment and document submission at the Visa Application Centre.

Inside the UK – Partner or Spouse Route
Applicants applying from within the UK under the standard route usually receive a decision in 8 weeks, provided they meet the minimum income and English language requirements.

Inside the UK – Private Life Route
Applications under “partner or spouse – private life” inside the UK have no published service standard. Cases in this category often take up to 12 months to be decided upon due to a lack of formal timelines.

These are not standard applications. They’re made when the applicant does not meet the usual visa rules but argues that refusing their application would breach their or their family’s Article 8 right to private and family life under the Human Rights Act.

These cases carry a higher evidential burden and are more likely to require legal arguments to be presented before a tribunal. Cromwell Wilkes provides expert representation for applicants in this category, preparing robust human rights submissions and defending them when necessary before the immigration tribunal.

What Affects Your Processing Time

Several factors influence the processing time for a spouse visa application. The official clock starts when UKVI receives your completed application, which is usually immediately after your biometric appointment; however, delays of a few days can sometimes occur.

Errors, missing documents, or inconsistencies between forms and evidence will slow down the process. Common issues include mismatched financial figures, unclear relationship evidence, or incomplete accommodation details.

Delays may also occur due to internal Home Office caseloads. Even with a clean application, busy periods or complex cases can result in longer wait times. Applications on the private life route typically take the longest.

Super Priority Services & Delays

Applicants are never required to use priority or super priority services. These are optional upgrades that enable faster decision-making and always incur an additional fee.

Super priority service costs approximately £1000, and a decision will be made by the next business day. Priority service aims for a five-day turnaround. Availability depends on where and how you apply and is confirmed during the application process.

Paying for faster processing does not improve approval chances. If your application is incomplete or complex, delays still occur, regardless of which service you use.

What Documents Do You Need for a UK Spouse Visa?

Spouse visa applicants must submit clear, well-organised documents to prove they meet all UK spouse visa requirements. The Home Office expects detailed evidence across multiple categories, including identity, relationship, finances, and accommodation. Errors, missing files, or poor formatting can lead to refusal, even when the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Relationship & Identity Evidence

Applicants must provide a valid passport with at least one blank page, along with proof of their UK-based partner’s immigration status or a valid passport. The partner must be a British citizen or have settled status, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain or permanent residence.

To meet the relationship requirement, applicants must show that the marriage or civil partnership is genuine and subsisting. A certificate alone is not enough. Evidence such as shared tenancy agreements, joint finances, photographs, and messages can strengthen the application.

Couples who are not married but in a durable relationship must show at least two years of cohabitation. The burden is on the applicant to prove the relationship meets UK immigration rules.

Financial & Accommodation Documents

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the financial requirement, typically by providing payslips, bank statements, and a letter from their employer. Self-employed applicants must provide detailed business records and tax documents.

The income threshold for new applications in 2025 is £ 29,000. Applicants extending visas granted before April 2024 may still use the £18,600 threshold, with added amounts if dependent children are included.

Accommodation documents must show suitable, non-overcrowded housing. This includes tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or a letter from the landlord confirming the couple can live there after arrival.

English Language & TB Test Certificates

Most applicants must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved test in speaking and listening at a CEFR level of A1 or A2, depending on the stage of the visa application.

Accepted tests must be taken with a UKVI-approved provider and remain valid on the date the Home Office makes its decision. Degrees taught or researched in English may be used instead, but confirmation from Ecctis is required.

A TB test certificate is mandatory if applying from a country listed for tuberculosis screening. The certificate must be valid at the time of submission and no more than six months old.

How to Submit Your Spouse Visa Supporting Documents

After completing the online UK spouse visa application, you must submit your supporting documents before attending your biometric appointment. Documents can be self-uploaded or scanned at the appointment. Both methods require strict organisation. Applicants must follow the document checklist carefully to avoid missing evidence or delays in processing.

Online Upload Instructions

Applicants who choose to upload documents themselves must follow the instructions provided in the GOV.UK checklist after submitting the visa application. Each document must be uploaded to the correct category.

Files should be clearly named, legible, and well organised. Mistakes in document placement or poor file quality can lead to processing delays or refusals. Applicants can log back into their account to add files until the day before the biometric appointment.

Double-check each section of the checklist before confirming the upload. Only the documents submitted will be considered; extra uploads after the biometric step are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Using Document Scanning Services

If you prefer not to self-upload, you can bring your supporting documents to your biometric appointment and use the document scanning service offered at many centres. This service is optional, but it is often more convenient.

Staff will scan your paperwork on-site for a fee. However, documents must be prepared in advance: sorted, sized, and labelled according to the VAC’s requirements. Poor organisation can still result in delays.

Translations must be submitted in advance if needed. Check local guidance to confirm the best way to provide them. Using scanning services does not remove your responsibility to submit complete and correct evidence.

What to Bring to Your Spouse Visa Appointment

Applicants attending a biometric appointment must bring a printed copy of their appointment confirmation and the document checklist generated from GOV.UK.

You must also bring your valid passport or travel document, which must have at least one blank page on both sides. If you’ve paid for any priority or premium services, get the receipt as well.

Failure to bring the required documents can delay processing or result in a missed appointment. Even if you’ve uploaded everything online, you must still present physical proof of submission and identity on the day.

How to Avoid Spouse Visa Delays or Refusals

Many spouse visa refusals result from avoidable errors: missing documents, mismatched financial data, or poor formatting. Delays can cause stress, result in missed travel plans, or lead to the expiry of critical documents. This section explains how to avoid common spouse visa mistakes, reduce the risk of visa application delays, and keep your application decision-ready.

Incomplete or Inconsistent Information

Applications that contain errors, inconsistencies, or omissions are at high risk of delay or refusal. Every detail on the application form must match the supporting documents exactly.

Common issues include mismatched passport numbers, inconsistent addresses, or incorrect income figures. Even formatting differences can trigger requests for clarification and delay the decision.

Double-check all fields before submitting. Incomplete applications cannot be corrected after submission. A clear, accurate application helps avoid unnecessary Home Office intervention and speeds up the decision-making process.

Missing or Incorrect Supporting Evidence

Missing or poorly prepared supporting documents are a cause of delays and refusals. All evidence must be complete, legible, and aligned with Home Office requirements.

Documents must be translated if not in English or Welsh, and files should be clearly labelled to reflect their content. Bank statements and payslips must cover the correct period and match precisely.

Overloading the application with irrelevant documents can also slow things down. Caseworkers are required to review all uploads. Focus on providing clear, relevant evidence for each requirement in the checklist.

Financial Requirement Mistakes

Incorrect or incomplete financial evidence is one of the most common reasons for spouse visa refusals. Applicants must follow the specific rules under Appendix FM-SE based on their income type.

Salaried applicants need six months of payslips, matching bank deposits, and a letter from their employer. Self-employed applicants must include tax records and business documentation.

If relying on savings, the funds must exceed the required threshold and be held for at least six months. All documents must clearly show income sources and totals that meet or exceed the current £29,000 threshold.

Why Work with Cromwell Wilkes for Your Spouse Visa Application

A spouse visa refusal can separate families for months, drain your finances, and destroy your plans. At Cromwell Wilkes, we don’t let that happen. We work with people who need results, not guesswork.

We build every application around what the Home Office actually wants to see. No vague advice, no missing documents, no weak explanations. Whether you’re applying from scratch or recovering from a previous refusal, we ensure your case is clear, complete, and supported by strong legal evidence.

We solve the problems that trip up most applicants: financial documents, relationship proof, English language requirements, and complex histories. You won’t need to chase answers. We provide you with a clear plan and handle the details, so you can focus on spending quality time with the person you love.

Speak to Cromwell Wilkes About Your UK Spouse Visa Application

The UK spouse visa is one of the most emotionally charged and tightly controlled immigration routes. It affects where families live, how long they stay apart, and whether they can build a life together in the UK.

This guide covered everything, from how to apply and what it costs, to the supporting documents you’ll need and how to avoid refusal. But reading alone won’t solve the problem. The Home Office strictly enforces these rules. One mistake can undo everything.

Please complete this form with as much information as possible for your consultation. This will enable your appointed Cromwell Wilkes lawyer to provide you with the best service and support. Rest assured that we will prioritise your inquiry, and you should receive a response within 24-48 hours.

FAQ – Spouse Visa UK Application 2025

What is a UK spouse visa?
A UK spouse visa lets the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person live in the UK. It falls under the family visa route and can lead to settlement after five years.

What is the financial requirement for the Spouse Visa?
From April 2024, new spouse visa applicants must show a minimum income of £29,000 per year. Lower thresholds may still apply for extensions submitted under older rules.

Can I use savings?
Yes. Cash savings over £88,500 can meet the full financial requirement. Partial savings can also supplement income. Funds must be held for six months in a regulated account.

How long is a UK spouse visa valid?
Spouse visas are granted for 30 months if applied for inside the UK, and 33 months if applied for from outside. You must apply to extend before it expires.

When can I apply for ILR?
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years in the UK on the spouse visa route, if you meet all eligibility criteria.

Can I work on a spouse visa?
Yes. A UK spouse visa allows full-time work, self-employment, and study with no restrictions during your stay.

What documents are required for a UK Spouse Visa?
You’ll need identity documents, proof of relationship, financial evidence, English language certification, accommodation details, and a TB test if applicable.

How long does it take?
Standard processing takes up to 12 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside. Private life or complex cases may take up to 12 months.

What happens if I’m refused for a Spouse Visa?
You’ll receive a refusal letter. You may appeal or reapply depending on the reason for refusal. Legal advice is strongly recommended before taking your next step.