UK Spouse Visa

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa enables non-British nationals to reside in the UK long-term with their partner. The visa applies if the partner is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), EU Settled Status, or refugee or humanitarian protection.

The visa is granted for 2 years and 9 months when applying from outside the UK, or 30 months from within. It allows applicants to live, work, and study in the UK, with options to extend and apply for permanent residence after five years.

Who can apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

Applicants can apply if their partner:

Applicants must also demonstrate intent to live together permanently and provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.

UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025

As of April 2025, applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship, meet the £29,000 financial threshold, provide suitable accommodation evidence, and demonstrate basic English language proficiency. Failing any requirement may result in refusal.

Spouse Visa genuine relationship requirement

Applicants must prove their relationship is genuine and ongoing. Evidence shows applicants are either:

Supporting documents include marriage certificates, photographs, joint bills, tenancy agreements, and communication records. UKVI screens for fraudulent relationships.

Spouse Visa financial requirement

Combined gross annual income must be at least £29,000 (as of 11 April 2024). Alternatively, applicants can rely on cash savings of at least £88,500, held for at least six months in a regulated financial institution.

Some sponsors may be exempt from income requirements if receiving specific benefits, but applicants must still demonstrate sufficient funds without relying on public assistance.

Spouse Visa English language requirement

Applicants must meet basic English language requirements assessed at CEFR Level A1 for first applications and Level A2 for extensions.

Requirements can be met by:

Applicants over 65 or those with severe physical or mental conditions may be exempt.

Spouse Visa accommodation requirement

Applicants must show adequate accommodation that is safe, suitable, and free from overcrowding. Accommodation can be:

Evidence includes tenancy agreements, property inspection reports, or utility bills. Accommodation must be exclusively available for the couple and comply with local occupancy rules.

Required documents for a Spouse Visa

Commonly required documents include:

Missing or incorrectly formatted documents may delay or refuse applications.

How to apply for a UK Spouse Visa

The application process is completed online through the Home Office website:

As of 2025, the application fee is £1,846 for applicants outside the UK and £1,258 for those within the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge costs £1,035 per year, and the biometric fee is £19.20.

Spouse Visa extension and ILR pathway

After the initial visa is granted, applicants can extend for a further 2 years and 6 months. Applicants must apply before their current visa expires and continue meeting all eligibility criteria.

After 5 years of continuous residence under a valid spouse visa, applicants may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing permanent UK residence without immigration control.

To qualify for ILR, applicants must:

This pathway can lead to British citizenship through marriage.

What to do if your Spouse Visa is refused

Refusal decision letters outline reasons and state whether appeal rights exist. Common refusal reasons include:

Eligible applicants can appeal before the First-tier Tribunal or submit a new application addressing the highlighted issues. Cromwell Wilkes offers expert legal advice and representation in appeal cases.

Contact us for UK Spouse Visa legal advice today

Cromwell Wilkes offers expert legal guidance to help clients secure their Spouse Visa with clarity, speed, and confidence.

The firm's immigration lawyers guide clients through every step, from meeting requirements to handling refusals.