UK Spouse Visa in 2024: Everything You Need To Know

How much is a spouse visa in the uk 2024?

The UK spouse visa, also known as the partner visa or marriage visa, allows a foreign national who meets the requirements to live in the UK with their spouse, if that spouse is a British citizen or a person who has Indefinite Leave to Stay or EU Settled status.

Marriage to a British national does not automatically grant you the right to reside in the UK. You must apply for a Spouse visa to live with your partner in the UK. All applicants are eligible, whether married or in a civil partnership.

The eligibility criteria and other information are outlined below. A partner or spouse visa can be granted initially for up to two years and nine months. You can extend your stay and then acquire an ILR. This allows you to remain in the UK permanently. You may be eligible for British citizenship through marriage after obtaining ILR.

As one of the most experienced and reputable immigration lawyers in London, Cromwell Wilkes is dedicated to guiding you through every step of this intricate journey. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful application and offers the best immigration advice and support available.

Understanding the UK Spouse Visa

A UK spouse visa allows a married partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to join them and live together. This visa category is a significant part of the immigration landscape, designed to uphold the family unit. However, the application process can be complicated, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of immigration laws.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa UK

Applying for a spouse visa in the UK involves several steps:

Eligibility Check: Ensure you and your spouse meet the eligibility criteria, including genuineness of the relationship, financial requirements, and English language proficiency.
Gathering Documentation: Compile all necessary documents such as marriage certificates, proof of relationship, financial evidence, and accommodation details.
Submitting the Application: Complete the application form online, pay the required fees, and book a biometric appointment.
Biometric Information: Attend your biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Awaiting Decision: After submission, wait for the Home Office to process your application and make a decision.

How Much Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost?

The cost of applying for a UK spouse visa includes several components:

Application Fee: The current fee for an in-country application is £1,048 while applying outside the UK costs £1,879
NHS Surcharge: An additional Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is required, currently set at £1,035 per year. Therefore, if you’re applying from inside the UK, this will cost £2,587.50. If you are applying from outside the UK, this will cost you £3,105.

These costs can vary, so checking the latest fees before applying is crucial. Cromwell Wilkes offers transparent fee structures and can guide you on the most cost-effective approach.

Spouse Visa UK Financial Requirements

When applying for a UK spouse visa, the applicant and their UK-based partner must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. Recent updates from the Home Office indicate that this threshold will gradually increase to £34,500 and ultimately to £38,700. Notably, an additional income requirement will not be required if the applicant has children.

The following sources of income are acceptable for meeting the financial criteria:

Earnings from employment or self-employment
Pensions from either the applicant or their partner
Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits received by the partner in the UK
Other specified income and savings of the applicant and partner

Applicants may also fulfil the financial requirement solely through cash savings, provided they have at least £88,500 available, an increase from the previous £62,500 threshold.

There are exemptions to the financial requirement for sponsors receiving certain benefits, including:

Disability Living Allowance
Severe Disablement Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Mobility Supplement, Constant Attendance Allowance, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
Police Injury Pension
Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance

In these cases, sponsors do not need to prove an income of £29,000 or more. However, even if a partner qualifies for an exemption, the applicant must still demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK and secure adequate accommodation without relying on public funds.

How Long Does the UK Spouse Visa Take?

The processing time for a UK spouse visa can vary based on several factors:

Outside the UK: Typically, applications are processed within 12 weeks.
Inside the UK: Applications generally take around eight weeks from the date of the biometric appointment.

However, these times can fluctuate due to application volume and complexity. Priority services are available at an additional cost for those needing quicker processing. Our team at Cromwell Wilkes keeps abreast of all timelines and will manage your application efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays.

Common Pitfalls in Spouse Visa Applications

Applying for a UK spouse visa can be straightforward if you are well-prepared and aware of potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes that applicants make:

Incomplete Documentation: One of the most frequent reasons for visa refusal is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted and meet the specified criteria is vital.
Insufficient Financial Evidence: Many applications are rejected because the financial requirements are not adequately met. This includes providing incorrect or outdated financial documents or failing to meet the minimum income threshold.
Relationship Authenticity: The Home Office requires proof that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Providing insufficient evidence or failing to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship can lead to a refusal.
Errors in the Application Form: Simple errors in the application form, such as incorrect dates or misspellings, can result in delays or refusals. It is crucial to fill out the form accurately and thoroughly.

At Cromwell Wilkes, our expert immigration lawyers ensure that your application is free from these common errors, enhancing your chances of a successful outcome.

Why Professional Legal Help Increases Your Chances

Getting professional legal help increases your chances of acquiring a UK spouse visa. The application process involves forms like the VAF4A for those applying from outside the UK and FLR(M) for those from within the UK. These forms are intricate and require precise information.

The Home Office has a stringent approach toward errors or incomplete submissions. Even minor mistakes can lead to delays or outright refusals. Professional immigration lawyers, like those at Cromwell Wilkes, have extensive experience navigating these complexities. Our expertise ensures that all forms are correctly filled out and all necessary documents are meticulously compiled and submitted. This boosts your application’s credibility and significantly reduces the risk of errors that could jeopardise your visa approval.

The Role of Cromwell Wilkes in Your Spouse Visa Application

Choosing Cromwell Wilkes for your spouse visa application means seeking unparalleled expertise and support. Here’s how we can help:

Comprehensive Consultation: We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your situation and provide personalised advice. We aim to ensure you are fully aware of the requirements and the process.
Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, ensuring that they meet the stringent requirements set by the Home Office.
Application Submission: Our team handles submitting your application, ensuring that all details are accurate and complete.
Follow-Up and Support: We provide continuous support throughout the process, keeping you informed of any updates and assisting with any additional requirements that may arise.

Get Your Spouse Visa With Cromwell Wilkes Today

Navigating the complexities of UK immigration can be challenging, but with Cromwell Wilkes by your side, you can rest assured that your spouse visa application is in capable hands. Our expert team of immigration lawyers in London is ready to assist you in reuniting with your loved one in the UK.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your spouse visa with the best immigration lawyers in the UK.

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

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   Katherine Bellenie 
 2 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a really positive experience with Cromwell Wilkes. They helped us obtain our sponsorship license and process Skilled Worker visas for a couple of our employees, and we couldn’t be happier with the service we received. The team has always been incredibly prompt, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process. They made what could have been a complicated process feel much more straightforward, and we’ve always felt that we were in safe hands. I would definitely recommend Richard and his team to other businesses looking for support with sponsorship and immigration matters.
  
 
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   Azadeh Harandi 
 26 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Christine highly enough. I am extremely grateful for all her help and support throughout my visa application process. Her advice was always accurate, detailed and very clear, and she guided me through every step of the process with great professionalism. She was always available, responsive and happy to answer any questions I had, which made a potentially very stressful process feel so much easier and more manageable. I am genuinely so happy that I had the opportunity to work with Christine. Her knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail gave me so much confidence and significantly reduced the stress and anxiety I had throughout the visa process. Thank you so much, Christine, for all your hard work and support. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent immigration solicitor.
  
 
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   Devin WIlson 
 17 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cromwell and Wilkes successfully helped me obtain my partner visa on the first attempt without any hiccups. Lucy was phenomenal, exceptionally professional, helpful, and prompt in all matters.
  
 
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   Anila Galica 
 15 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was the second time we used Cromwell Wilkes and we are very pleased with the outcome. We really appreciate Sadia's time and effort with our case and a big thank you to Richard and the team.
  
 
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   Axburr Lnu 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Cromwell Wilkes during my entire visa journey.  These visas included my fiance visa, 2 residency visas, and Indefinite Leave to Remain.  All these applications were successful and we highly recommend them for anyone needing these services. We worked with Richard Roberts, Jessica Bishop and Christine Bacon and always felt like we were more than just billable hours.  They cared about us as people and wanted the process to be successful. They were always available for meetings and took a lot of time to explain processes, impacts and consequences. I’m sure it’s always stressful to go through immigration processes, but this firm, and these wonderful people, made it work in the most efficient and least stressful manner possible. I highly recommend you choose them for your immigration needs.
  
 
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   zafran majid 
 11 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For any immigration-related matters, where compliance, attention to detail, and adherence to all regulatory requirements are essential, I can genuinely recommend this firm. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to delivering work to the highest possible standard provide complete confidence that matters will be handled correctly and efficiently. In particular, both Richard and Rushi are exceptionally knowledgeable, highly responsive, and dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Their thorough understanding of immigration requirements and practical approach ensure that everything is completed properly, on time, and to the required standard. What sets them apart is their ability to navigate complex immigration matters with confidence while ensuring full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Their advice is clear, practical, and tailored to the specific needs of their clients, giving reassurance throughout the entire process. I have found their service to be outstanding and would confidently recommend them to any individual or business requiring expert immigration support. If you are looking for a firm that combines technical expertise, professionalism, and exceptional client service, Richard and Rushi are the people to trust. Their commitment to achieving the right outcome while maintaining the highest standards of compliance is second to none.
  
 
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   Reem Hejrat 
 18 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with Cromwell Wilkes on our visa process. Richard and William were absolutely phenomenal, professional, efficient, and incredibly responsive throughout the entire journey. They answered all our questions quickly and clearly, which made everything feel smooth and stress-free. The whole process was handled with care and attention to detail. We are truly grateful for their support.
  
 
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   Federica Zappalà 
 17 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I asked Cromwell Wilkes to assist me when I decided to apply for a Spouse Visa and I couldn't honestly be happier with the quality of service, the warmth and the amazing level of professionalism Christine has displayed throughout the whole process. She was by my side every step of the way going above and beyond to help and reassure me when things seemed confusing or difficult. I really recommend this excellent firm and thank Christine in particular for her outstanding work and support.
  
 
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 17 April 2026
 
 
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 25 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had to find an experienced Sports Law legal representative to help me with a terrible situation I found myself in. After many initial contacts with other firms, I had received a very warm and understanding reply from Richard Roberts of Cromwell Wilkes and the Sports Law Team. I immediately felt more comfortable and confident that these guys would look after my best interests. I opted for a face to face initial meeting to explain the situation and decided that I had made the right choice, as Richard Roberts and his team took great care in extracting relevant information and I felt that they were already battling on my behalf, despite not even leaving the offices! I faced a serious situation with the National Governing Body of my sport, which if I’m honest would have ended my career in sport and coaching. Richard unraveled everything and saw a number of flaws in the NGB and played a chess like strategy to turn around a sanction that had been imposed, and essentially saved my life. Richard proposed a pathway that filled the NGB with confidence and proved the previous sanctions were wrong. The team got the sanctions lifted and also managed to get me a number of aftercare support sessions from the NGB as it had taken an extreme toll on my mental health. Throughout, the Sports Law Team, especially Richard Roberts, who in my opinion is an amazing lawyer, treated me with respect, care and humility, with tonnes of patience, saw me as a human being needing help rather than just a customer. His attention to detail and background work is an amazing forensic advocate,  surprised me no end and is I’m sure one of the reasons we won our case! I can’t thank Richard and the team at Cromwell Wilkes enough for the help, support and dedication that’s been given to me on my case. You really don’t know how much you saved me.