If you are married to, or in a durable partnership with, a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK, you do not automatically acquire immigration status. You must apply to the Home Office for permission to come to, or remain in, the UK on the partner route and prove that you meet the eligibility and evidential requirements. The process is document-heavy and time-sensitive, and caseworkers will scrutinise the genuineness of your relationship, your financial position, and your English language ability.
This guide explains the current UK spouse/partner visa rules under Appendix FM, including who qualifies, how long the visa lasts, the financial and English language requirements (including transitional rules), switching and extension options, ILR after five years, processing times, fees, refusals and appeals, and practical steps to strengthen your application.
Section A: What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The partner (often called “spouse”) route under Appendix FM allows a non-UK national to live in the UK with their British or settled partner. “Settled” includes holders of indefinite leave to remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or legacy permanent residence. Successful applicants may work in any occupation and study without restriction, and the route leads to settlement after a qualifying period.
1. Who can sponsor?
Your partner must be one of the following: a British citizen; a person with indefinite leave to remain; a person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; or, in limited cases under Appendix FM, a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection. Where relying on refugee or humanitarian protection, additional evidential and suitability rules apply.
2. Relationship categories covered
You may apply as a spouse or civil partner in a marriage/partnership recognised under UK law, as an unmarried partner who has lived together with the sponsor for at least two years in a relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership, or as a fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner coming to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival.
3. Key permissions and restrictions
- Work and study are permitted without occupational restrictions for spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner visa holders.
- Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner visas do not permit work during the initial six-month period.
- Conditions include no recourse to public funds.
4. Pathway to settlement
The standard route to settlement is five years consisting of two grants of 30 or 33 months (see Section B and Section C for durations and switching). Applicants must continue to meet the relationship, financial, accommodation and English language requirements at each stage, and later satisfy the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement for ILR. Transitional financial protections apply if the initial grant was before 11 April 2024 with the same partner and route.
5. High-level benefits
- Right to work in any role and to study without additional sponsorship.
- Access to the NHS via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) once the visa is granted.
- A defined route to indefinite leave to remain and, in time, British citizenship if nationality requirements are met.
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, both the applicant and their UK-based partner must satisfy the eligibility rules set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. These rules ensure that the couple’s relationship is genuine, that they can be financially self-sufficient, and that they have the English language ability and suitable accommodation to live together in the UK.
Section B: Eligibility Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa
The spouse visa route applies to couples who can show a legal or durable relationship and the means to support themselves without recourse to public funds. Applicants must meet the criteria below and provide documentation for each requirement.
1. Legal relationship
You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in UK law, or have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two consecutive years before applying. Fiancé(e)s and proposed civil partners must show an intention to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. Proof includes a marriage certificate, civil partnership registration, or evidence of two years of cohabitation such as tenancy agreements and joint bills.
2. Financial requirement
Couples must show that they can be maintained in the UK without claiming public funds. The sponsor’s annual income must be at least £29,000 for new applications made on or after 11 April 2024. The figure may rise in future, so applicants should check for updated thresholds before applying.
For applications and extensions linked to a visa granted before 11 April 2024 on the same route and with the same partner, transitional protection applies. The lower £18,600 threshold remains in place, plus £3,800 for the first dependent child and £2,400 for each additional child.
Acceptable income sources include salaried or self-employed earnings, pensions, non-employment income such as rent or dividends, and specified benefits. Where income is insufficient, savings may be used to meet or bridge the threshold. When relying solely on savings, at least £88,500 must have been held in a personal or joint account for six months in a regulated financial institution. If using savings to offset a shortfall, the formula £16,000 + (2.5 × shortfall) applies. Savings and income must be under the applicant’s or sponsor’s control.
If applying from outside the UK, only the sponsor’s UK-based income can be counted. If applying in the UK to extend or switch, the couple’s joint income can be considered. Where the sponsor receives a specified disability or carer benefit, the couple is exempt from the income threshold and instead must show that they will be adequately maintained and accommodated.
3. Genuine relationship requirement
The Home Office must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. Applicants must provide evidence that they have met in person and that the relationship is ongoing and committed. Supporting materials can include joint financial documents, photographs over time, records of communication, travel history showing visits to one another, and letters from family or friends. If the couple have spent long periods apart, stronger supporting evidence should be provided to demonstrate ongoing contact and commitment.
4. Accommodation requirement
The sponsor must show that there is adequate accommodation available for the couple and any dependants without overcrowding or reliance on public funds. Accommodation may be owned, mortgaged, or rented. Each child over one year of age must have a separate bedroom in accordance with housing standards. Evidence typically includes tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, property deeds, or a letter from the landlord confirming permission for the applicant to live at the address.
5. English language requirement
Unless exempt, applicants must demonstrate English ability in line with Appendix English Language. For an initial application, the minimum level is CEFR A1 in speaking and listening. For extensions, CEFR A2 is required. Proof can be an approved English language test pass or an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
Exemptions apply if the applicant is 65 or over, has a long-term physical or mental condition preventing them from meeting the requirement, or faces exceptional circumstances where it would be unreasonable to meet the requirement before entry.
6. Age requirement
Both the applicant and the sponsor must be at least 18 years old at the date of application. Applications made where either party is under 18 will be refused.
7. Sponsor eligibility
The UK-based sponsor must be a British citizen or a person settled in the UK (holding indefinite leave to remain, settled status under Appendix EU, or permanent residence under legacy EEA provisions). Sponsors must provide documents such as payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or tax returns to evidence the financial requirement and may also provide statements or joint documents to support the relationship evidence.
Section summary: Applicants must evidence that they have a genuine, legally recognised relationship; sufficient financial means; suitable accommodation; and the required level of English. All documentation must be clear, consistent, and aligned with Home Office guidance under Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE.
The application process for a UK Spouse Visa is procedural and document-intensive. Applicants must ensure that each stage is completed correctly and that the evidence submitted is comprehensive. The process and requirements vary slightly depending on whether the application is made from outside or within the UK.
Section C: UK Spouse Visa Application Process
The spouse visa can be applied for online via the official UK government portal. Applicants can track progress, upload documentation, and pay fees through the same platform. The process typically involves biometric enrolment, documentation submission, and Home Office assessment.
1. Step-by-step application process
- Create a UKVI account: Register on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal and select the family visa category for spouses or partners.
- Complete the online form: Provide accurate details about both partners, including relationship history, financial circumstances, and accommodation arrangements.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Payment is required online before submission. Keep digital receipts for confirmation.
- Book a biometric appointment: Applicants must attend a visa application centre abroad or a UKVCAS service point in the UK to provide fingerprints and a photograph. In some cases, applicants can verify identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app instead of attending in person.
- Submit supporting documents: Upload all required documentation in clear, readable format (PDF or JPEG). If documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations must be provided.
- Await a decision: Processing begins once biometrics are submitted. Applicants will be notified by email or through their UKVI account when a decision is made.
2. Supporting documentation
Each spouse visa application must include personal identification and evidence meeting the financial, relationship, accommodation and English language requirements. Typical documents include:
- Current passports and recent photographs for both partners
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of cohabitation for at least two years if unmarried
- Bank statements, payslips, tax documents, or employment contracts proving the sponsor’s income
- Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement or property ownership documents confirming adequate accommodation
- Evidence of English language ability (approved test or qualification)
- Evidence of ongoing relationship such as joint bills, communication logs, and photographs
- Proof of previous marriage or partnership breakdown if applicable (e.g. divorce decree)
Documents must be consistent across all sections of the application. Any inconsistencies in names, addresses or dates may cause delays or refusal.
3. Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent evidence
- Omitting translations of non-English documents
- Failing to provide the required financial records covering the six-month qualifying period
- Relying on income sources not permitted under Appendix FM SE
- Applying too early or too late relative to visa expiry dates
4. Application processing times
Typical processing times vary depending on location and visa type:
- Applications made from outside the UK: around 12 weeks
- Applications made in the UK: approximately 8 weeks if financial and English language requirements are met
- Applications in the UK that are exempt from those requirements (e.g. human rights or private life cases): currently taking around 12 months
Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional fee. The priority service costs £500 and usually provides a decision within five working days. The super-priority service costs £1,000 and aims to provide a decision by the next working day following biometric submission. Delays may occur if further checks are required.
5. Visa validity and duration
Applicants applying from overseas who are granted entry clearance will normally receive a visa valid for 33 months. Those applying to remain in the UK as a spouse are granted 30 months’ leave. Fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner visas are granted for six months and do not permit work. After completing the initial period, a further 30-month extension can be applied for, completing five years’ residence and leading to eligibility for indefinite leave to remain.
6. Fees and charges
As of 2025, the standard application fees and related costs are as follows:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application (outside UK) | £1,938 |
| Application (inside UK) | £1,321 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Biometric enrolment | £19.20 |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 |
| Super priority service (optional) | £1,000 |
Fees are subject to review, and applicants should confirm current costs on GOV.UK before applying.
7. Switching to a Spouse Visa within the UK
Applicants already in the UK may switch to the spouse route if their current leave was granted for a period of at least six months under a visa other than a visitor, short-term student or seasonal worker visa. Switching from those categories is not permitted. Fiancé(e) visa holders can, however, switch once married or in a civil partnership. The application process is the same as for an extension, requiring fresh financial, accommodation and relationship evidence.
Section summary: Successful spouse visa applications depend on accurate completion of the online form, correct document submission, and meeting all eligibility requirements. Applicants should double-check information, translate documents where necessary, and apply well before their current leave expires to prevent gaps in lawful residence.
Employers and HR departments increasingly support internationally mobile employees who relocate with their families. Helping staff navigate the spouse visa process can strengthen employee loyalty, reduce relocation stress, and support compliance with immigration law.
Section D: How Employers Can Support Employees with a Spouse Visa
Organisations that employ foreign nationals often play a vital role in assisting their employees and their dependants with visa-related matters. While companies cannot provide immigration advice unless authorised under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, they can provide procedural support and direct employees to qualified professionals.
1. Employer support options
- Guidance and information: HR teams can outline the application stages, highlight documentation requirements, and help employees understand timeframes and fees.
- Professional referrals: Employers should refer staff to solicitors or OISC-regulated advisers for immigration advice and representation.
- Financial assistance: Some organisations contribute towards the cost of spouse visas, including the application fee or Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Flexible working support: Temporary flexibility for appointments or administrative requirements can help employees meet submission deadlines.
- Internal networks: Creating informal support groups for staff who have completed similar processes helps new arrivals share experiences and reduce stress.
2. Why support matters
Providing structured assistance with family immigration needs can have tangible business benefits. It demonstrates care for employees’ personal circumstances and promotes engagement and retention. Support during the visa process can also reduce absenteeism linked to stress and logistical challenges.
Employers offering relocation packages that include spouse visa assistance often find this enhances their attractiveness to international candidates. It also aids integration by ensuring families are settled and focused, which contributes to productivity and long-term retention.
3. HR best practice for compliance
- Stay informed: Regularly review Home Office updates and ensure HR policies reflect the latest immigration rules and processing standards.
- Ensure lawful advice: Only provide immigration advice through qualified solicitors or OISC-accredited advisers.
- Protect employee data: Handle personal information in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Provide template documents: Offer standard employer letters confirming salary, job title, and contract type to support financial eligibility.
- Develop transparent policies: Define clearly what level of immigration support or funding the company provides to employees relocating with family members.
Section summary: Employers can offer practical and lawful support during spouse visa applications by giving clear procedural guidance, enabling flexibility, and referring employees to qualified advisers. Supporting family immigration needs promotes stability, trust, and higher retention among skilled international staff.
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa can be emotionally and administratively challenging. Understanding the key steps and preparing thoroughly can make the process smoother and reduce the likelihood of refusal. Careful planning, comprehensive documentation, and attention to detail are central to a successful outcome.
Section E: Supporting Your Partner with their Spouse Visa Application
Sponsoring a partner or spouse under Appendix FM requires collaboration between both parties to gather evidence, complete forms, and meet eligibility rules. Sponsors must ensure they provide consistent and verifiable evidence of their income, housing, and relationship history, while applicants must be ready to meet English language and other requirements.
1. Tips for a successful spouse visa application
- Prepare documentation early: Collect marriage certificates, financial records, and evidence of your ongoing relationship. Use certified translations where necessary.
- Check income evidence carefully: Ensure payslips, bank statements, and employer letters cover the required six-month period and reflect the minimum income threshold.
- Confirm accommodation standards: Make sure the property meets UK overcrowding and housing standards and provide proof of ownership or tenancy.
- Demonstrate relationship genuineness: Present a chronological narrative supported by travel records, correspondence, and photos from key moments in your relationship.
- Meet the English requirement: Take an approved test at an authorised centre or rely on an eligible English-taught degree verified by Ecctis.
2. Common mistakes to avoid
Many spouse visa refusals stem from incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly organised applications. Avoiding the following errors can reduce delays and refusals:
- Failing to provide clear evidence for each requirement under Appendix FM and FM SE
- Submitting documents with mismatched dates or names
- Overlooking certified translations for foreign-language documents
- Providing outdated financial information or insufficient proof of income
- Missing biometric appointments or failing to upload supporting evidence before deadlines
3. Additional recommendations
- Track all submissions: Keep digital copies of all documents and screenshots of uploaded materials.
- Use clear labelling: Organise evidence logically (e.g. Financial, Relationship, Accommodation) to assist the caseworker.
- Monitor communication: Check your email and UKVI account regularly for updates or requests for further information.
- Do not underestimate timelines: Apply well before travel plans or visa expiry to avoid overstaying.
Section summary: A spouse visa application requires both accuracy and clarity. Presenting a well-organised, complete submission that addresses every requirement of Appendix FM increases the likelihood of approval and reduces the risk of unnecessary delay or refusal.
Once a spouse visa is approved, the visa holder gains permission to live, work, and study in the UK for the period granted. Recent changes to the UK immigration system have also introduced digital immigration status, meaning many successful applicants now receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of a physical document.
Section F: After Your Spouse Visa is Approved
Spouse visa holders receive an initial grant of 33 months if applying from outside the UK, or 30 months if applying from within. The visa allows the holder to live with their partner, work in any field, and access healthcare via the Immigration Health Surcharge. During this period, the couple must continue to meet the conditions of stay to remain eligible for future extensions or settlement.
1. The move to digital status (eVisa)
From 2025, most new spouse visa holders receive a digital immigration record known as an eVisa rather than a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The eVisa is linked electronically to the passport used in the application and can be accessed through the applicant’s UKVI account. By the end of 2025, physical BRPs will no longer be valid.
Through their UKVI account, visa holders can:
- View and download confirmation of visa details, including conditions and expiry dates
- Update personal details, such as passport numbers or contact information
- Access immigration status for work, rent, and travel verification checks
2. Travel and re-entry
Spouse visa holders may travel outside the UK and re-enter freely during their grant of leave. However, absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period may affect eligibility for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. It is advisable to maintain evidence of travel dates and reasons for absences in case this information is requested at ILR stage.
3. Rights and conditions
- Spouse visa holders may work for any employer or be self-employed without restriction.
- They are entitled to study in the UK at any level without sponsorship.
- They must not claim public funds, which include most benefits and housing assistance.
- They must continue living with their sponsor and maintain a genuine relationship throughout the visa term.
4. Responsibilities during the visa period
Spouse visa holders must report significant changes to UKVI, such as separation, change of address, or change in employment if it affects contact information. Failing to report changes may affect immigration status or future applications. Maintaining accurate and current details in the UKVI account helps avoid administrative issues or complications when extending the visa or applying for ILR.
Section summary: Once granted, the spouse visa confers extensive rights to live and work in the UK, provided the holder abides by immigration conditions and continues to meet eligibility requirements. The transition to digital immigration status simplifies visa management, but visa holders must ensure their records remain accurate and up to date throughout their stay.
Not all spouse visa applications are successful on the first attempt. Refusals can occur for several reasons, most commonly due to incomplete evidence, inconsistencies in the relationship proof, or failure to meet the financial or English language requirements. Understanding the refusal reasons and available remedies is vital to determine the next steps.
Section G: If Your UK Spouse Visa is Refused
A refusal notice will explain the reasons for the decision and outline whether you have a right of appeal. Most refusals arise under Appendix FM where the Home Office is not satisfied that the applicant meets the eligibility or suitability criteria, or that the evidence submitted sufficiently proves the requirements have been met.
1. Common reasons for refusal
- Failure to meet the financial requirement: Insufficient income or savings, missing payslips or bank statements, or reliance on non-permitted income sources.
- Insufficient relationship evidence: Weak or inconsistent documentation showing contact, cohabitation, or communication between partners.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing certificates, untranslated documents, or unclear copies.
- Incorrect or inconsistent information: Errors in dates, names, or financial details leading to credibility concerns.
- Credibility doubts: Where the Home Office is not satisfied the relationship is genuine and subsisting, or the information provided appears contradictory.
2. Reviewing the refusal notice
The refusal letter, known as the “Notice of Decision,” sets out the legal basis for refusal and any right of appeal or review. You should read the letter carefully to understand which requirement was not met and whether the refusal raises human rights grounds (usually under Article 8 – right to family life). This determines the type of remedy available.
3. Appeal rights
An appeal can only be made if the refusal constitutes a human rights decision. If the refusal engages your family or private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, you will normally be granted a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of receiving the decision if you applied from outside the UK, or within 14 days if you applied from inside the UK. Tribunal fees are currently £80 for a paper hearing or £140 for an oral hearing, though fees are subject to review.
During the appeal process, you can provide new or clarified evidence to address the reasons for refusal. Legal representation is strongly recommended, as appeals involve detailed legal submissions and evidence presentation.
4. Administrative review or reapplication
If no right of appeal is granted, you may be able to request an administrative review if you believe the Home Office made a caseworking error. Administrative review does not allow for new evidence to be introduced but challenges the decision based on procedural or factual mistakes. If the refusal was based on missing documentation or updated circumstances, submitting a fresh application with stronger evidence is often the best course of action.
5. When to seek professional advice
Where a refusal raises complex evidential or human rights issues, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an immigration solicitor or OISC-regulated adviser. A professional can assess whether an appeal, review, or new application is the most strategic option and assist in preparing compliant evidence and submissions.
Section summary: Understanding the reason for refusal is crucial to determining your next steps. Some applicants can appeal under human rights grounds, while others may need to pursue administrative review or a new application. Professional representation can significantly improve the chances of success in any subsequent application or appeal.
The spouse visa route provides a clear progression from temporary residence to permanent settlement in the UK. After living in the UK with a spouse visa for five continuous years, most visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This section outlines the process for extending your spouse visa and applying for settlement under Appendix FM.
Section H: Spouse Visa Extension and Settlement (ILR)
To maintain lawful residence, visa holders must extend their spouse visa before it expires. The extension and ILR stages follow similar criteria to the initial application, with ongoing requirements for financial stability, accommodation, English language, and evidence of a genuine relationship.
1. Applying for a spouse visa extension
You should apply to extend your spouse visa before your current leave expires. Applications can be submitted online from within the UK, and you should avoid allowing your visa to lapse, as overstaying may lead to refusal or affect future applications. Ideally, submit your extension within 28 days of the expiry date.
The extension application mirrors the initial application and requires up-to-date documents showing that you still meet the relationship, accommodation, and financial criteria. For financial evidence, you must show income or savings that meet the minimum threshold for six consecutive months before applying. If relying on employment, ensure payslips, bank statements, and employer letters match exactly.
Spouse visa extensions are generally granted for 30 months (2.5 years), keeping you on the five-year route to settlement. Priority services are available for faster decisions, usually within five working days, for an additional fee.
2. Spouse visa to ILR transition
After completing five continuous years in the UK on the spouse route, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR allows you to settle permanently, live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions, and access public funds if eligible. Once ILR is granted, you may later apply for British citizenship if you meet residence and good character requirements.
To qualify for ILR on the spouse route, you must:
- Have completed five continuous years in the UK under the spouse or partner visa route (time spent as a fiancé(e) does not count)
- Continue to live together in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsor
- Meet the financial requirement, including any transitional protection if applicable
- Prove adequate accommodation without public funds
- Meet the English language requirement (at least CEFR B1) and pass the Life in the UK Test
- Have no serious breaches of immigration or criminal law
3. Continuous residence requirement
To qualify for ILR, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying five-year residence. You should keep a record of travel dates and reasons for absence, especially if you travelled frequently for work or family reasons, to demonstrate compliance.
4. Documentation for ILR
Applicants should prepare evidence covering the entire five-year qualifying period. This includes financial records, proof of address showing cohabitation, evidence of relationship continuity, and updated English language and Life in the UK test certificates. All documents should be current, clearly labelled, and formatted according to Appendix FM SE requirements.
5. ILR application process and timeline
Applications are submitted online through the Home Office portal. You will pay the ILR application fee, upload supporting evidence, and attend a biometric appointment. Processing can take up to six months under standard service, or faster under the priority service for an additional fee. Applicants should not travel outside the UK while the application is pending, as this may void the application.
6. Moving from ILR to British citizenship
Once ILR is granted, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months, provided you meet residence, English language, and good character requirements. If you are married to a British citizen, you may apply immediately after obtaining ILR, without waiting 12 months, subject to meeting all eligibility conditions.
Section summary: The spouse visa route provides a defined pathway to settlement after five years of continuous residence. Applicants must continue to meet the financial, relationship, and English language criteria, maintain continuous residence, and demonstrate integration by passing the Life in the UK Test. Once ILR is granted, permanent residence and eventual citizenship become achievable.
The UK Spouse Visa provides a structured immigration route for couples who wish to live together in the United Kingdom. It recognises family life as a protected right under UK and international law while ensuring applicants meet defined financial, language, and suitability requirements. Understanding these rules helps couples prepare complete, compliant applications that stand the best chance of success.
Section I: Summary
The spouse visa, contained within the Family Migration provisions of Appendix FM, enables non-UK nationals to live with their British or settled partners in the UK. It allows the visa holder to work, study, and access the NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge, with a pathway to permanent settlement after five years of residence.
Eligibility depends on proving a genuine and subsisting relationship, meeting the financial threshold (currently £29,000 for new applications from 11 April 2024), demonstrating adequate accommodation, and satisfying English language requirements. Those under transitional arrangements can continue applying under the previous £18,600 income level when extending their visa with the same partner.
Applications are made online through the UKVI portal, with supporting documents uploaded digitally or presented at a biometric appointment. Processing times are typically 8 weeks for in-country and 12 weeks for out-of-country applications, with faster options available for a fee. After five years, eligible visa holders may apply for indefinite leave to remain and subsequently British citizenship, provided they continue to meet all the requirements.
While the application process can be demanding, thorough preparation and compliance with Appendix FM guidance increase the chances of a successful outcome. Couples should pay close attention to documentary consistency, relationship evidence, and timing to maintain lawful residence and protect their path to settlement.
Section J: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a spouse visa, and who can apply?
The UK Spouse Visa allows a non-UK partner of a British citizen or settled person to live in the UK. Applicants must prove a genuine relationship, meet financial and accommodation requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
2. How long does the spouse visa last?
Spouse visas are granted for 33 months if applying from abroad and 30 months if applying from within the UK. They can be extended for a further 30 months, leading to eligibility for settlement after five years.
3. Can I work on a spouse visa?
Yes. Spouse visa holders may work in any job or be self-employed without needing sponsorship.
4. What is the financial requirement for a spouse visa?
For new applications from 11 April 2024, the sponsor must earn at least £29,000 a year. Applicants under pre-April 2024 visas remain on the £18,600 threshold until they change route or partner.
5. What level of English is required?
Applicants must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level A1 for an initial visa and A2 when applying for an extension. For ILR, the requirement increases to B1, plus passing the Life in the UK Test.
6. Can I include children in my application?
Dependent children may be included, but the financial threshold increases under transitional rules for pre-2024 applications. For new applications under the £29,000 threshold, there is no child-specific addition.
7. What happens if my spouse visa is refused?
You may have a right of appeal if the refusal raises human rights issues. Otherwise, you can request administrative review or reapply with improved evidence.
8. When can I apply for indefinite leave to remain?
After five continuous years on the spouse visa route, provided you meet the financial, English, relationship, and residence requirements, and have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
9. Do I get a physical visa or eVisa?
From 2025, most new applicants receive an eVisa linked to their passport rather than a Biometric Residence Permit. All BRPs will expire by the end of 2025 as part of the UK’s move to digital immigration status.
10. Can I claim public funds on a spouse visa?
No. Spouse visa holders are subject to a “no recourse to public funds” condition and must not access most UK benefits or housing assistance.
11. Can I travel outside the UK?
Yes, but excessive absences (over 180 days in a 12-month period) may break continuous residence for settlement purposes. Keep travel records to support your ILR application.
Section summary: The spouse visa offers a defined route for couples to build their life together in the UK. Meeting the financial, relationship, and English language requirements at each stage and maintaining lawful residence ensures eligibility for ILR and, in time, British citizenship.
Section K: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Appendix FM | The section of the UK Immigration Rules that governs applications made by family members, including spouses and partners of British citizens or settled persons. |
| Appendix FM SE | The section of the Immigration Rules that sets out the specific evidential requirements for proving eligibility under Appendix FM. |
| Spouse Visa | A visa under the family route that allows the non-UK partner of a British citizen or settled person to live in the UK. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residence status that allows a person to live in the UK without immigration time restrictions. |
| eVisa | Digital immigration status introduced by the Home Office to replace physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by the end of 2025. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A mandatory fee that grants visa holders access to NHS healthcare during their stay in the UK. |
| CEFR | The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, used to measure English language ability (A1, A2, B1 levels). |
| Fiancé(e) Visa | A six-month visa that allows a foreign national to enter the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership. It does not permit work. |
| Appendix English Language | The section of the Immigration Rules setting out English language requirements for visa applicants. |
| KoLL | Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement for ILR and British citizenship applicants. |
| Priority Service | A paid option that provides a faster decision on a visa application, typically within five working days. |
| Super Priority Service | A premium fast-track visa processing option, usually providing a decision by the next working day. |
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration – the Home Office department responsible for visa and immigration decisions. |
| Appendix EU | The Immigration Rules governing EU Settlement Scheme applications for EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members. |
| Article 8 ECHR | The provision under the European Convention on Human Rights that protects the right to respect for private and family life, often raised in spouse visa appeals. |
Section L: Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
| Family visas: apply, extend or switch | https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa |
| Appendix FM: family members | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-family-members |
| Appendix FM SE: evidential requirements | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se-family-members-specified-evidence |
| English language requirements | https://www.gov.uk/english-language |
| Life in the UK Test | https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test |
| Knowledge of Language and Life (KoLL) guidance | https://www.gov.uk/english-language/what-proves-your-knowledge |
| DavidsonMorris – Spouse Visa UK | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/spouse-visa-uk/ |
| Xpats.io – Spouse Visa UK | https://www.xpats.io/spouse-visa-uk/ |
