UK Marriage Visa Guide 2025

The term “marriage visa” is widely used but it is not a formal UK immigration category. Couples who want to live together in the UK use the Family visa partner route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. This article explains what people mean by “marriage visa”, how it differs from the Fiancé(e) visa and the Marriage Visitor visa, and what each route permits. It also covers eligibility, documents, fees, timelines, refusal options, and the rights and responsibilities for those on the partner route.

What this article is about: A precise, legally accurate guide to UK routes commonly described as “marriage visas”, including the partner (spouse) route, the fiancé(e) route, and the Marriage Visitor visa. It clarifies terminology, highlights common evidence pitfalls, and sets out the pathway to settlement for partners under Appendix FM.

Section A: What is the UK “Marriage Visa”?

“Marriage visa” is an informal label often used to describe applications made by married partners under the Family visa partner route in Appendix FM. There is no visa officially called a “marriage visa”. Under Appendix FM, married partners can apply to enter or remain in the UK where they meet strict requirements on their relationship, finances, English language, accommodation, and other suitability criteria. Successful applicants receive permission that leads to settlement on the 5-year route.

The phrase also gets confused with the Marriage Visitor visa, which is a short-term visit route for those who intend to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK but will leave afterwards. It does not allow switching into the partner route from inside the UK and does not lead to settlement.

1. Spouse (Partner) route under Appendix FM

This is the route for non-UK nationals who are married to a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain, or another qualifying settled status. Permission is normally granted for 33 months if applying from outside the UK, or 30 months if applying in-country. It can then be extended for a further 30 months, after which most applicants on the standard pathway can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) at 5 years, provided all requirements continue to be met.

Work and study are permitted without route-specific restrictions. Applicants must show the marriage is genuine and subsisting, meet the minimum income requirement (or savings or a permitted combination), and satisfy the English language requirement. If the relationship ends, permission may be curtailed and the applicant would need to qualify under a different route or leave the UK.

Important absence clarification for ILR: There is no fixed “180 days per 12-month” absence cap for ILR under the partner route (that limit applies to certain work routes). However, applicants must evidence that they and their partner intend to live together permanently in the UK; prolonged or frequent separations may be scrutinised and need to be explained.

2. Fiancé(e)/Proposed Civil Partner visa

This is a 6-month permission to enter the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British/settled partner. No right to work is granted. The couple must marry within the 6 months; after the ceremony the applicant can switch in-country to the partner (spouse) route, assuming all requirements are met. Unless exempt, applicants must meet A1 English at entry, and they must show adequate accommodation and intention to marry within the validity period.

3. Marriage Visitor visa

This visit route permits entry to marry or form a civil partnership (or give notice) in the UK where the visitor intends to leave afterwards. It allows a stay of up to 6 months, does not allow work, and does not allow switching into the partner route from inside the UK. Any later partner application would normally be made from overseas. “Study” is not a feature of this route beyond limited recreational activity permitted to visitors generally.

4. Key differences at a glance

Section summary: “Marriage visa” is a shorthand that usually refers to the Family visa partner route under Appendix FM. It is distinct from the Fiancé(e) visa (6-month route to marry then switch) and the Marriage Visitor visa (visit to marry then depart). Understanding these distinctions is critical to avoid refusals and disruption to long-term plans.

Section B: UK Marriage Visa Requirements for Spouses

The Family visa partner route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules sets detailed eligibility criteria that must all be met before a spouse visa can be granted. The Home Office applies these criteria strictly, and many refusals arise from incomplete evidence, incorrect document formats, or misunderstanding of the financial or relationship requirements. Applicants should treat the process as evidential and technical rather than discretionary, ensuring that every requirement is addressed with credible documentation.

This section explains the key requirements for spouses applying under the Family visa route, including relationship, financial, English language, and other mandatory criteria. Transitional provisions for those already on the route before 11 April 2024 are also explained.

1. Relationship Requirements

The foundation of every spouse visa application is proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship. The Home Office will not accept a relationship entered into primarily to secure immigration advantages. Applicants must demonstrate the marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised under UK law and that the couple intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Evidence should show the development and ongoing nature of the relationship. Examples include:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate recognised under UK law
• Records of communication such as messages, call logs, or emails demonstrating ongoing contact
• Proof of cohabitation or regular visits such as tenancy agreements, utility bills, or travel itineraries
• Photographs from shared life events or letters from friends and family confirming the relationship

All evidence should be consistent and span the length of the relationship. Gaps in contact or mismatched timelines should be explained clearly within personal statements. The Home Office will assess credibility across the evidence set, not individual documents in isolation.

2. Financial and Income Requirements

The financial requirement (Minimum Income Requirement or MIR) ensures that couples can be maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds. Since 11 April 2024, new applicants must show a minimum gross annual income of £29,000, or cash savings of at least £88,500, or a combination of both in line with Appendix FM-SE. These levels are subject to periodic review by the Home Office.

Transitional cases: If the applicant was already on the partner route before 11 April 2024 (or applied before that date and was granted), the previous MIR of £18,600 plus additional amounts for dependent children continues to apply for extensions and ILR, as long as the same partner relationship continues. These applicants are not subject to the new £29,000 threshold.

Income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or certain permitted sources. Savings must be held for at least six months before the application, unless they come directly from the sale of property or investments. Financial documentation must precisely follow Appendix FM-SE, with the most common evidence including:

• Six months of payslips and corresponding bank statements for employed sponsors
• A letter from the employer confirming job title, salary, start date and type of employment
• Tax returns, business accounts and bank statements for self-employed sponsors
• Full bank or investment statements proving cash savings and source of funds

Applications often fail where documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or fail to match exactly in figures or dates. Any discrepancies must be explained in writing within the supporting evidence bundle.

3. English Language Requirement

Unless exempt, applicants must prove their English language ability using an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). The level required depends on the stage of the route:

• A1 level for an initial spouse visa application or fiancé(e) visa
• A2 level when applying for an extension after 2.5 years
• B1 level plus the Life in the UK Test when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Exemptions apply to nationals of majority English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, or Australia, or to applicants with a degree taught in English that has been verified by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC). Using an unapproved test centre, relying on an expired certificate, or omitting Ecctis verification are common refusal reasons that can easily be avoided with careful preparation.

4. Accommodation Requirement

Applicants must provide evidence of adequate accommodation that meets UK housing standards and will not be overcrowded. Ownership or rental documents should be submitted along with a property inspection report where possible. The accommodation may be owned or rented by either partner, or provided by family members, but written permission from the owner should be included if the applicant is not on the tenancy or mortgage.

Examples of acceptable evidence include:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
• Property inspection report confirming no overcrowding
• Utility bills showing shared residence
• Letter of consent from the landlord or property owner

The Home Office may reject applications where overcrowding concerns are not addressed or where documents do not clearly link the property to the couple.

5. Tuberculosis Testing

Applicants applying from certain countries must submit a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. Certificates are usually valid for six months. Submitting a certificate from a non-approved clinic or an expired certificate will result in refusal.

6. No Recourse to Public Funds

Spouse visa holders are granted leave subject to a no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition. This means they cannot access most welfare benefits or public housing. Breaching this condition can lead to cancellation of leave and jeopardise future applications for extension or ILR.

Section summary: To meet the spouse visa requirements, applicants must prove a genuine relationship, meet the current or transitional financial thresholds, demonstrate English language ability, and show adequate accommodation and TB clearance where relevant. The Home Office applies these tests rigorously. Every document must be complete, consistent, and within validity periods to prevent delays or refusal.

Section C: UK Marriage Visa Application Process for Spouses

Applying for a UK spouse visa is a detailed administrative process requiring accuracy and organisation. Each stage must comply with the Home Office’s procedural and evidential rules. Even minor errors or omissions can lead to delays or refusals. Applications can be made from outside the UK (entry clearance) or from within the UK (extension or switching), provided the applicant holds a visa that permits in-country applications.

This section outlines the spouse visa process step by step, explains the required documentation, and details the current fees, processing times, and practical tips to strengthen an application.

1. Step-by-Step Application Process

2. Supporting Documents

Each requirement under Appendix FM must be supported by specific documents. The most frequent reasons for refusal include missing evidence, incorrect formats, or mismatched figures. The evidence must demonstrate all eligibility criteria clearly and consistently. Applicants should prepare the following core documents:

• Current and valid passports for both the applicant and the UK sponsor
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate recognised under UK law
• Evidence of genuine and ongoing relationship (e.g. communication, travel, joint finances)
• Financial evidence meeting Appendix FM-SE rules (income, savings, or combination)
• Proof of adequate accommodation (tenancy, mortgage, or consent from owner)
• Approved English language test certificate at the required level, unless exempt
• TB test certificate from an approved clinic, where applicable
• Documents relating to any previous marriages or civil partnerships (divorce or death certificates, if relevant)

All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations. Scanned copies should be legible, dated, and consistent across all evidence. Applicants should retain full copies of everything submitted for reference at the extension or ILR stage.

3. Evidence Checklist by Category

The table below summarises the key evidence typically expected by the Home Office for each requirement area, along with examples of common errors that cause refusals.

4. Spouse Visa Fees and Costs (as at 2025)

Applicants must budget for both the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Optional priority services may also be available depending on location.

These figures reflect the Home Office fees in force from April 2025 and may change periodically. Applicants should always confirm current fees on the official government website before applying.

5. Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on where the application is made and current caseloads. Standard overseas applications can take up to 12 weeks and in-country extensions up to 8 weeks. Priority and Super Priority services can reduce waiting times to around 5 working days or 24 hours respectively, though availability is not guaranteed and may vary by country. Applicants should apply well in advance of visa expiry or planned travel.

6. Practical Tips for Applicants

• Organise all documents in logical order and clearly label each file or section.
• Provide translations for any non-English documents and ensure each translation is certified.
• Check that names, dates and figures match exactly across all forms and evidence.
• Include detailed relationship evidence that spans the full duration of the relationship.
• Keep a complete copy of the application and supporting documents for future extension and ILR stages.

Section summary: The UK spouse visa process is evidence-driven and procedural. Every step, from eligibility checks to document uploads, must be handled precisely. Fees are substantial and delays common if evidence is incomplete. Applicants who prepare methodically, meet formatting rules, and anticipate the Home Office’s strict evidential standards stand the best chance of a smooth and timely decision.

Section D: Common Challenges with the UK Marriage Visa

Even well-prepared spouse visa applications can face problems if the evidence submitted fails to meet the Home Office’s exacting standards. The Immigration Rules under Appendix FM are rigid, and caseworkers are instructed to refuse applications where required evidence is incomplete, inconsistent, or fails to meet format requirements. Understanding the most frequent challenges can help applicants anticipate potential issues and prepare a stronger case from the outset.

This section highlights the main causes of refusal and practical ways to avoid them. Each challenge represents a common area of misunderstanding or error that can have long-term implications for immigration status and family plans in the UK.

1. Insufficient Proof of a Genuine Relationship

Many refusals occur because applicants underestimate how much evidence is needed to prove their relationship is genuine and subsisting. The Home Office expects a consistent record showing communication, shared experiences, and intent to live together permanently in the UK. Submitting only a marriage certificate and a few photographs is rarely sufficient.

Applicants should provide a chronological narrative supported by documentation that covers the entire relationship. This may include joint tenancy agreements, joint financial accounts, travel records, dated photographs, and statements from family or friends. Gaps in communication or long periods apart must be explained clearly and credibly. Caseworkers are trained to treat inconsistencies as potential red flags, so the application must tell a consistent story throughout.

2. Financial Requirement Failures

The financial requirement remains one of the most common barriers to success. Mistakes usually arise from miscalculations, missing documents, or confusion over which rules apply. Since 11 April 2024, new applicants must meet the £29,000 income threshold or the £88,500 savings level. Transitional applicants who entered the route before that date can continue to rely on the previous £18,600 requirement. However, many applications are refused because sponsors submit the wrong evidence for the category they fall under.

Other common issues include:

• Employers’ letters missing mandatory details or dated more than 28 days before submission
• Payslips that do not match bank statement deposits exactly
• Combining self-employment and employment income incorrectly
• Insufficient evidence of savings being held for six months

Each financial category has specific evidential standards under Appendix FM-SE. If an applicant provides evidence that does not comply with those exact standards, the caseworker is required to refuse, even if the overall figures appear to meet the threshold.

3. English Language Proof Errors

English language requirements are another common stumbling block. Problems arise where applicants use test providers that are not on the approved list, present expired test results, or assume that being educated in English automatically meets the requirement without providing formal Ecctis confirmation. Failing to check these technicalities can result in otherwise strong applications being refused. Applicants should ensure that the test provider, test centre, and certificate meet the Home Office’s current SELT standards, and that the certificate remains valid at the date of decision.

4. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Every claim made in a spouse visa application must be evidenced. Caseworkers will reject applications that rely on incomplete or disorganised documentation. Frequent issues include:

• Missing tenancy or mortgage documents to prove accommodation
• Untranslated foreign-language documents
• Unclear travel histories or unexplained absences
• Inconsistent names, addresses, or dates across documents

The Home Office expects clear, verifiable documentation that is easy to cross-reference. Organising the evidence in a labelled digital folder or PDF bundle helps caseworkers navigate the submission efficiently and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

5. Contradictory or Inaccurate Information

Minor discrepancies between the application form and supporting documents can raise doubts about credibility. For example, mismatched addresses between bank statements and tenancy agreements, inconsistent employment dates, or incorrect travel histories can all lead to refusal. The Home Office assumes accuracy as a default obligation on applicants. Before submitting, cross-check every date, figure, and name against the supporting documents to ensure full consistency.

6. Consequences of Refusal

A refusal can have serious implications beyond delay. A record of refusal is retained on the immigration history and may affect future applications. In some cases, a refused applicant may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to family life). However, appeals can take many months and incur additional legal costs. For most applicants, it is usually more practical to submit a new application addressing the reasons for refusal, provided they can correct all deficiencies identified in the refusal notice.

Repeated refusals can damage credibility and make subsequent applications subject to greater scrutiny. Applicants should therefore consider professional guidance if their first attempt has been rejected, particularly if the refusal reasons involve complex evidential or legal issues.

Section summary: The most common causes of spouse visa refusals are weak relationship evidence, errors in financial proof, invalid English language certificates, and inconsistent documentation. Caseworkers are bound by strict evidential rules, so assumptions or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Preparing a coherent, consistent, and complete evidence package greatly reduces the risk of refusal and saves considerable time and expense in the long run.

Section E: Marriage Visa Refusals and Next Steps

Even applicants who appear to meet all the eligibility criteria can face a refusal if the Home Office is not satisfied that the requirements have been fully demonstrated. A refusal can disrupt family life, create financial strain, and result in lengthy delays. Understanding what options are available after a refusal allows couples to act quickly and strategically to protect their position.

This section explains how refusal decisions are issued, what rights of appeal may exist, and how to decide whether to challenge the decision or make a new application. It also explores the legal and practical implications of each option.

1. Understanding the Refusal Letter

When a spouse visa is refused, the Home Office issues a detailed refusal letter explaining the grounds for the decision. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient financial or relationship evidence
• Failure to meet the English language or accommodation requirements
• Documents not matching Home Office format or validity criteria
• Inconsistencies between the application form and supporting evidence

The refusal letter is the key document for determining next steps. It sets out whether the applicant has a right of appeal, and under what grounds. Applicants should carefully review each reason for refusal and assess whether the Home Office’s decision was justified or if a procedural or evidential error occurred.

2. Right of Appeal

Applicants refused a spouse visa often have a right of appeal under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life. Appeals are made to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The appeal process can be lengthy—typically several months or longer—depending on tribunal capacity.

To succeed on appeal, appellants must demonstrate either that the decision was legally flawed or that it disproportionately interferes with their right to family life. Updated evidence can be introduced during the appeal process. Because success depends on both factual and legal arguments, professional legal representation is strongly recommended. While appeals can succeed, they are resource-intensive and time-consuming, so applicants should weigh this carefully against the option of a fresh application.

3. Reapplying After a Refusal

For many couples, making a new application is the most efficient way forward—particularly where the refusal was based on missing documents or outdated information. There is no mandatory waiting period before reapplying. However, the new application must directly address the issues raised in the refusal notice. Submitting another incomplete application will almost certainly result in a second refusal.

When preparing a reapplication, ensure that all evidence is current and comprehensive. Include a short cover letter referencing the previous refusal and explain how each refusal ground has now been resolved. This approach demonstrates transparency and improves the caseworker’s confidence in the resubmitted application.

4. Administrative Review

Administrative review is not available for refusals made under the Family visa (partner) route. This mechanism is limited to certain points-based system decisions. Spouse visa applicants must therefore either appeal (where eligible) or reapply with corrected evidence. Relying on an administrative review request will only delay the process and risks further expiry of lawful status if the applicant is already in the UK.

5. Strategic Considerations

Deciding between an appeal and a fresh application depends on several factors:

• Strength of evidence: Where all evidence now meets the rules, a new application is typically faster and more cost-effective.
• Human rights factors: Where separation would cause serious hardship, an appeal may be more appropriate.
• Timing: If the applicant’s current visa is expiring or has already expired, the strategic urgency may determine whether to appeal or depart and reapply.

In all cases, applicants should prepare for increased scrutiny. The Home Office will review any new application or appeal in the context of the previous refusal, assessing whether inconsistencies remain. A second refusal can be even more damaging to credibility, so careful preparation and full compliance with evidential rules are essential.

Section summary: A refusal is not necessarily the end of the process, but it must be handled carefully. The refusal letter should be reviewed line by line against the submitted evidence. Applicants should decide promptly whether to appeal on family life grounds or reapply with improved documentation. Administrative review is not available for this category, so delays or inaction can worsen the position. A clear, well-prepared reapplication that addresses all refusal grounds offers the best chance of success for most couples.

Section F: Rights and Responsibilities of Marriage Visa Holders

Once granted, a UK spouse visa confers extensive rights, allowing non-UK partners to live, work, and study in the UK. However, these rights come with strict responsibilities and ongoing compliance duties. Failure to follow the visa conditions can lead to curtailment, refusal of future extensions, or denial of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This section outlines the key entitlements and obligations for those living in the UK under the Family visa partner route.

1. Rights of Marriage Visa Holders

The spouse visa provides one of the most flexible immigration statuses in the UK for long-term residence. Successful applicants enjoy the following rights during the validity of their visa:

• Right to live in the UK: Permission to reside in the UK with their British or settled partner for the full length of the visa, normally 30 or 33 months depending on where it was granted.
• Right to work: Freedom to work in any occupation, including employment, self-employment, and voluntary roles, without sponsorship.
• Right to study: Permission to study in the UK without restriction, including higher education and vocational courses.
• Access to the NHS: Eligibility to use the National Health Service after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Standard charges such as prescriptions and dental fees still apply.
• Pathway to settlement: After five continuous years on the partner route, visa holders can apply for ILR. Following ILR, many become eligible for British citizenship after holding ILR for at least 12 months, subject to meeting all statutory criteria.

These rights remain conditional on compliance with immigration laws and maintaining the relationship on which the visa was granted.

2. Responsibilities of Marriage Visa Holders

Spouse visa holders must comply with several important obligations throughout their residence in the UK. These responsibilities are monitored at extension and ILR stages:

• Living together: The couple must live together in the UK and continue their relationship. The Home Office may request updated evidence of cohabitation, such as joint bills or tenancy agreements, at renewal or ILR application.
• No recourse to public funds (NRPF): Visa holders cannot claim most welfare benefits or public housing support. Accessing public funds in breach of visa conditions can lead to curtailment or future refusals.
• Maintaining residence in the UK: There is no fixed limit on absences under Appendix FM, but the couple must show they intend to live together permanently in the UK. Prolonged or unexplained absences may raise concerns about the genuineness of the relationship or intention to reside.
• Reporting changes: Any change in address, marital status, or personal circumstances must be reported to the Home Office promptly through the appropriate channels.
• Compliance with UK law: Convictions or immigration breaches can lead to curtailment of leave or refusal of ILR or citizenship on good character grounds.

Each condition is strictly enforced. Breaches can affect not only the current visa but also future applications for settlement or citizenship. Applicants must therefore maintain clear evidence of ongoing compliance, especially at the time of renewal or ILR application.

3. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the visa conditions can lead to serious outcomes. The Home Office has the power to:

• Cancel the visa if the couple are no longer living together or if the relationship has broken down
• Refuse future applications for extension or ILR if public funds were accessed unlawfully
• Refuse citizenship applications on the basis of immigration breaches or poor conduct
• Take removal action in serious cases involving deception, criminality, or fraud

Visa curtailment decisions are recorded in the individual’s immigration history and can impact future visa eligibility. Where the relationship breaks down, there may be limited alternative routes—such as applications based on domestic abuse or bereavement—but these are subject to specific and strict evidential requirements.

Section summary: The UK spouse visa allows partners to build a life together in the UK with extensive rights to live, work, and study. However, the route demands ongoing compliance. Holders must live together, avoid accessing public funds, maintain residence, and update the Home Office on any changes. Continuous compliance throughout the visa period ensures smoother renewals, strengthens future ILR and citizenship applications, and avoids the risk of curtailment or removal.

Section G: Summary

The UK spouse visa, commonly referred to as the “marriage visa”, is the primary route for non-UK partners of British citizens and settled persons to live together in the UK under the Family visa partner provisions in Appendix FM. Although the term “marriage visa” is widely used, it is not an official immigration category. The correct legal classification is the Family visa (partner route). This distinction is important because other routes—such as the Fiancé(e) visa and the Marriage Visitor visa—serve very different purposes and carry distinct eligibility rules and restrictions.

The spouse visa offers extensive rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UK, and provides a clear pathway to settlement through Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous residence. However, the process is not simple. Each stage of the route—from the initial application through to ILR—requires detailed evidence demonstrating that all relationship, financial, accommodation, and language requirements are met. The Home Office expects complete accuracy and consistency across all documents.

Visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and optional priority services make this route financially demanding, and even minor errors in evidence can lead to refusal. Applicants should prepare thoroughly, ensuring that every requirement of Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE is satisfied. Where refusals occur, it is essential to review the refusal letter carefully, determine whether appeal rights exist, and decide swiftly whether to appeal or reapply with corrected documentation.

Long-term compliance is also essential. Spouse visa holders must live with their partner, avoid claiming public funds, and maintain residence in the UK. Failing to meet these obligations can result in visa curtailment or refusal at the ILR stage. By contrast, consistent adherence to the conditions of stay builds a strong immigration record that supports future settlement and, eventually, citizenship applications.

In short, the UK spouse visa is a route of opportunity and responsibility. It allows families to unite and establish permanent lives in the UK, but it demands precision, transparency, and ongoing compliance. Couples who approach the process methodically—documenting every requirement clearly and anticipating the Home Office’s scrutiny—stand the best chance of achieving long-term stability and success under this immigration category.

Section summary: The spouse visa under Appendix FM is a structured pathway to long-term settlement for couples who meet strict evidential and financial criteria. While it brings significant benefits, it also imposes exacting compliance and documentation standards. A well-prepared, consistent, and transparent application is key to securing approval and progressing smoothly through extensions to eventual Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship.

Section H: FAQs

1. What is a UK Marriage Visa?

The term “Marriage Visa” is an informal way of referring to the Spouse Visa under the Family visa partner route. It allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK to live together in the UK. Holders have the right to work and study, and after five years they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Applicants intending only to marry in the UK without living here long-term should apply for the Marriage Visitor Visa instead.

2. How long is the Marriage Visa valid?

The initial grant of leave is usually 33 months if applying from outside the UK, or 30 months if applying in-country. It can then be extended for another 30 months. After completing five years on the route, the visa holder can apply for ILR, provided all requirements continue to be met.

3. Can I work in the UK on a Spouse Visa?

Yes. Spouse visa holders can work without restriction in any job, profession, or business activity. This includes self-employment and voluntary work. Unlike other immigration routes, the spouse visa does not require employer sponsorship.

4. What is the financial requirement for a UK Marriage Visa?

From 11 April 2024, new applicants must show a minimum annual income of £29,000 or savings of £88,500, or a permitted combination of both. Transitional applicants—those already on the route before this date—can continue using the previous £18,600 income threshold plus child add-ons for extensions and ILR with the same partner. The financial evidence must follow the formats set out in Appendix FM-SE.

5. Do I need to pass an English language test?

Unless exempt, applicants must meet the English language requirement through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. The required levels are:

• A1 for initial application or fiancé(e) visa
• A2 for visa extension after 2.5 years
• B1 plus the Life in the UK Test for ILR

Exemptions apply to nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those holding a degree taught in English, verified by Ecctis (UK NARIC).

6. Can I switch to a Spouse Visa from another UK visa?

Applicants can switch to the spouse visa from most visa categories while inside the UK, provided they do not hold a short-term visa such as a Visitor, Seasonal Worker, or Short-term Student Visa. Fiancé(e) visa holders may switch after marriage. Marriage Visitors cannot switch and must return overseas to apply for entry clearance under the partner route.

7. What happens if my application is refused?

If the Home Office refuses your application, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Depending on your circumstances, you may have a right of appeal under Article 8 (right to family life). Otherwise, you can reapply with stronger evidence that addresses the issues raised in the refusal. There is no administrative review for family visa refusals under Appendix FM.

8. What if my relationship breaks down after I get the visa?

If your relationship permanently ends, you must notify the Home Office. Your spouse visa may be curtailed, but in some situations—such as cases involving domestic abuse or where the UK partner has died—you may still be eligible to apply for settlement or further leave under a different category. Early legal advice is strongly recommended in these cases.

9. Can I access benefits or public housing on a Spouse Visa?

No. The visa carries a no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition. This means you cannot access most UK welfare benefits or public housing assistance. However, you can use the NHS and other public services funded by the Immigration Health Surcharge.

10. What documents are needed for a Spouse Visa application?

Typical documents include:

• Passports for both partners
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship (photos, communication records, joint finances)
• Financial documents showing income or savings
• Proof of suitable accommodation
• Approved English language test certificate
• TB test certificate (if required)

All documents must meet Home Office format and validity rules and, where necessary, include certified English translations.

11. How long does the application take?

Standard processing times are up to 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. Priority and Super Priority services may be available for faster processing but are not guaranteed in every region.

12. Can I apply for British citizenship after a Spouse Visa?

Yes. After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, provided you meet the residence, good character, and Life in the UK Test requirements. Spouses of British citizens may be eligible to apply immediately after obtaining ILR, without waiting 12 months, if they meet the statutory criteria for residence and good character.

Section summary: These FAQs clarify common issues faced by spouse visa applicants and holders, including eligibility, financial and language requirements, refusals, and switching options. Applicants should always verify the latest Home Office rules before applying, as thresholds, fees, and evidential standards are periodically updated.

Section I: Glossary

Section summary: This glossary defines key terms used throughout the spouse and partner visa process, including the official terminology from the UK Immigration Rules and related Home Office guidance. Understanding these terms helps applicants interpret eligibility criteria and navigate the application stages more effectively.

Section J: Useful Links and References

Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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