Spouse Visa UK: Everything You Need to Know About Joining Your Partner in the UK

The UK Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee status to live in the UK. It falls under the Family Visa category and enables the applicant to work, study, and access NHS healthcare (after paying the health surcharge).

The visa is initially granted for 30 months (2.5 years), with the possibility of extension and eventual permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, both the applicant and the UK-based sponsor must meet strict eligibility criteria.

1. Relationship Requirements

  • You must be legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK.
  • You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting—not a marriage of convenience.
  • You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

2. Financial Requirements

The UK-based partner (sponsor) must demonstrate a minimum income of:

  • £18,600 per year for sponsoring a partner only
  • +£3,800 for the first child
  • +£2,400 for each additional child

Income can be from employment, self-employment, savings, pension, or non-employment income. If using cash savings alone, the threshold is £62,500 held for at least 6 months.

3. Accommodation

You must have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK that will not lead to overcrowding and meets public health standards.

4. English Language Requirement

The applicant must prove their knowledge of English through one of the following:

  • An approved A1 level English test (for first-time applicants)
  • A degree taught in English
  • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa

1. Prepare Your Documents

Typical documents include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Passports
  • Proof of income and employment
  • Evidence of genuine relationship (photos, chat logs, letters, travel history)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • English language certificate

2. Apply Online

You’ll need to fill out the visa application on the UK Government website, depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

3. Pay the Fees

  • Application fee (outside the UK): £1,846
  • Application fee (inside the UK): £1,048
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,560 (for 2.5 years)

4. Attend Biometric Appointment

Applicants must attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.

5. Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary:

  • 12 weeks from outside the UK
  • 8 weeks from inside the UK (standard service)
    Priority and super priority services may be available for faster decisions.

Life on a Spouse Visa

Once approved, the Spouse Visa allows the holder to:

  • Work or study in the UK
  • Access NHS healthcare (after IHS payment)
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely
  • Live with their partner without immigration restrictions

However, you cannot access public funds (such as benefits or housing support).

Extension and Path to Settlement

After 30 months, you must apply to extend the visa for another 30 months. After completing 5 years on a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you:

  • Still meet financial and accommodation requirements
  • Have passed the Life in the UK Test
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or above

After holding ILR for one year, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Spouse Visa applications can be refused for several reasons, including:

  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Failing to meet the financial requirement
  • Doubts about the genuineness of the relationship
  • Previous immigration violations

To avoid costly refusals, many applicants choose to work with experienced immigration solicitors to ensure everything is in order.

Final Thoughts

The Spouse Visa UK is a vital route for couples who wish to live and build their lives together in Britain. While the application process is detailed and sometimes challenging, careful preparation and understanding of the rules can significantly increase your chances of success.

Whether you’re just beginning the process or preparing to extend your visa, staying informed and organised is key. And for those unsure about any step, professional legal guidance can offer peace of mind and support.

Love may bring you together—but the right visa keeps you together in the UK.