UK Spouse Visa: Partner and Family Immigration

You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or person with settled status (indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status). Unmarried partners who have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years can also apply. You must both be at least 18 years old. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting.

Your sponsoring partner must earn at least 29,000 GBP per year from employment or self-employment. Savings above 16,000 GBP can supplement income using the formula: (savings minus 16,000) divided by 2.5 must make up the shortfall. For example, if your partner earns 25,000 GBP, you need 26,000 GBP in savings: (4,000 shortfall x 2.5) + 16,000. Income from the applicant can also count if they have existing UK work permission.

For the initial Spouse visa, you need English at CEFR A1 (basic) level. Accepted tests include IELTS Life Skills A1 and Trinity GESE Grade 2. The test costs approximately 150 GBP. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (US, Canada, Australia) are exempt. Holders of a degree taught in English (verified by ENIC-NARIC) are also exempt. A higher B1 level is required when extending.

Strong evidence includes photos together over time, joint financial accounts or bills, correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address, travel records showing trips together, and communication records (messages, call logs). Include a cover letter summarizing your relationship timeline. Immigration officers look for consistent evidence spanning the relationship duration.

Provide 6 months of payslips and corresponding bank statements showing salary deposits. If self-employed, provide tax returns (SA302) and business accounts for the last full financial year. For savings, provide statements showing the money held for at least 6 months. All documents must be originals or certified copies. Inconsistencies between payslips, bank statements, and employer letters are common reasons for refusal.

Provide the original certificate or a certified copy. If the certificate is not in English, include a certified translation by a professional translator. The translation must include the translator's credentials, contact details, and a statement confirming accuracy. Some countries issue certificates in multiple languages, and the English version is acceptable without additional translation.

Complete the application at gov.uk/join-family-in-uk. The form collects personal details, relationship history, immigration history, financial information, and accommodation details. The application takes 60-90 minutes to complete. Have all supporting documents ready before starting. You can save and return to the application within 28 days.

The Spouse visa fee is 1,846 GBP from outside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is 1,035 GBP per year for the 33-month visa duration, totaling approximately 2,846 GBP in IHS. Total upfront cost is approximately 4,692 GBP. Payment is online during the application. The IHS provides access to NHS healthcare during your stay. These fees are non-refundable if the visa is refused.

After submitting the application, upload documents through the UK Visa and Immigration document upload portal. Categories include identity documents (passport, photos), financial evidence, English test results, relationship evidence, and accommodation details. Label documents clearly. The maximum file size is typically 6 MB per document. PDF format is preferred.

Book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in your country. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and any documents that could not be uploaded digitally. Biometrics include fingerprints and a digital photo. Standard processing is 12 weeks from the biometrics date. Priority (5 working days) costs 500 GBP. Super priority (next working day) costs 800 GBP where available.

You receive a 90-day vignette sticker in your passport to enter the UK. After arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the post office specified in your decision letter within 10 days. The BRP is your proof of status, right to work, and identity. It is valid for the duration of your visa (initially 33 months).

The Spouse visa grants full, unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer in any role, be self-employed, or start a business. No separate work permit is needed. You can also access public funds (benefits) if eligible. Register for a National Insurance number at a Jobcentre Plus office to begin working.

The initial Spouse visa lasts 33 months. Before it expires, apply for a 30-month extension (fee: 1,048 GBP plus IHS). At the extension stage, you must prove English at B1 level. After 5 years total on the Spouse route, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) for 2,885 GBP. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days absent per year). This guide is informational only, not legal advice.