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Benefits of the UK Spouse Visa
A successful UK Spouse visa grants an initial stay of 30 to 33 months. It provides you with the right to live, work, and study in the UK without the need for separate sponsorship.
Visa holders gain access to free NHS healthcare and public schools for their children. This route also offers a direct path to permanent residency (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.
Eligibility for a Spouse Visa
To qualify, your marriage or civil partnership must be genuine and legally recognized. Your partner must be a British citizen, an ILR holder, or have settled/pre-settled status under the EUSS.
As of April 2024, the minimum income requirement has increased to £29,000 per year. You must also meet the English language requirement and show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK.
The Spouse Visa application process
The application is completed online and requires extensive evidence of your relationship, such as photos, joint finances, and communication records. You must also provide detailed financial and housing proof.
Once the digital application is submitted, you must attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo. You can apply for “Entry Clearance” from abroad or “Switch” from within the UK if on a qualifying visa.
Spouse Visa processing times
Standard applications from outside the UK typically take up to 12 weeks, while in-country switches are usually decided within 8 weeks.
For faster results, Priority services can reduce the wait to 5–10 working days, and Super-priority can provide a decision within 24 hours for in-country applications.
Spouse Visa fees and costs
An overseas application costs £1,938, while applying from within the UK costs £1,321. These fees are subject to regular updates by the Home Office.
In addition to the visa fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year for adults, covering your access to the NHS during your stay.
UK spouse visa financial requirement
To qualify, you must meet the financial threshold: at least £18,600 if you applied before 11 April 2024, or £29,000 for applications after that date. We’ll review your finances during a consultation and guide you on meeting this requirement.
English language requirement for UK spouse visa
Applicants must demonstrate English ability, either by passing an approved test or holding a qualifying degree.
What’s the new rule for a UK spouse visa?
As of 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement for a UK spouse visa increased to £29,000 per year. This applies to all new applications, including those with children. Previously, the threshold was £18,600, with additional amounts for dependents. The UK government had planned further increases, but these have been paused pending a review expected in June 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Your Spouse visa questions answered
This depends on your relationship status. A spouse visa is for those already married or in a civil partnership and a fiancé(e) visa allows you to get married/enter a civil partnership in the UK. Meanwhile, a civil partner visa functions similarly to a spouse visa but for existing civil partnerships.
The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a partner has significantly increased. Effective April 11, 2024, it is now £29,000 and there are even further increases planned for later in 2024 and early 2025.
Yes, you can extend your spouse visa if you still meet the requirements. You’ll need to show your relationship is genuine, meet the financial threshold, and provide proof of accommodation and English language ability. Apply before your current visa expires to stay legally in the UK.
You can appeal or reapply. Rejection reasons are usually given—use them to improve your next steps. Appeals may require extra evidence or clarification, while a new application should include stronger documents. Professional advice can help strengthen your case.
You’ll receive a 2.5-year visa allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK. Follow the conditions on your BRP to maintain legal status. Before it expires, apply to extend or start your ILR application after five years.