Spouse Visa UK Application | Apply for Partner Visa in 2025
All You Need To Know About the UK Spouse and Partner Visa in 2025
A UK Spouse Visa, also referred to as a Partner Visa, enables a non-UK citizen to join their British spouse or partner in the United Kingdom. This visa falls under the Family visa category and is initially granted for 30 months, with the possibility of an extension.
It is a key step towards obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
UK Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, several criteria must be met:
- Age Requirement: Both the applicant and their sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- Relationship Status: The applicant must be legally married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship akin to marriage with a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Genuine Relationship: The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, which must be demonstrated through various forms of evidence.
- Financial Requirement: The sponsoring partner must have a minimum income of £29,000 per year or provide evidence of sufficient savings to support the applicant without recourse to public funds.
- Accommodation: The couple must have adequate accommodation in the UK.
- English Language: The applicant must meet the English language requirement, either by passing an approved test or having a degree taught in English.
Financial Requirement Details
The UK spouse visa financial requirement can be met through:
- Income: An annual income of at least £29,000 before tax. This can include earnings from employment, self-employment, pension, or other lawful sources.
- Savings: If the income threshold is not met, the couple can use cash savings. The formula for savings is: (shortfall in income × 2.5) + £16,000. For instance, if the income is £10,000 short, the couple would need £55,000 in savings (£10,000 × 2.5 + £16,000).
Is Income from Benefits Usable for My Case?
The standard financial requirement may not apply in some situations, particularly if the sponsoring partner receives certain benefits. These benefits include:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
If the sponsor receives any of these benefits, they do not need to meet the standard financial threshold. Instead, they must demonstrate "adequate maintenance," which means having enough funds to support their dependents. The amount required depends on individual circumstances but typically involves having at least £120 per week after housing costs. This amount increases if the sponsor has children.
Proving a Genuine Relationship With Your Partner
Evidence to prove a genuine relationship may include:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates: Official documentation proving the relationship.
- Joint financial responsibilities: Such as joint bank accounts, shared utility bills, or rental agreements.
- Communication evidence: Records of correspondence, including text messages, social media interactions, and emails.
- Travel history: Proof of visits to each other's countries, travel tickets, and accommodation bookings.
- Photographic evidence: Photos of the couple together at various events or places.
- Statements from family and friends: Affidavits or letters confirming the nature of the relationship.
Accommodation Requirements of the UK Spouse Visa
The couple must demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation in the UK, which meets the UK Government's housing standards. This includes providing evidence such as:
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents: To prove ownership or rental of the property.
- Council tax statements: For verification of the accommodation.
- Utility bills: To show shared living arrangements.
- A property inspection report: To confirm the property meets housing standards and is not overcrowded.
UK Partner Visa Application Process
The visa application process involves several steps:
- Online Application: The applicant must complete an online application form and pay the relevant fees.
- Biometric Information: The applicant must provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre.
- Supporting Documents: Submission of documents to prove the relationship, financial stability, accommodation, and English language proficiency.
- Interview: In rare cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview.
The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa can vary. Applications made outside the UK typically take around 12 weeks, while applications from within the UK may take around 8 weeks. However, priority and super-priority services may reduce this time.
English Language Requirement for the UK Spouse Visa
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, which can be achieved by:
- Passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or higher from an approved provider.
- Having a degree taught in English.
- Exemptions: Certain applicants, including those from majority English-speaking countries, individuals under 18 or over 65, or those with medical conditions preventing them from meeting the requirement, are exempt.
UK Spouse Visa Costs and Duration
The application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK and £1,048 for applications from within the UK. Additional costs include:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Usually £1,035 per year.
- English language test fees.
- Document translation costs (if applicable).
The visa is initially granted for 30 months, after which it can be extended for another 30 months, provided the couple still meets the visa requirements.
UK Partner Visa Renewal and Extension
To extend a Spouse Visa, the couple must continue to meet the financial and relationship requirements. The extension application should be submitted before the current visa expires. After five years on a Spouse Visa, the applicant can apply for ILR, allowing them to live and work in the UK indefinitely.
Spouse Visa Refusal Appeal Process
If a UK Spouse Visa application is refused, the applicant may have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be lodged within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision (if applied from outside the UK) or within 14 days (if applied from within the UK). The appeal process involves submitting further evidence to support the application and possibly attending a tribunal hearing.
Get Expert Help with Your UK Spouse Visa Application
Applying for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa in 2025? Our experts guide you through the partner visa process, ensuring your application is smooth and stress-free.
Applying for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa in 2025? Our experts guide you through the partner visa process, ensuring your application is smooth and stress-free.