UK Spouse and Partner Visa
Spouse Visa UK Application - Apply for a Partner Visa
The UK Spouse or Partner visa allows individuals who are legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live together in the UK. This visa is a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, financial requirements, application process, and visa conditions for the UK spouse visa.
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, the Unmarried Partner visa might be a better option.Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?
To qualify for a UK Spouse visa or UK Partner visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Relationship Requirement
- You must be legally married or in a long-term, genuine, and subsisting relationship.
- Your marriage must be recognised under UK law.
- If not married, you must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
- You must have met in person before applying.
- You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Financial Requirement (Updated April 2024)
To apply, you and/or your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year.
- Only the British/settled partner’s income can be considered if applying from outside the UK.
- The applicant and their partner’s income can be combined if they apply from inside the UK.
- Acceptable income sources include:
- Employment (salaried or non-salaried)
- Self-employment or directorship of a UK company
- Rental income, dividends, or other non-employment income
- Pension income
- Cash savings held for at least six months
Using Cash Savings to Meet the Financial Requirement
If you do not meet the income threshold, you can use cash savings instead. The amount required is calculated as follows:
- Base amount: £16,000
- Additional amount: 2.5 times the shortfall between the required income and actual income
Example Calculation:
- If you have no income, the shortfall is £29,000.
- Formula: £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £88,500
- Total savings required: £88,500
Below is a financial requirement table summarising the income and savings threshold:
| Income Level | Shortfall | Formula | Total Savings Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| £29,000 or more | £0 | Not applicable | No additional savings needed |
| £20,000 | £9,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000) | £38,500 |
| £0 (fully relying on savings) | £29,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) | £88,500 |
English Language Requirement of the UK Spouse Visa
The English language requirement for the UK Partner visa differs depending on where the application is made.
- Applying from outside the UK: CEFR Level A1 (beginner level)
- Applying from inside the UK (extension or switching): CEFR Level A2 (higher level)
How to Meet This Requirement
- Passing an approved English language test
- Holding a degree taught or researched in English
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Exemptions
You do not need to meet this requirement if you:
- Are 65 or over
- Have a disability or exceptional circumstances preventing you from meeting the requirement
How to Apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Marriage certificate or evidence of long-term relationship
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, savings documentation)
- Accommodation details
- English language certificate (if required)
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
- Apply via the UK government website
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Upload supporting documents
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Outside the UK: Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Inside the UK: Book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre
Step 4: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 12 weeks
- Priority processing available for an additional fee
Fees and Costs of the UK Spouse Visa
- Application Fee:
- Applying from outside the UK: £1,846
- Applying from inside the UK: £1,258
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year (paid upfront for 2.5 years)
Estimated total cost: £4,421+
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Spouse visa or UK Partner visa can be complex, especially with strict financial and documentation requirements. Immtell provides expert guidance and support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and meets all Home Office requirements.
We assist with:
- Assessing financial eligibility (income vs savings)
- Document preparation and submission
- Planning for ILR and long-term UK settlemen
Secure Your Future in the UK – Support for Your Spouse Visa
Get personalised guidance on your UK Spouse visa or UK Partner visa application. We’ll help you navigate the financial requirements, documentation, and next steps—ensuring a successful outcome.
Get personalised guidance on your UK Spouse visa or UK Partner visa application. We’ll help you navigate the financial requirements, documentation, and next steps—ensuring a successful outcome.
Further Reading
Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Spouse Visa Application Process
Navigate the UK Spouse Application Process with Our Step-By-Step Guide
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence
