UK Spouse Visa – Requirements, Eligibility & Application Support

The UK Spouse Visa enables married partners, civil partners, and long-term partners of UK residents and citizens to join their loved ones and build a future together in the UK.

We offer assistance with the spouse visa process, allowing you to navigate the complex requirements and stringent evidential standards set by the UK authorities. Speak to our immigration advisors about your Spouse Visa application today.

What Is a UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa is specifically designed for married couples, civil partners, fiancés, and unmarried partners wishing to live together in the UK. It allows eligible foreign nationals to join their UK-based spouses or partners for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the opportunity to extend for a pathway to permanent settlement and British citizenship. Children can also be included in the application.

Spouse Visa Eligibility in the UK

The following are the spouse visa UK requirements:

Relationship requirements

Both partners must be aged 18 or over, legally married or in a civil partnership. Unmarried couples must provide evidence of a genuine relationship covering at least two years.

Financial requirement

According to the spouse visa financial requirements, the sponsoring partner must demonstrate an annual income of at least £29,000 (as of April 2024) or show sufficient savings. Some transitional exceptions may apply.

English language requirement

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to at least an A1 level on the CEFR scale for their first visa application. They can do so by passing an approved test or having a foreign degree that was fully taught in English, or holding a UK degree.

Accommodation

The family must have a suitable housing arrangement, accompanied by proof that the property meets UK standards.

Documents Required for Spouse Visa in the UK

Commonly required spouse visa UK documents include:

Proof of relationship: This included a marriage or civil partnership certificate, photographs, joint bills, correspondence, as well as a history of having travelled together.

Proof of income: You can produce payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or evidence of savings to prove that the sponsoring spouse meets the financial threshold.

English language test: This may include a SELT test certificate or any UK-recognised academic qualification in English.

Accommodation evidence: As accommodation evidence, you can show a tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or a property inspection report.

Other than the above, you may also be required to produce valid passports, TB test results (required for some countries), previous immigration history and children’s birth certificates (when applying with children).

Spouse Visa Application Process in the UK

Follow these steps to apply for a spouse visa in the UK online:

Check Eligibility:

• Both partners are aged 18 or over
• The marriage or partnership is legally recognised in the UK
• The relationship is genuine, ongoing, and any previous relationships have ended
• The sponsoring partner is a British/Irish citizen, permanently settled in the UK, or has refugee status/humanitarian protection
• The applicant meets financial, accommodation, and English language requirements

Get Required Documents:

• Collect and organise all previously mentioned documents
• Make sure they are either in English or Welsh

Complete the Online Application:

• Visit the official UK government website (GOV.UK)
• Fill out the spouse visa application form accurately
• Pay both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge

Schedule Biometric Appointment:

• Once you make the payment, you will be able to book a biometric appointment
• Make sure to submit the required documents before the appointment

Attend Biometric Appointment:

• If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photographs
• Those applying from within the UK can use UKVCAS to schedule a biometric service point or use the app if eligible

Decision and Next Steps

The Home Office will process your application, usually within:

• 12 weeks for overseas applications
• 8 weeks for in-country applications

Once you have completed the spouse visa application process in the UK, you will receive a decision by email or letter, including instructions for setting up an eVisa.

Spouse Visa Cost and Processing Time

Below, we have mentioned the processing time and associated cost for a UK spouse visa:

• £1,938 visa fee if applying from outside the UK; £1,321 from within the UK
• £1,035 per year for adults, paid upfront for the visa duration
• Standard spouse visa processing time in the UK is about 12 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from within the UK
• Additional spouse visa UK costs may include possible translation fees, legal assistance, and TB tests where required

Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusal

There can be various reasons for your UK spouse visa getting refused.

Mentioned below are some of the most common reasons for a spouse visa refusal in the UK:

Financial requirement not met: Failing to prove the minimum income/savings is a common cause of refusal.

Insufficient documents: Missing documents or submitting incorrect documents is another reason for visa refusal.

Relationship doubts: Failing to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship can lead to refusal.

Application errors: Mistakes in forms or previous immigration violations are another common ground for visa refusal.

English language shortfall: An application can also be refused on the grounds of not meeting the required language level or missing certificates.

How Our Immigration Advisors Can Help

With UK Visas, you can be assured that your application is in the hands of experts with immigration expertise. We are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and accredited by the OISC, which ensures high standards of professional practices and conformance.

When you choose us, you get:

Professional assistance: You can be assured of being supported by skilled and experienced immigration advisors in the UK with in-depth knowledge in handling cases like yours.

Fixed fees: We believe in transparency. Our services come with fixed fees, meaning you won’t encounter any unexpected changes with us.

Tailored support: From documentation review to preparation for the biometrics appointment, we provide you with customised services along the way, ensuring you receive your visa in hand.

Proven track record: We boast a high rate of success and client satisfaction among both individual and corporate clients. This ensures that we can assist you in achieving a positive outcome for your immigration needs.

UK Visas: Your Trusted Immigration Experts for Spouse Visa Assistance

Book a free consultation with our UK spouse visa experts today. If you need to contact a spouse visa lawyer in the UK, we can also help you find one.

Fill out our contact form or call us at 01403 801801.