UK spouse visas explained: eligibility, requirements and the application process

A UK spouse visa allows eligible couples to live together in the UK and can provide a route to permanent settlement. However, strict eligibility requirements and a detailed application process mean it is important to ensure your application is prepared correctly.

In this guide, we explain who is eligible for a UK spouse visa, the key requirements you must meet, and the steps involved in the application process.

What is a spouse visa?

A UK spouse visa is an attractive option for couples who want to build their life together in the UK. To be eligible, your partner must be either a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK, such as someone with indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. You must also be married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership that has existed for at least two years.

Unlike a standard visitor visa, a spouse visa allows you to live in the UK for more than six months and gives you the right to work, study and access the NHS. It also provides a pathway to settlement. After five years, many spouse visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain, enabling them to live in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. Once you have indefinite leave to remain, you may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Spouse visa eligibility requirements

To qualify for a UK spouse visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements:

• You must be in a genuine and eligible relationship with your partner.

• Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.

• You and your partner must have a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000, or meet the financial requirement through eligible savings (currently £88,500 if relying on savings alone).

• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.

• You must meet the English language requirement at a minimum of CEFR level A1.

If successful, you can stay in the UK for two years and nine months. After this, you will need to apply to extend your stay.

Spouse visa costs

The cost of a UK spouse visa depends on where you apply. The application fee is £1,407 for applications made from within the UK and £2,064 for those made from outside the UK.

You must also pay the relevant application fee for each dependant included in your application, together with the immigration health surcharge, which is currently £3,105 per adult and £2,328 per child, being the accrued yearly fee for the duration of the visa.

How to apply for a spouse visa

Applying for a UK spouse visa involves the following steps:

1. Complete the online application form on the gov.uk website with details about your personal circumstances, relationship and immigration history.

2. Book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

3. Pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge to submit your application.

4. Upload or provide your supporting documents, including evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements.

5. Attend your biometric appointment, where your identity will be verified.

6. Wait for a decision from the Home Office once your application has been assessed.

Required documents

To support your UK spouse visa application, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Two passport-sized colour photographs that meet government's requirements.

• Your current passport.

• Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps from previous passports.

• Details of any previous UK visa applications.

• Evidence of your genuine and eligible relationship (for example, photographs, joint bills or other shared financial documents).

• Evidence that you meet the financial requirement (such as payslips or bank statements).

• Proof of suitable UK accommodation.

• Details of any criminal convictions.

• Your National Insurance number, if applicable.

• Your parents' dates of birth and nationalities, if applying from outside the UK.

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you are applying from one of the listed countries

If any of these documents are in a language other than English or Welsh, you will need to provide a certified translation in addition to the original document.

How long does a spouse visa application take?

The application should be processed within 12 weeks, or within 30 working days under the priority service (£500).

What happens if your marriage breaks down while you are in the UK with a spouse visa?

If you are in the UK as a dependant on a spouse or partner visa and your marriage or relationship breaks down, your immigration status will be affected.

Here we answer some of our most frequently asked questions about spouse visas when a relationship breaks down:

Do I need to tell the Home Office?

Yes. If your relationship has permanently broken down, you must notify the Home Office as soon as possible. Before doing so, it is advisable to seek legal advice. Once the Home Office has been notified, it will usually curtail your visa and require you to either make a new immigration application, if eligible, or leave the UK.

Will my visa be cancelled?

In most cases, the Home Office will cap your visa to 60 days, unless it is due to expire sooner, in which case it will usually remain valid until its original expiry date.

When a relationship breakdown is reported, the Home Office will consider factors such as whether there are any children involved or indications of domestic abuse. In some cases, it may carry out further enquiries. If there are allegations that your UK sponsor has been the victim of domestic abuse, or there is evidence of immigration abuse, the Home Office may cancel your visa with immediate effect.

Can I remain in the UK myself?

A relationship breakdown does not give you an automatic right to remain in the UK. If you wish to stay, you will need to apply under another immigration route, if eligible.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for:

• Indefinite leave to remain, if you have lived lawfully in the UK for 10 continuous years.

• Limited leave to remain as a parent, if your child is British, settled, or has lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years.

Other visa options may also be available, including a skilled worker visa (open to those employed by an organisation licensed to sponsor skilled workers) or a student visa, (available to those with an unconditional offer of study by an institution licensed to sponsor migrants), although some routes may require you to leave the UK and apply from overseas. The most suitable option will depend on your individual circumstances.

What if I am a victim of domestic abuse?

If your relationship has permanently broken down because of domestic abuse, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain without relying on your partner. This route is available to eligible spouses and partners of British citizens, settled persons and individuals with refugee status.

You will need to provide evidence in support of your application, which may include:

• A police report confirming domestic abuse.

• A court order or criminal conviction.

• A letter from a domestic abuse support organisation.

The evidence required will depend on your individual circumstances.

Applications under the domestic abuse route can be complex and emotionally challenging. Our immigration solicitors can guide you through the process, help you gather the appropriate evidence and present the strongest possible application.

Extending a spouse visa

Extending a spouse visa can feel more straightforward than the initial application, as couples are often already living together in the UK and are familiar with the type of evidence required. However, the extension process still requires careful preparation.

The requirements for an extension are different from those for the initial spouse visa application, so it is important to ensure you provide the correct evidence and meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application to UK Visas and Immigration.

Tips for extending your UK spouse visa

Although an extension application may feel more familiar than your initial spouse visa application, you must still meet the relevant eligibility requirements and provide evidence that your circumstances continue to meet the Home Office criteria.

The requirements for extending a spouse visa are not identical to those for the initial application, so careful preparation is essential to ensure you submit the correct evidence and give your application the best chance of success.

Before applying, make sure you:

1. Give yourself plenty of time. You can usually apply shortly before your current visa expires. Don't leave your application until the last minute.

2. Check you still meet the financial requirement. Ensure you have the necessary evidence, such as payslips, bank statements or other accepted financial documents.

3. Gather evidence of your relationship. You'll need to show that your relationship remains genuine and eligible, e.g. through documents showing you have continued to live together.

4. Provide evidence of suitable accommodation. You must continue to have a suitable home available in the UK. Include evidence of ownership or permission to reside

5. Meet the English language requirement. Most applicants will need to demonstrate English language ability at the required level, unless an exemption applies. If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then you need to provide some evidence of your proficiency in English. The most common way is to show an A2 level test in speaking and listening. This list of authorised test centres are regularly updated.

6. Disclose any relevant changes. This includes any criminal convictions or other changes that could affect your eligibility.

7. Prepare your supporting documents carefully. Ensure all documents are complete, up to date and submitted in the required format.

8. Get advice early. Ideally, you should seek advice around 9–12 months before your visa expires to ensure you understand the latest requirements and have enough time to gather the necessary evidence. Some documents, such as financial evidence, may need to cover a specific period (for example, six months), so starting early can help avoid delays or issues with your application.

If you would like professional support but do not require full representation, a document checking service can be a more affordable option to review your application and supporting evidence before submission.