Ultimate Guide to Uk Spouse Visa: Requirements Process & Expert Tips

If you’re dreaming of building a life in the UK with your partner, the Spouse Visa is your golden ticket. Officially known as the Family Visa, this route allows married or civil partners to join their spouse or civil partner who is already settled in the UK — or in some cases, someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.

But don’t let the term spouse visa fool you. The UK government has strict eligibility rules, rigorous financial thresholds, and document-heavy processes. One small mistake can mean rejection, delays, or even a ban.

This comprehensive, high-authority guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from eligibility and financial requirements to the step-by-step application process, common mistakes, and expert tips to boost your chances of success.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A Spouse Visa (Entry Clearance) (FLR (M)) allows you to enter the UK as the spouse or civil partner of someone who is either:

• Settled in the UK (holds Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR)
• A British citizen
• A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection

Once you enter on this visa, you can live, work, and study in the UK for 2 years and 14 days. After that, you can apply to extend it for another 2 years and 14 days. Once you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and after that, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Official Definition:
The Spouse Visa is a family-based immigration route that enables non-EEA nationals to join their legally married or civil partnered spouse in the UK.

GOV.UK: Spouse or civil partner visa

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa Uk?

To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Valid Marriage or Civil Partnership

• You must be legally married or in a civil partnership.
• The marriage or partnership must be genuine and subsisting.
• Same-sex and opposite-sex couples are treated equally.
• Polygamous marriages may be accepted if they meet strict conditions.

Note: If you’re not married but are in a long-term relationship, you may qualify under the Unmarried Partner Visa, but the rules are stricter and require 2 years of continuous cohabitation.

2. Minimum Financial Requirement

You must prove that you and your sponsor (your UK-based spouse) meet the minimum income threshold — currently PS18,600 per year (as of 2024).

This includes:

• Your combined income from employment, self-employment, pensions, benefits, or savings.
• If you have children, the threshold rises:
• PS24,800 for 1 child
• PS31,000 for 2 children
• PS35,000 for 3 or more children

Alternative routes: If your income is below the threshold, you can use savings of at least PS9,300 per year shortfall. But this is complicated and requires careful calculation.

GOV.UK: Financial requirement for family visas

3. English Language Proficiency

You must prove you have A1 level English (CEFR level), unless you’re exempt (e.g., from a majority English-speaking country).

Acceptable proof:

• Passing an approved English test (e.g., IELTS SELT at A1 level)
• A degree taught in English from a UK university (or country where English is the national language)
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)

Exempt countries include: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Commonwealth nations.

GOV.UK: List of approved English tests

4. Suitability and Genuine Relationship

The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) will assess whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting. They look for:

• Evidence of shared life (photos, messages, travel history)
• Living together (if applicable)
• Joint finances, children, or property
• Consistency in relationship history

They may refuse if they suspect sham marriage, visa deception, or criminal behavior.

5. Sponsor Eligibility

Your UK-based spouse must:

• Be over 18
• Be a British citizen, settled person (ILR), refugee, or have humanitarian protection
• Meet the same financial requirement if they are the sponsor (yes — they must meet the income threshold themselves)
• Sign a declaration confirming they will support you without public funds

GOV.UK: Who can sponsor a family visa

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Uk

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the GOV.UK tool to see if you meet the criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Marriage/civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English or Welsh)
• Proof of relationship (photos, joint bank statements, messages, shared address)
• Proof of sponsor’s status in the UK (e.g., passport, BRP, birth certificate of child if applicable)
• Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
• English language proof (test results or degree certificate)
• TB test results (if applicable — from a list of approved countries)

All non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator. Keep the original and translation together.

Step 3: Apply Online

Go to the GOV.UK: Apply for a spouse visa portal.

You’ll need:

• Your and your sponsor’s details
• Passport information
• Relationship history
• Financial and accommodation details
• Upload scanned copies of all documents

Step 4: Pay the Fee and Healthcare Surcharge

• Application fee: PS1,538 (from outside the UK)
• Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): PS624 per year (so PS3,120 for 5 years)
• This gives you access to the NHS

Pro Tip: Pay with a debit/credit card. Keep the payment confirmation.

Step 5: Biometric Enrolment

After submitting your online application, you’ll get a letter asking you to visit a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Application Centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

This must be done within 15 days of the letter’s date.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

• Standard service: 12 weeks
• Priority/Rush service: 5 weeks (extra cost)
• Super Priority: 1 working day (very expensive and limited availability)

You can track your application online.

During this time, do NOT leave the country unless you’ve applied for a Standstill Agreement (rarely granted).

Step 7: Visa Issued

If approved, you’ll get a visa vignette in your passport. This allows you to enter the UK.

You’ll also receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which you must collect within 10 days of arriving (or 30 days if you’re exempt from collecting it).

GOV.UK: Collect your BRP

Financial Requirement Explained in Detail for Uk Spouse Visa

The PS18,600 minimum income threshold is not just a number — it’s a barrier many applicants fail to meet. Here’s how it works:

How the Threshold is Calculated

You must meet the threshold before tax and after pension contributions

Income includes:

• Salary (after tax)
• Bonuses
• Overtime
• Self-employment profits (after tax and national insurance)
• Pensions (state or private)
• Benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Child Benefit — yes, these count!)
• Rental income (after expenses)

• Disallowed income:
• Student loans
• Lottery winnings
• One-off payments (unless regular)
• Child maintenance received (not paid)

Using Savings to Top Up Income

If your income is between PS16,000 and PS18,600, you can use savings to make up the difference.

• Required savings = PS9,300 for every PS1,600 shortfall
• Example: If income is PS17,000, shortfall = PS1,600 – need PS9,300 in savings

Savings must be:

• Held for at least 6 months
• In your or your sponsor’s name (or joint)
• Accessible (not locked in long-term investments or property)
• Not borrowed

GOV.UK: How to calculate income and savings

English Language Requirement: Proof Made Simple

You must prove A1 level English unless exempt. Here’s how:

Option 1: Take an Approved Test

• IELTS for UKVI (SELTr) at A1 level
• Costs around PS150-PS200
• Valid for 2 years

Book with an approved test center: GOV.UK list

Option 2: Academic Qualification

If you have a degree taught in English from:

• A UK university
• Or a country where English is the national language (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)

You’ll need:

• Original degree certificate
• Official transcript
• Confirmation from the university that the course was taught in English

Degrees from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc., may require additional proof.

Option 3: Nationality Exemption

You’re exempt if you’re a national of:

• USA
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Most Commonwealth countries (e.g., India, Pakistan — but not all)

GOV.UK: Countries where English is the national language

Evidence of a Genuine Relationship: What UKVI Looks For

UKVI officers are trained to spot sham marriages. Here’s how to prove your relationship is real:

Strong Evidence to Include

Red Flags That May Trigger Refusal

• Inconsistent relationship history
• No photos or communication history
• Living apart with no explanation
• One partner earns significantly more than the threshold
• Previous visa refusals or deception

Tip: Write a relationship statement explaining how you met, your wedding, daily life, future plans, etc. Keep it honest and detailed.

Accommodation & Maintenance Requirement

You must show you have adequate accommodation in the UK, without needing public funds.

• Your sponsor must confirm they will house you
• You don’t need to own the property — a rental agreement is fine
• The accommodation must be suitable for your family size
• No need to prove ownership, but you must show ability to pay rent

This is usually satisfied if your sponsor provides a letter confirming accommodation and financial support.

Processing Times & Costs (2024-2025)

Apply as early as possible — delays are common. Use the GOV.UK visa checker for updates.

Common Reasons for Uk Spouse Visa Refusal

1. Financial Shortfall – Not meeting the PS18,600 threshold or miscalculating savings
2. Insufficient Relationship Evidence – Lack of photos, messages, or joint documents
3. English Language Failure – Not providing valid proof
4. Sponsor Not Eligible – Sponsor not settled or not meeting income
5. Accommodation Issues – No proof of suitable housing
6. Criminal Records – Either applicant has serious offenses
7. Previous Immigration Violations – Overstays, deception, or refusals

You can appeal a refusal, but you must act within 28 days. Appeals are costly and lengthy.

GOV.UK: How to appeal a visa refusal

After Entry: Switching to ILR and Citizenship

Step 1: Extend Your Spouse Visa

After 2 years and 14 days, apply to extend:

• Form: FLR (M) extension
• Fee: PS1,038
• IHS: PS624 per year again
• You must still meet financial, English, and relationship requirements

Step 2: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years continuous residence, you can apply:

• Fee: PS2,389
• No IHS this time

Must show:

• Continuous residence (no absences over 180 days)
• Still in a genuine relationship
• English language (now higher — B1 level)
• No serious immigration breaches

ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without time limits.

Step 3: Apply for British Citizenship

After 1 year ILR, you can apply:

• Fee: PS1,330

Must pass:

• Life in the UK test
• English at B1 level
• Good character (no criminal record)
• You must intend to continue living in the UK

Citizenship gives you a UK passport and full rights.

• GOV.UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain
• GOV.UK: British Citizenship

Expert Tips to Maximize Your Chances for Uk Spouse Visa

1. Start Saving Early – Build up savings to cover the financial requirement and buffer for delays.
2. Document Everything – Keep a relationship diary, photo logs, travel receipts.
3. Use Certified Translators – Never submit uncertified translations.
4. Apply in the Right Jurisdiction – Some countries have faster processing (e.g., China, India).
5. Get Legal Advice if Needed – Complex cases (e.g., polygamy, previous refusals) need expert help.
6. Be Truthful – Never lie or exaggerate. Inconsistencies = refusal.
7. Prepare for Interview – Some applications are called for an interview. Know your relationship history cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I work on a Spouse Visa?

Yes. You have full work rights in the UK from day one.

Q: Can I bring children with me?

Yes, if they are under 18 and unmarried, and you meet additional financial thresholds.

Q: Can I visit my home country during the application?

Yes, but leaving may invalidate the “continuous residence” if you’re inside the UK. If applying from abroad, travel is fine.

Q: How long does it take to get ILR?

After 5 years of living in the UK under this visa, plus processing time (~6-12 weeks).

Q: Can I get public funds on a Spouse Visa?

No. You must prove you won’t need public funds (e.g., benefits).

Final Thoughts: Your Path to a UK Future

The UK Spouse Visa is more than paperwork — it’s a test of love, commitment, and perseverance. With over 90,000 such visas issued annually (GOV.UK data), it’s a popular route — but also one with high scrutiny.

Success comes from:

• Preparation
• Transparency
• Evidence
• Patience

If you follow this guide, avoid common traps, and stay persistent, you can turn your dream of life in the UK with your spouse into reality.

Need Help? Contact Official Resources

• GOV.UK Contact Centre: 0300 123 0709 (outside UK: +44 20 3088 4300)
• UKVI Live Chat: GOV.UK Chat
• Citizens Advice Bureau: For free immigration advice (not legal)
• OISC-Certified Immigration Advisers: For paid legal support (check OISC register)

Summary Checklist Before You Apply for Spouse Visa Uk

• Marriage certificate translated and certified
• Sponsor’s proof of status (passport, BRP, etc.)
• Joint bank statements (last 6 months)
• Proof of English (test result or degree)
• TB test certificate (if required)
• Savings or income to meet financial threshold
• Accommodation letter from sponsor
• Relationship evidence (photos, messages, travel history)
• Completed online application
• Biometrics booked and attended
• Visa fee and IHS paid