APPLY FOR A SPOUSE VISA
Spouse Visa
A UK spouse visa lets you join your husband or wife in the UK, or stay here with them if you’re already in the country. Your partner needs to be British or Irish, settled in the UK, or have another qualifying status.
You’ll need to show your marriage is legally recognised, your relationship is genuine, and you plan to live together permanently in the UK. You’ll also need to meet the financial, accommodation and English language requirements.
Civil partners apply under the same rules. If you’re not married but have been in a relationship like a marriage for at least two years, you may be able to apply as an unmarried partner.
We advise on spouse visa applications from overseas and inside the UK, including cases with complicated finances, previous immigration history or changes in family circumstances.
Who can apply?
You’ll normally need to show that:
- you’re both 18 or over
- you’re legally married, in a marriage recognised in the UK
- you’ve met in person
- your relationship is genuine and continuing
- you plan to live together permanently in the UK
- your partner has a qualifying immigration status
- you meet the financial and accommodation requirements
- you meet the English language requirement, unless you’re exempt
- there are no suitability reasons to refuse you
You can apply if you married overseas, as long as the marriage is recognised in the UK. You don’t have to have lived together before applying, but you’ll need good evidence of your relationship and your plans to make a home together.
Who can sponsor you?
Your partner can sponsor you if they’re a British or Irish citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status, or, in some cases, have pre-settled status. Some people with protection status or other permissions can also sponsor.
If your partner is in the UK on a work or student visa, you’ll usually need to apply as their dependant on that route instead.
Proving your marriage and relationship
The Home Office needs to be satisfied your marriage is legally valid and your relationship is genuine. Your marriage certificate is important, but it isn’t always enough on its own.
Useful evidence includes:
- your marriage certificate
- evidence of visits and time spent together
- messages and call records if you’ve lived apart
- shared finances or bills
- evidence of any time you’ve lived together
- documents about children or other shared responsibilities
What you can provide depends on your circumstances. A couple who’ve lived in different countries will have different evidence from a couple who’ve shared a home for years.
Do you have to have lived together?
No. There’s no set period you need to have lived together. But you must have met in person, your relationship must be genuine, and you must plan to live together in the UK. If you’ve spent long periods apart, you may need to explain why.
How much do you need to earn?
For most new applications, you’ll need an income of at least £29,000 a year. This can come from certain types of income or savings, and the Home Office has strict rules on how income is worked out and proved.
The evidence you need depends on your situation. For example, it’s different for someone on a salary compared with someone who’s self-employed, a company director or has income from several sources.
Whose income counts?
If you’re applying from overseas, it’s usually your partner’s income in the UK that counts. Your own overseas earnings generally can’t be used in the same way.
If you’re already in the UK with permission to work, your own UK earnings can be counted alongside your partner’s. Pensions, certain other income and savings may also count.
Can you use savings?
Yes, on their own or with income. If you’re relying on savings alone, you’ll normally need £88,500. If you’re combining savings with income, the amount depends on how short your income is. The money must have been held for the required period, with the right evidence.
What if your partner gets disability or carer’s benefits?
If your partner receives certain benefits, the £29,000 threshold doesn’t apply. Instead, you’ll need to show you can support yourselves and have suitable accommodation without extra public funds. You’ll need evidence of the benefit and your household finances.
Are there other exceptions?
If you can’t meet the financial requirement, your application may still be considered on human rights grounds in some cases. This isn’t automatic, and your circumstances and evidence will be looked at carefully.
If you’re extending a spouse visa you first got before 11 April 2024, different financial rules may apply.
Accommodation
You’ll need suitable accommodation for you, your spouse and any family members, without overcrowding. It doesn’t have to be owned by your partner. Rented property or a home provided by relatives can be fine. Evidence might be a tenancy agreement, property deeds or a letter from the person you’ll live with.
English language
For your first spouse visa, you’ll need English at level A1 in speaking and listening. You can prove this with an approved English test or an eligible qualification. If you’re relying on an overseas degree taught in English, you may need an Ecctis assessment.
You’re exempt if you’re a national of certain English-speaking countries, 65 or over, or have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting it.
Applying from outside the UK
If you live overseas, you’ll need to apply before you travel to the UK. You apply online, upload your evidence and verify your identity. If you’re successful, you’ll normally be granted 33 months, and you can then move to the UK to live with your spouse.
Switching to a spouse visa inside the UK
If you’re already in the UK, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa without leaving, for example from some work or student visas. You can’t switch from every visa. Visitors and people with permission for six months or less usually have to apply from overseas, though fiancé visa holders can switch after the wedding. Check you’re allowed to switch before you apply.
Switching from a fiancé visa
If you came to the UK on a fiancé visa, you can normally apply to stay as a spouse once you’re married. It isn’t automatic. You’ll need to make a new application and meet the requirements.
What documents will you need?
Typically:
- your passport and any immigration documents
- evidence of your partner’s nationality or status
- your marriage certificate
- evidence your relationship is genuine and continuing
- payslips, bank statements and employment records
- self-employment, savings or other financial evidence, if relevant
- evidence of your accommodation
- your English language evidence, or proof you’re exempt
- documents about any previous marriages
- documents for any children
Documents not in English or Welsh will need certified translations. The Home Office has strict rules on financial evidence, so make sure your documents meet them rather than just showing your income in general.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is £2,064 from outside the UK, or £1,407 if you’re applying from inside the UK. You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year of your visa. Other costs can include an English test, translations, a tuberculosis test if needed, and optional faster services.
Fees correct at October 2026. You can check the latest Home Office fees on GOV.UK.
How long does it take?
Usually around 12 weeks from outside the UK, and eight weeks from inside the UK if you meet the financial and English requirements. Some cases take longer, so allow time before you make travel or moving plans.
How long does a spouse visa last?
Normally 33 months if you apply from outside the UK, or 30 months if you switch from inside the UK. You can then extend it.
Extending your spouse visa
When your visa is due to run out, you can apply to extend it for another 30 months. You’ll need updated evidence of your relationship and to meet the requirements again.
Can a spouse visa lead to ILR?
Yes. On the five-year partner route, you can currently apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, as long as you meet the settlement requirements. Time on a fiancé visa doesn’t count towards the five years. The government has proposed changes to the settlement rules, so check with us before you plan around a date.
What if your application is refused?
Common reasons for refusal include weak relationship evidence, financial documents that don’t meet the rules, or problems with your immigration history. What you can do depends on the reasons. If a human rights claim was refused, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Otherwise, a fresh application may be the best option. Check the deadlines in your refusal letter.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as the marriage is legally recognised in the UK and you meet the other requirements.
Possibly. Savings, other income or certain benefits may help.
No, but you must show your relationship is genuine and that you plan to live together in the UK.
Yes. You can work and study on a spouse visa, unlike a fiancé visa.
They may be able to apply to join you, depending on their age, who has parental responsibility and the family visa rules.
Often, yes, if you meet the spouse visa requirements. It’s worth checking how switching affects your settlement timeline.
Not directly from a spouse visa. You’d first need ILR. If you’re married to a British citizen, you can usually apply for citizenship as soon as you have ILR, without the usual 12-month wait.
UK spouse visa advice from Fusco Browne
A spouse visa application needs evidence of a legally recognised marriage, a genuine relationship, and that you meet the immigration requirements. Financial evidence is especially important if your income comes from self-employment, overseas work, savings or several sources.
We advise on eligibility, applications from overseas, switching from other visas, and cases involving previous refusals or changes in family circumstances.
If you’re planning to join your spouse in the UK, or want to stay here after your marriage, call us for a free initial assessment.