With a UK Spouse Visa, you can join your husband, wife, or partner who is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain, or is a refugee or settled in the UK. There is no need for a lawyer to apply – but many applicants use one to avoid mistakes. Here is a simple guide showing how to apply, eligibility rules, documents, fees, timelines, and how to avoid rejections.
Spouse Visa in the UK: What it allows
- Over the past two years and nine months, I have lived in the UK
- Part-time or full-time work
- Study in the UK
- Bring children (if eligible)
- Obtain an extension, then an indefinite leave of absence
Requirements for Eligibility
In order to qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Relationship Requirements
- Your partner and you must be legally married or in a civil partnership
- You must prove that you have lived together for at least two years if you are unmarried
- There must be a genuine and lasting relationship
- The two of you must plan to live together permanently in the UK
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2. Financial Requirements
Income thresholds must be met by your partner (the sponsor).
There is a minimum income requirement of £18,600 a year
The requirement increases if children are included.
The following sources of income are possible:
- Salary
- Self-employment
- Savings
- Pensions
- Non-employment income
3. Requirements for English Language Proficiency
Unless exempt, you must pass an approved English test (A1 level).
The test is not required in countries where English is the official language.
4. Accommodation Requirement
Accommodations must be adequate without overcrowding.
There should be a tenancy agreement, property documents, or a letter from the host.
Prepare the following documents
Evidence of relationships
- Certificate of marriage or proof of cohabitation
- Combined photos
- Logs of communication (chats, calls)
- Tickets and boarding passes for travel
- Responsibilities shared in the financial realm
Documents related to finances
- Six-month pay stubs
- Statements of bank accounts (6 months)
- Income confirmation letter from employer
- Documents related to taxes (if you are self-employed)
- Savings proof (if applicable)
Various other documents are required
- Passports
- English test certificate
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (for some countries)
- Accommodation proof
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather all necessary documents
Documents related to the relationship, finances, accommodation, and identification should be collected.
Step 2: Fill out the online application
Please answer all questions honestly and accurately.
Step 3: Pay your visa and NHS fees
- A fee of around £1,500+ is required for applications from outside the UK
- Surcharge for immigration health: £1,872 (approx.) for 2.5 years
Before applying, make sure you check the updated fees.
Step 4: Make an appointment for biometrics
An application for a visa requires fingerprinting and a photograph.
Step 5: Upload your documents
Self-upload or pay for scanning at the center.
Step 6: Await a decision
Typical processing time is between 8 and 12 weeks
One to three weeks for priority processing (if available)
The reasons for the denial of a spouse visa application
- Evidence of a weak or inconsistent relationship
- Documents containing incorrect financial information
- Payslips or bank statements that are missing
- Inability to meet the salary threshold
- Application form that has been incomplete
- Documents that are fake or unreliable
The most common cause of refusal is errors in financial evidence, which is why applicants sometimes hire lawyers.
What a lawyer can do for you (if you choose to hire one)
It is common for a UK Spouse Visa lawyer to assist with the following:
- Ensure that all financial documents meet the exact requirements of UKVI
- A detailed cover letter should be prepared
- Ensure that there is strong evidence of a relationship
- Examining the application
- Reducing the risk of refusal by avoiding mistakes
It is recommended that you consult a lawyer to make the process easier, but this is optional. Following the rules carefully will allow you to apply without one.
How to Increase Your Chances of Approval
- Evidence of a strong, clear relationship should be provided
- Ensure that the payslips and bank statements are identical
- If your situation is complex, please include an explanation letter
- Make sure your partner meets the income requirements
- Avoid missing information by using a document checklist
- Scan documents in a high-quality, readable format
Upon approval
Here are the items you will receive:
- For entry into the United Kingdom, you need a 90-day entry vignette (sticker in your passport)
Within ten days of your arrival in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
The path to permanent residence
- First visa: 2 years and 9 months
- Extension of visa: another two years and six months
- Once you have lived in the country for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Upon obtaining ILR, you may apply for citizenship in the United Kingdom
Conclusions
A UK Spouse Visa is one of the most complex visa categories, but with proper documentation, clear evidence of financial resources, and a strong relationship history, approval is very possible, with or without legal representation.
