UK Spouse Visa Applications
A Spouse or Partner visa allows British citizens and individuals who have indefinite leave to remain, a permanent visa or settled status to call over their spouse or civil partner to live with them in the UK. A Spouse or Civil Partner will need a partner visa to live in the UK long term.
Once the visa is granted spouses or partners are granted a 30 day visa to enter the UK. After entry, the spouse or partner will need to attend a pre-selected Post Office location to collect their BRP (Biometric Residence Permit).
The Spouse/Partner Visa allows the Spouse/Partner to live and work in the UK without seeking permission from the Home Office.
Basic Requirements of a Spouse Visa
To qualify for a Spouse visa:
BOTH PARTNERS MUST BE AGED 18 YEARS OR OVER
Relationship Requirement
Income/Maintenance Requirement
Unless Exempt, the Spouse/Partner in the UK (or the applicant, if they are in the UK with permission to work, for example as a student or other long term category) must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600 or have adequate cash savings to support his or her spouse.
The income threshold can also be met by:
If there are children, the gross annual income or savings requirement is increased. There must be an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for any additional child.
Accommodation
The couple must have a place to live in the UK on entry, known as adequate accommodation. This can be owned, rented or be accommodation offered by a family member or friend.
English Language
The applicant must show that they can speak English to the required standard (Level A1) or have a qualifying degree – find out more about the English test on GOV.UK
TB Test
The Spouse or Civil Partner must take a Tuberculosis (TB) test to show they done have TB if they are coming from a listed country.– find out more about the TB test on GOV.UK
Length of the spouse visa
A spouse or Partner Visa is granted for an initial period not exceeding 33 months.
The visa can be extended for 2.5 years (30 months). After the 5 years the spouse/partner can apply for settlement/indefinite leave to remain in the UK, subject to meeting the conditions of settlement/indefinite leave to remain.
