What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa (also referred to as the UK Partner Visa) allows an eligible foreign national to join their British or settled partner in the UK. Marriage to a British citizen does not automatically grant the right to live in the UK; a spouse visa application is required.

This visa is initially granted for 2 years and 9 months, with the possibility of an extension leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship by marriage.

Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

To qualify for a UK spouse visa, your partner must:

  • Be a British or Irish citizen (by birth or naturalisation), or
  • Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), permanent residence, or EU Settled Status, or
  • Hold refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

You must also:

  • Be legally married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship (at least two years of cohabitation), or
  • Plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2025

To successfully apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Genuine Relationship Requirement

You must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. This includes:

  • Marriage or civil partnership certificates
  • Proof of cohabitation (shared bills, rental agreements, bank statements)
  • Photos together, messages, and correspondence

2. Financial Requirement (£29,000 Before or After Tax?)

As of April 2024, applicants and their UK-based partners must earn at least £29,000 per year (before tax).

Acceptable income sources include:

  • Salary from employment or self-employment
  • Pensions
  • Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits
  • Other specified income or savings

If relying on cash savings alone, you need at least £88,500 in savings.

3. English Language Requirement

You must meet the English language requirement by:

  • Passing a CEFR Level A1 test at an approved test centre (for initial applications)
  • Holding an academic qualification taught in English
  • Being exempt due to age (65+) or a medical condition

4. Accommodation Requirement

You must show that your UK accommodation:

  • Is suitable and meets public health standards
  • Has enough space for you and your partner

UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist (PDF Available)

You will need to submit the following documents:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid passport (current and previous)
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, messages)
  • Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK
  • English language test certificate (if applicable)
  • Biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
  • Tuberculosis test results (if required)

Important: Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Certling provides UKVI-accepted certified translations to ensure your application meets all requirements.

Download the UK Spouse Visa Checklist (PDF)

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa

The UK spouse visa application is completed online through the Home Office website. Steps include:

  1. Check eligibility and gather documents
  2. Complete the online application form
  3. Pay the application fee (£1,258 inside the UK, £1,846 outside)
  4. Upload supporting documents
  5. Book a biometric appointment
  6. Attend an interview (if required)

Spouse Visa Fees and Processing Times

UK Spouse Visa Fees 2024

  • Application fee: £1,258 (inside UK) / £1,846 (outside UK)
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
  • Biometric fee: £19.20
  • Super priority service: £1,000 for next-day decision

Processing Time

Standard processing takes 8 to 12 weeks, but using the priority service can shorten this time.

Extending a UK Spouse Visa

After 2 years and 9 months, you can apply for a spouse visa extension for another 2 years and 6 months. Requirements remain the same, including proving your relationship, financial status, and accommodation.

Spouse Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years on a spouse visa, you may apply for ILR. To qualify, you must:

  • Have continuously lived with your partner in the UK
  • Meet the financial requirements
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test
  • Continue meeting the English language requirement

Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

Why Choose Certling for Certified Translations?

Many UK spouse visa applicants need to submit certified translations for documents such as:

Certling provides: ✅ UKVI-accepted certified translations
✅ Fast processing to meet deadlines
✅ Transparent per-word pricing (unlike competitors that charge per page)
✅ Secure handling of sensitive documents

Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusals & How to Avoid Them

  • Failure to meet financial requirements → Ensure you submit correct payslips and bank statements.
  • Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship → Provide photos, messages, and joint bills.
  • Incorrect or missing translations → Use Certling’s certified translation services to avoid rejection.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK spouse visa involves meeting financial, language, and accommodation requirements, submitting all necessary documents, and providing certified translations where required.

To avoid delays or refusals due to documentation errors, trust Certling for your certified translations. We ensure your documents meet UKVI standards with fast turnaround times.

Get a certified translation