Spouse Visa UK: Complete 2025 Guide to Bringing Your Partner to Britain

Thinking about bringing your husband, wife, or civil partner to live with you in the UK? The spouse visa UK process might feel overwhelming at first, but thousands of couples successfully reunite in Britain every year. In 2024 alone, over 86,000 family visas were granted by the Home Office, helping families start their lives together.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting a UK spouse visa in 2025, from meeting the requirements to receiving your approval. Whether you’re applying from Manchester, London, or anywhere in the world, we’ll walk you through each step.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation

What Is a UK Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa UK (also called a partner visa or marriage visa) allows you to live in the UK with your husband, wife, or civil partner who is either a British citizen or a settled person. It’s part of the family visa category under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

This isn’t a visitor visa where you pop in and out. The spouse visa lets you live, work, and build your life in Britain. You can get most jobs, start a business, access the NHS through the health surcharge you pay, and eventually apply for permanent residence.

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?

You can apply for a UK spouse visa if your partner is:

• A British citizen
• Someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• An EU, EEA, or Swiss national with settled or pre-settled status
• An Irish citizen living in the UK
• Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection
• A person with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa

Your partner becomes your “sponsor” in immigration terms. They’re the person who’ll support your application and prove they can look after you financially without the family needing benefits.

How Long Does a Spouse Visa Last?

If you’re applying from outside the UK, your initial spouse visa UK lasts for 33 months (2 years and 9 months). If you’re already in Britain on another visa and switching to a spouse visa, you’ll get 30 months (2 years and 6 months).

After your first visa expires, you can extend it for another 30 months. Once you’ve completed 5 years living in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). That’s essentially permanent residence. If you’re married to a British citizen, you can apply for British citizenship immediately after getting ILR.

What Can You Do on a Spouse Visa?

Unlike some other visa types, a UK spouse visa gives you plenty of freedom. You can:

• Work in almost any job (except certain roles requiring security clearance)
• Be self-employed or start your own business
• Study at any level
• Travel in and out of the UK
• Eventually settle permanently and become British

What you can’t do is claim most benefits or public funds. The government wants to make sure your sponsor can support the family without the state stepping in.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements in 2025

The UKVI assesses every spouse visa application against seven main requirements. You need to meet all of them to be approved on the standard 5 year route to settlement.

The 7 Essential Requirements You Must Meet

Let’s look at each requirement in detail so you know exactly what you’re working with.

1. Relationship Requirement

You must be legally married or in a civil partnership that’s recognised in the UK. Your marriage needs to be valid in the country where it took place and can’t violate UK law.

Religious ceremonies count if they meet the legal requirements where the marriage happened. However, forced marriages or marriages where either person was under 18 in England and Wales (or under 16 in Scotland and Northern Ireland) aren’t recognised.

If you’re not married, you can apply as unmarried partners, but you need to prove that you have been in a relationship similar to marriag for at least 2 years.

2. Age Requirement

Both you and your sponsor must be at least 18 years old when you apply. This is straightforward but worth double-checking your dates, especially if you married young and are applying soon after turning 18.

3. Financial Requirement (£29,000)

Here’s where many applications get complex. Your sponsor needs to show they earn at least £29,000 per year before tax, or have £88,500 in savings, or a combination of both.

This is a significant increase from the previous £18,600 threshold, which changed in April 2024. If you’re extending a visa you got before 11 April 2024, you might still qualify under the old rules with £18,600 plus extra for dependent children.

Not sure if your finances add up? Our UK spouse visa financial requirement calculator can tell you instantly whether you meet the threshold through income, savings, or both.

4. English Language Requirement

Unless you’re exempt, you need to prove you can speak English. For your initial application, you need to pass an approved English test at CEFR level A1. This is quite basic, roughly equivalent to being able to have simple conversations.

When you extend your visa, you’ll need A2 level. For indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, you’ll need B1 level.

You’re exempt if you’re from a majority English speaking country (like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or several Caribbean nations), if you’re over 65, or if you have a degree taught in English.

5. Accommodation Requirement

You need to show you have a place to live in the UK that’s not overcrowded and meets public health standards. The property can be owned, rented, or even provided by family or friends.

The Home Office uses a specific formula to work out if there’s enough space. Generally, you need one room per person, but couples share a room, children under 10 can share, and babies under 1 don’t need their own room.

6. Genuine Relationship Test

This is the part that worries most couples. The Home Office wants proof that your relationship is real and not a “sham marriage” just to get a visa.

You’ll need to show evidence like joint bank accounts, bills in both names, photos together over time, messages and communications, travel documents showing visits, and proof of living together if you already have.

We’ll cover exactly how to prove this later in this guide.

7. Immigration Status of Your Sponsor

Your sponsor must be “present and settled” in the UK. For British citizens, this usually means they’re living in Britain, not working abroad long-term.

If your British partner currently lives overseas, they need to show they’re returning to the UK with you. This might involve a job offer in Britain or evidence of accommodation ready for you both.

Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa UK

The financial requirement causes more confusion and refusals than almost anything else. Let’s break down exactly how it works in 2025.

The £29,000 Income Threshold Explained

Your sponsor needs to earn £29,000 per year gross (before tax). This is their income, not yours. If you’re applying from outside the UK, your foreign earnings don’t count. Only the sponsor’s UK income matters initially.

The income can come from:

• Salaried employment in the UK
• Self-employment or business income
• Pension (state or private)
• Rental income from UK property
• Some types of benefits (disability-related only)

Regular benefits like Universal Credit, tax credits, or housing allowance don’t count toward the £29,000. The government wants “earned” income, not state support.

Who Qualifies for the Lower £18,600 Threshold?

If you’re extending a spouse visa that was originally granted before 11 April 2024, you can still use the old income requirement of £18,600. You’ll also need to add £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each additional child, unless they’re British, Irish, or EU citizens with settled status.

This transitional arrangement applies only if you’re staying with the same partner and your original visa was on the 5 year route to settlement.

Using Cash Savings Instead of Income

If your sponsor doesn’t earn £29,000, you can use cash savings instead. But you need a substantial amount: £88,500 if you’re relying entirely on savings with no income at all.

Why such a high figure? The Home Office uses this formula: £16,000 (base threshold) plus 2.5 times the income shortfall.

The savings must have been held continuously for at least 6 months before you apply. A bank statement showing £88,500 deposited last week won’t work. The money needs to have been there since last month, and the month before that, going back a full six months.

Combining Income and Savings

Most people use a combination. Let’s say your partner earns £24,000 annually. That’s £5,000 short of the £29,000 requirement.

You’d calculate: £16,000 + (£5,000 × 2.5) = £28,500 in savings needed.

So with £24,000 income and £28,500 in savings held for 6 months, you’d meet the financial requirement. Use our free spouse visa calculator to work out your exact needs based on your circumstances.

Exemptions from Financial Requirements

You don’t need to meet the £29,000 threshold if your sponsor receives certain disability benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance

In these cases, you only need to show “adequate maintenance,” meaning your family has enough money to live on after paying housing costs. The exact amount depends on your family size and circumstances.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa UK (Step by Step Guide)

Ready to start your application? Here’s exactly what happens at each stage.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before spending any money, make absolutely sure you meet all seven requirements we covered earlier. Check your relationship status, your partner’s immigration status, your financial position, and your English language evidence.

Common mistakes at this stage include assuming you qualify when you don’t quite meet the income threshold, or not realising your marriage certificate needs official translation.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

This is the most time-consuming part. You’ll need:

For your relationship:

• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of previous relationships ending (divorce certificates, death certificates)
• Evidence your relationship is genuine (more on this below)

For finances:

• 6 months of payslips and bank statements (if using employment income)
• SA302 forms and tax calculations (if self-employed)
• Bank statements showing 6 months of savings (if using cash savings)
• Employer letter confirming salary and employment dates

For accommodation:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
• Letter from property owner if staying with family
• Property inspection report (in some cases)

For English language:

• English test certificate with unique reference number
• Or degree certificate plus ECCTIS confirmation

Identity documents:

• Your passport
• Your sponsor’s passport or BRP
• Any previous visas or immigration documents

If any documents aren’t in English or Welsh, you’ll need certified translations from a professional translator.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

You’ll fill out the application form on the UK government website. The exact form depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Take your time with this. Small mistakes in dates or addresses can delay your application or even lead to refusal. Have all your documents ready before you start so you can reference exact dates and details.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

The application fee is £1,938 if you’re applying from outside the UK, or £1,321 if you’re applying from within Britain.

You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront. This gives you access to NHS services. It’s £1,035 per year, so you’ll pay £3,105 for a 33-month visa (applying from outside UK) or £2,587.50 for a 30-month visa (applying from inside UK).

If you have children applying with you, each child pays the same application fee but a lower health surcharge of £776 per year.

Step 5: Book Your Biometric Appointment

After paying, you’ll book an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. If you’re outside the UK, this happens at a visa application centre (VAC) in your country. If you’re in the UK, you’ll attend a UKVCAS centre.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Before your biometric appointment, you’ll upload all your documents through the online portal. Everything goes digital now. Make sure your scans are clear and readable.

The system accepts PDFs and common image formats. Keep files under the size limit and name them clearly so caseworkers can easily find what they need.

Step 7: Attend Your Appointment

At your appointment, they’ll take your biometrics. You won’t be interviewed here unless the Home Office specifically requests it, which is rare. The appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes.

You can pay extra for priority service at this stage if it’s available and you haven’t already selected it.

Step 8: Wait for Your Decision

Standard processing time is 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK, and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.

In reality, many applications are decided faster, sometimes within 6-8 weeks even on standard service. However, complex cases or applications with missing evidence can take longer.

Priority service costs £500 (outside UK) and aims for 6 weeks. Super priority service costs £1,000 (inside UK only) and promises a decision within 24 hours after your biometric appointment.

Applying from Outside the UK vs Inside the UK

Where you apply from makes a difference to your process, timeline, and what visa you receive.

Entry Clearance Application (Outside UK)

This is the most common route. You’re living abroad and applying to join your partner in Britain for the first time.

Advantages:

• You can include your overseas savings in financial calculations
• Once approved, you get 33 months (longer than inside UK applications)
• Clearer process with established timelines

Requirements:

• You must be outside the UK when you apply and when the decision is made
• You can’t switch from a visitor visa (you’d need to leave and apply from your home country)
• Processing typically takes 12 weeks

After approval, you receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days. You must travel to the UK within those 90 days. Once you arrive, you’ll set up your e-visa to prove your status.

Switch Application (Inside UK)

If you’re already in the UK on another visa, you might be able to switch to a spouse visa without leaving the country.

You can switch if you’re currently on:

• A work visa (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.)
• A student visa
• A fiance visa
• Certain other visa types lasting longer than 6 months

You cannot switch from:

• A visitor visa
• A short-term visa (6 months or less)
• Immigration bail
• Leave outside the Immigration Rules

Requirements:

• Your current visa must not prohibit switching
• You must not have breached any conditions of your current visa
• You must meet all the standard spouse visa requirements

Advantages:

• Faster processing (8 weeks standard)
• You can combine both partners’ income if you’re working in the UK
• You don’t need to travel or separate from your partner

The visa you receive lasts 30 months (2.5 years), slightly shorter than entry clearance applications.

Which Route Is Right for You?

If you’re living abroad, entry clearance is your only option. If you’re already in the UK on an eligible visa and planning to marry or switch to your spouse, applying from inside the UK is usually faster and more convenient.

However, if you’re on a visitor visa, you must leave the UK and apply from your home country. Don’t overstay trying to switch, as this will severely damage your immigration history.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation

Documents Required for UK Spouse Visa

Getting your documents right is absolutely crucial. Missing even one small piece of evidence can lead to delays or refusal.

Relationship Evidence Checklist

Essential documents:

• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (original or certified copy)
• Divorce certificates or death certificates from previous relationships
• Evidence you and your partner have met in person

Genuine relationship evidence (submit as much as possible):

• Photos together spanning your relationship (include dates and locations)
• Screenshots of messages, calls, or video chats
• Letters or cards exchanged
• Travel documents showing visits to each other’s countries
• Joint financial commitments (mortgage, loans, bank accounts)
• Utility bills or tenancy agreements showing you live together
• Birth certificates of any children together

Don’t just grab random photos. Show your relationship’s timeline: early photos when you met, family events, holidays, everyday life together. The Home Office wants to see genuine commitment over time, not just a wedding day.

Financial Evidence Requirements

If your sponsor is employed (Category A – 6+ months with same employer):

• 6 months of payslips
• 6 months of bank statements showing salary deposits
• Letter from employer on company letterhead confirming:
  • Job title and salary
  • Employment start date
  • Whether position is permanent or fixed-term
• Most recent P60 (if available)

If your sponsor changed jobs recently (Category B – less than 6 months):

• 12 months of payslips from all employment
• 12 months of bank statements
• Letters from all employers in the past 12 months
• Evidence of current employment

If your sponsor is self-employed:

• SA302 forms from HMRC for the most recent tax year
• Tax year overview from HMRC
• Business bank statements (12 months)
• Evidence of ongoing contracts or business activities

If using cash savings:

• 6 months of bank statements for all accounts holding the savings
• Letter from bank confirming account balances
• Evidence of source of funds if money was deposited recently (property sale documents, gift letters from family)

All bank statements must show your name, account number, and be official documents from the bank, not just printouts or screenshots.

Accommodation Proof

You need to show you have somewhere suitable to live:

• Tenancy agreement in your or your partner’s name
• Mortgage statement if you own the property
• Property inspection report (sometimes required)
• Letter from property owner if staying with family or friends
• Council tax bill
• Utility bills confirming the address

If you’re living with family temporarily, their letter should state:

• Their relationship to your sponsor
• Confirmation you can live there
• How long you can stay
• Description of the property and number of rooms

English Language Certificates

Book your English test with an approved provider:

In the UK:

• Trinity College London (most popular)
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

Outside the UK:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

The test costs around £150. You’ll receive a unique reference number that you enter in your visa application. Keep your certificate safe, but you won’t need to upload it as the Home Office checks your results directly.

Your certificate is valid for 2 years from the test date.

The Genuine Relationship Test

The Home Office scrutinises every relationship to prevent “sham marriages” where couples marry only for visa purposes. Here’s what they’re looking for and how to prove your relationship is real.

What the Home Office Looks For

Caseworkers assess whether your relationship is:

Genuine: You’re in a real romantic relationship, not just friends or a business arrangement.

Subsisting: The relationship is ongoing and current, not something that ended years ago.

Intended to be permanent: You plan to live together in the UK long-term, not just temporarily.

Red flags they watch for:

• Large age gaps (20+ years) without clear explanation
• Very short relationships (married within weeks of meeting)
• Little evidence of communication or time spent together
• Partners who don’t know basic details about each other
• Relationships that started immediately after a previous relationship ended
• Evidence suggesting payment for marriage

How to Prove Your Relationship Is Real

Living together proof (strongest evidence): If you already live together, provide:

• Joint tenancy agreement or mortgage
• Utility bills in both names
• Council tax bills showing both names
• Joint bank account statements
• Letters addressed to both of you at the same address

Communication evidence (if living apart):

• WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger chat logs (screenshots with dates)
• Phone records showing regular calls
• Email correspondence
• Social media posts mentioning each other or showing you together

Time spent together:

• Flight tickets and boarding passes
• Hotel bookings
• Photos with clear dates and locations
• Entry and exit stamps in passports

Financial ties:

• Joint savings accounts
• Evidence of sending money to support each other
• Joint investments
• One partner paying bills for both

Family connections:

• Photos with each other’s families
• Letters from family members confirming your relationship
• Evidence of meeting each other’s parents
• Joint attendance at family events

Future plans:

• Correspondence about moving to the UK together
• Job applications or offers in the UK
• House hunting evidence
• Wedding planning documents (if you married recently)

Common Red Flags to Avoid

Don’t make these mistakes that raise suspicion:

Inconsistent information: If your application says you met in 2022 but your supporting statement says 2023, caseworkers notice.

Lack of recent contact: If your last message screenshot is from 6 months ago, they’ll wonder if you’re still together.

No photos together: Stock photos or photos of just one person don’t help. You need photos of both of you together.

Partners who can’t answer basic questions: If invited for an interview, you should both know where each other works, family names, daily routines, and plans.

Evidence all from one short period: Don’t submit 50 photos all from your wedding week and nothing else. Show your relationship over time.

English Language Requirement for Spouse Visa

Unless you’re exempt, you’ll need to prove you can speak and understand English at a basic level.

Required CEFR Levels (A1, A2, B1)

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) has six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fluent). For UK spouse visas, you need:

A1 level for your initial application – This is very basic. You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions, and understand basic phrases. Think of it as being able to order food, ask directions, or chat about the weather.

A2 level when you extend your visa after 2.5 years – Still quite basic, but you can handle everyday situations like shopping, describing your family, or talking about your job.

B1 level when applying for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years – This is intermediate. You can handle most situations when travelling, describe experiences and events, and follow the main points of discussions on familiar topics.

The tests only assess speaking and listening, not reading or writing. This makes them more achievable for many people.

Approved Test Providers

You must take your test with a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider. Random English certificates or tests from non-approved providers won’t be accepted, even if they show a higher level.

Approved providers in the UK:

• Trinity College London (most test centres, easiest to book)
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

Approved providers outside the UK:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

Trinity College London is often the preferred choice because they have more test centres and more available dates than other providers. The test costs around £150, though prices vary slightly by provider and location.

Who Is Exempt from the English Test?

You don’t need to take an English test if:

You’re a national of a majority English-speaking country:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America

You’re over 65 years old at the time of application

You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test (you’ll need medical evidence)

You have a degree taught in English (see below)

Using a University Degree

If you have a degree from a UK university, that’s automatic proof of your English ability. You don’t need to take a test.

If your degree is from a university outside the UK, you can use it only if:

• It’s equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• The teaching or research was in English
• You get confirmation from ECCTIS (UK NARIC) stating both points

The ECCTIS confirmation costs around £210 and takes a few weeks to process. For Canada, you’ll need to specifically confirm the language of instruction was English, even though it’s on the approved countries list.

Accommodation Requirements Explained

You need somewhere suitable to live when you arrive in the UK. The Home Office wants to make sure you’re not going to be homeless or living in dangerously overcrowded conditions.

What Counts as Adequate Accommodation?

Adequate accommodation must be:

Owned or occupied by your family – Not just any address, but somewhere you and your sponsor have the right to live. This could be a property you own, rent, or where family/friends are allowing you to stay.

Not overcrowded – There must be enough rooms for everyone living there (we’ll explain the calculation below).

Not in breach of public health regulations – The property must meet basic safety and health standards.

The accommodation can be anywhere in the UK. It doesn’t need to be in a specific city or purchased property. Rented accommodation is absolutely fine, as are arrangements to stay with family temporarily while you find your own place.

Room Requirements and Calculations

The Home Office uses a specific formula to determine if a property is overcrowded:

Each person needs one room, except:

• Couples share one bedroom
• Living rooms count as bedrooms
• Children under 1 don’t need their own room
• Children aged 1-9 count as 0.5 persons (two children = one room)
• Children 10+ count as full persons
• Children 10+ of opposite sexes can’t share

Examples:

Couple with no children in a 1-bedroom flat: Acceptable. The couple shares the bedroom.

Couple with a baby under 1 in a 1-bedroom flat: Acceptable. Baby can sleep in the parents’ room.

Couple with two children aged 3 and 5 in a 2-bedroom flat: Acceptable. Parents in one room, both children share the second room (they count as 0.5 + 0.5 = 1 person).

Couple with children aged 4, 7, and 12 in a 2-bedroom house: Not acceptable. You’d need three rooms: one for parents, one for the two younger children (0.5 + 0.5), and one for the 12-year-old.

Couple sharing a 3-bedroom house with the sponsor’s brother: You need to count everyone living there. If it’s just the three adults, you need three bedrooms (tick). But if the brother has children, you’ll need to count them too.

Proof of Accommodation Documents

Submit these documents to prove your accommodation:

If you own the property:

• Mortgage statement or land registry documents
• Council tax bill in your name
• Recent utility bill

If you rent:

• Tenancy agreement showing your name(s)
• Letter from landlord confirming tenancy
• Recent rent payment receipts

If staying with family or friends:

• Letter from property owner confirming you can live there
• Their proof of ownership or tenancy
• Statement of how many rooms and who else lives there
• Their passport or ID to prove their identity

Some applicants include a property inspection report from a qualified surveyor, though this isn’t always necessary. If your property is unusual or you’re worried about the overcrowding calculation, an inspection report provides professional confirmation.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation

UK Spouse Visa Processing Times in 2025

Waiting for a visa decision is stressful. Here’s what to realistically expect in 2025.

Standard Processing Times

Applications from outside the UK: Up to 12 weeks (about 3 months)

Applications from inside the UK: Up to 8 weeks (about 2 months)

These are maximum timeframes. In practice, many straightforward applications are decided faster. We’ve seen applications approved in 6-7 weeks from overseas, and 4-5 weeks from inside the UK, particularly when all documentation is clear and complete.

However, complex cases take longer. If you’re self-employed, combining multiple income sources, or if the Home Office requests additional information, expect the full processing time or potentially longer.

Priority and Super Priority Services

If you can’t wait the standard processing time, you can pay for faster service:

Priority Service (outside UK only): £500 extra

• Target decision: 6 weeks
• Not guaranteed – it depends on the queue length when you apply
• Available for straightforward applications only

Super Priority Service (inside UK only): £1,000 extra

• Target decision: 24 hours after biometric appointment
• More reliable than standard priority
• Must be booked when you submit your application (you can’t add it later)
• Subject to availability

Priority services aren’t available for all application types. If your case involves discretion (like human rights claims), you’ll likely only be able to use standard service.

What Affects Processing Speed?

Faster processing when:

• All documents are complete and clearly organised
• Financial evidence is straightforward (salaried employee for 6+ months)
• Strong relationship evidence provided
• No previous visa refusals or immigration issues
• Application made in a country with lower application volumes

Slower processing when:

• Documents are missing or unclear
• Self-employment or complex income sources
• Previous visa refusals need to be considered
• Home Office requests additional information
• Peak application periods (summer months, December/January)
• Applications from countries with high fraud rates

Spouse Visa Costs and Fees Breakdown

Let’s talk money. UK spouse visas aren’t cheap, and you need to budget properly to avoid nasty surprises.

Application Fees (Inside and Outside UK)

Applying from outside the UK:

• Main applicant: £1,938
• Each dependent child: £1,938

Applying from inside the UK:

• Main applicant: £1,321
• Each dependent child: £1,321

These fees increased in April 2025 and typically rise each year. Always check the current fee on the government website before applying.

Immigration Health Surcharge

This gives you access to NHS services during your visa. You pay upfront for the full length of your visa.

Per year costs:

• Adults: £1,035 per year
• Children: £776 per year

What you’ll actually pay:

Entry clearance (33 months from outside UK):

• Adult: £3,105 (£1,035 × 3 years)
• Child: £2,328 (£776 × 3 years)

Inside UK application (30 months):

• Adult: £2,587.50 (£1,035 × 2.5 years)
• Child: £1,940 (£776 × 2.5 years)

The system rounds up to the nearest year, which is why 33 months counts as 3 years and 30 months as 2.5 years.

Priority Service Costs

• Priority (outside UK): £500
• Super Priority (inside UK): £1,000

Additional Expenses to Budget For

Don’t forget these costs that aren’t paid to the Home Office:

• English language test: £150-£200
• ECCTIS degree confirmation: £210 (if using a degree for English requirement)
• Document translation: £20-£50 per page for certified translations
• Travel to visa application centre: Varies by location
• Passport photos: £10-£15
• TB test: £75 (required for nationals of certain countries)
• Immigration solicitors in Manchester: £1,500-£3,000+ depending on complexity

Total Cost Examples

Example 1: Single person applying from outside UK, straightforward case

• Application fee: £1,938
• Health surcharge: £3,105
• English test: £150
• Translations (2 documents): £60
• TB test: £75
• Total: £5,328

Example 2: Couple with one child, applying from inside UK

• Application fees: £1,321 × 2 = £2,642
• Health surcharge (2 adults): £2,587.50 × 2 = £5,175
• Health surcharge (1 child): £1,940
• English test: £150
• Total: £9,907

Example 3: Complex self-employment case with legal help

• Application fee: £1,938
• Health surcharge: £3,105
• English test: £150
• Translations: £100
• Solicitor fees: £2,500
• Total: £7,793

These are significant sums. Most families save for months or even years to afford spouse visa applications. If you’re struggling with costs, there’s no payment plan available, so you’ll need to have the full amount ready before applying.

5 Year Route vs 10-Year Route to Settlement

Not everyone gets the same path to permanent residence. Understanding the difference between these routes is important.

Understanding the 5 Year Route

This is the standard route for spouse visa holders who meet all the requirements. Here’s the timeline:

Year 0: Initial spouse visa granted (33 months or 30 months)

Year 2.5-2.75: Apply for visa extension (another 30 months)

Year 5: Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

Year 5+: If married to British citizen, apply immediately for citizenship. If partner has ILR but isn’t British, wait 12 months then apply.

To stay on the 5-year route, you must continue meeting:

• Financial requirement (£29,000 or £18,600 if applying before April 2024)
• English language requirement (improving to A2, then B1)
• Accommodation requirement
• Genuine relationship requirement

When You’re Put on the 10 Year Route

You’ll be placed on the 10 year route if:

You don’t meet all requirements but refusal would be unfair – For example, if you don’t meet the financial requirement but you have a British child and separating the family would harm the child.

You’re granted leave under Article 8 (human rights) – When your right to family life outweighs immigration control concerns.

You can’t meet the English language requirement – Perhaps due to a learning disability, but you can prove adequate maintenance.

The 10-year route means exactly what it says: you need 10 continuous years of residence before you’re eligible for ILR. You’ll extend your visa every 30 months, but you won’t get ILR until year 10.

Can You Switch Between Routes?

From 5 year to 10 year: If you initially met all requirements but later can’t (perhaps your partner lost their job and income dropped), your next extension might be granted on the 10-year route. Your time on the 5-year route counts toward the 10 years.

From 10-year to 5 year: Yes! As soon as you meet all the requirements again, you can switch back to the 5-year route. However, time spent on the 10-year route doesn’t count toward your 5-year qualifying period. You start the 5-year clock from when you switch.

If you’re granted leave on the 10-year route and later switch to the 5-year route, you might get a partial refund of your Immigration Health Surcharge for any period of 6 months or more that you’ve paid twice.

Extending Your UK Spouse Visa

After your initial 33 or 30 months, you’ll need to extend your visa to stay in the UK.

When to Apply for Extension

You can apply for spouse visa extension no earlier than 28 days before your current visa expires. Don’t apply too early or your application will be invalid and you’ll lose your fees.

Don’t leave it until the last minute either. Apply at least a few weeks before expiry to avoid becoming an overstayer if there are any delays.

Extension Requirements

You must still meet these requirements:

• Still in a genuine relationship with the same partner
• Still living together (or good reasons if temporarily apart, like work)
• Financial requirement (use our spouse visa financial requirement calculator to check you still qualify)
• English language at A2 level now (step up from A1)
• Adequate accommodation
• No breaches of your visa conditions (like working in prohibited jobs or committing crimes)

Extension Costs

• Application fee: £1,321
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £2,587.50 (£1,035 × 2.5 years)
• English test (A2 level): £150
• Total: £4,058.50 (plus any translation or legal costs)

The extension gives you another 30 months (2.5 years). After this extension, you’ll have completed 5 years total and can apply for ILR.

From Spouse Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain

After 5 years on a spouse visa, the goal is indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence in the UK.

ILR Eligibility After 5 Years

You can apply for ILR when you’ve completed 5 years of continuous residence on a spouse visa. “Continuous” means you haven’t spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during those 5 years.

The 5 years starts from your first spouse visa grant date, not from when you entered the UK. If you came on a fiance visa first, that time doesn’t count toward your 5 years.

ILR Application Requirements

To be granted ILR, you must show:

• 5 years continuous residence on spouse visa
• Still in genuine relationship with same partner
• Still living together in the UK
• Financial requirement still met (£29,000 or £18,600 depending on when you started)
• English language at B1 level
• Life in the UK test passed
• No serious immigration breaches or criminal convictions
• Not spent more than 180 days outside UK in any 12 months

The Life in the UK test is new at this stage. It’s a 45-minute computer test about British history, culture, and values. You need to score 75% (18 out of 24 questions). Study materials are available, and most people pass on their first or second attempt. The test costs £50.

British Citizenship Timeline

If you’re married to a British citizen: You can apply for naturalisation immediately after ILR is granted. You’ll need:

• ILR status
• 3 years of residence in UK (which you’ll have after 5 years on spouse visa)
• Married to British citizen for 3+ years
• Life in UK test already passed (from ILR application)
• Good character requirement

If your partner has ILR but isn’t British: You must wait 12 months after receiving ILR before applying for citizenship. You’ll also need:

• 5 years of residence (which you’ll have)
• 12 months with ILR
• Life in UK test passed
• Good character requirement

British citizenship application costs £1,500 and takes about 6 months to process. After approval, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony where you take an oath and receive your certificate. Then you can apply for a British passport.

Common Spouse Visa Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After helping hundreds of couples, we’ve seen the same errors repeatedly. Here are the biggest mistakes and how to avoid them.

Insufficient Financial Evidence

The mistake: Providing only 5 months of bank statements when 6 are required, or statements with pages missing, or statements that don’t show salary deposits clearly.

How to avoid it:

• Count your documents carefully – you need exactly 6 months
• Statements must be consecutive (no gaps)
• Every page must be included, even blank pages
• Ensure salary deposits are clearly visible and match payslips
• If using online statements, they must show the bank logo and be official documents

Weak Relationship Proof

The mistake: Submitting only a marriage certificate and wedding photos, with no evidence of ongoing relationship, communication, or shared life.

How to avoid it:

• Gather evidence spanning your entire relationship, not just one event
• Include different types of evidence (financial, communication, photos, documents)
• Show you know each other well through detailed personal statements
• Demonstrate future plans together
• Have friends and family write supporting letters

Wrong Documents or Translations

The mistake: Using Google Translate for documents, or getting translations from a friend, or forgetting to translate documents at all.

How to avoid it:

• Use certified professional translators only
• Every document not in English or Welsh must be translated
• Translation must include translator’s credentials and contact details
• Keep original documents and translations together
• Some solicitors offer translation services that the Home Office trusts

Missing the 6 Month Savings Rule

The mistake: Depositing £40,000 into your account last month and thinking it counts toward financial requirements.

How to avoid it:

• Savings must be held for 6 full consecutive months
• Check the balance hasn’t dipped below requirement even for one day
• If using gifted money, the 6-month clock starts when you receive it
• Bank statements must show this 6-month history clearly

Use our free financial requirement calculator to check exactly how much you need and for how long before you apply.

Application Timing Errors

The mistake: Applying too early (more than 28 days before current visa expires), applying too late (becoming an overstayer), or booking flights before receiving visa approval.

How to avoid it:

• Note your visa expiry date clearly
• Apply 4-6 weeks before expiry (not earlier than 28 days)
• Don’t book flights until you have your visa
• Don’t resign from jobs or give notice on accommodation until visa is confirmed

What If Your Spouse Visa Is Refused?

Refusals happen, even to genuine couples. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Financial requirement not met: Income calculated incorrectly, or savings not held for 6 months
• Insufficient relationship evidence: Home Office not convinced relationship is genuine
• Document issues: Missing documents, incorrect translations, unexplained gaps
• English language problems: Test taken with unapproved provider, or certificate expired
• Accommodation concerns: Property deemed overcrowded or no proof of where you’ll live
• Previous immigration breaches: Overstaying, working illegally, or false information in past applications

The refusal letter will explain specifically what went wrong. Read it carefully – this tells you exactly what to fix.

How to Appeal a Refusal

If applying from outside the UK: You cannot appeal. Your options are:

• Apply for administrative review (if you believe there was a caseworker error)
• Submit a fresh application with corrected documents

If applying from inside the UK: You have the right to appeal in some circumstances. You must:

• Submit your appeal within 14 days of receiving the refusal
• Have valid grounds (not just disagreeing with the decision)
• Prepare your case thoroughly with all evidence

Appeals are heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and can take 6-12 months.

Reapplying After Refusal

Most people reapply rather than appeal because it’s faster. Before reapplying:

• Understand why you were refused – Read the refusal letter thoroughly
• Fix the problems – Gather missing evidence, correct errors, meet requirements fully
• Consider legal help – A solicitor can identify what went wrong and strengthen your case
• Don’t rush – Take time to get it right rather than reapplying quickly with the same issues

You’ll pay full fees again for a new application. This is why getting it right first time matters.

Administrative Review vs Appeal

Administrative review is for caseworker errors only:

• They made a mistake calculating your income
• They said a document was missing when you submitted it
• They applied the wrong rule or policy

It’s not for disagreeing with their decision or asking them to consider new evidence. You have 28 days to request administrative review if outside the UK, or 14 days if inside the UK. It’s free and usually decided within 28 days.

Appeal is for when you disagree with the decision itself and can argue it was wrong based on the law or facts. It’s only available for certain refusals, mainly from inside the UK.

Special Circumstances and Exemptions

Some situations follow different rules. Here are the main exceptions to standard requirements.

Disability Benefits Exemption

If your partner receives certain disability-related benefits, you don’t need to meet the £29,000 income threshold:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• War Disablement Pension
• Police Injury Pension

Instead, you need to show “adequate maintenance” – that your family has enough to live on after paying housing costs. The calculation compares your net income minus housing costs to what a British family of the same size would receive in income support benefits.

This exemption makes spouse visas accessible for families where the sponsor has a disability but can’t work full-time.

Human Rights Applications (Article 8)

If you can’t meet all requirements but refusing your visa would breach your human rights, you might be granted leave under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Common Article 8 scenarios:

• You have a British child and separating them from a parent would be harmful
• You’ve lived in the UK for many years and have no ties to your home country
• Your partner has serious health issues and needs your care
• Exceptional compassionate circumstances

Article 8 applications are complex and almost always require legal representation. If granted, you’ll be on the 10-year route to settlement, not the 5-year route.

Returning Residents

If you’re a British citizen who’s been living abroad with your spouse, special rules apply when you return:

• You can use your overseas income if you have a confirmed job offer in the UK paying £29,000+
• The job must start within 3 months of your return
• You need a letter from the UK employer confirming the job offer and salary
• If self-employed abroad, you must show viable plans to continue the same trade in the UK

This exemption helps British citizens who’ve built lives abroad but want to return home with their families.

HM Armed Forces Personnel

If your partner serves in HM Armed Forces, lower financial requirements apply:

• The minimum income threshold is lower than £29,000 (check current Armed Forces guidance in Appendix FM)
• Special accommodation rules apply for military housing
• Deployment doesn’t count as time apart that breaks relationship continuity

Service personnel also get other benefits like free English language courses for spouses and expedited processing in some cases.

How Immigration Solicitors Can Help

Many couples handle spouse visa applications themselves, and plenty succeed. But professional help can make a significant difference, especially in complex cases.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider getting legal advice if:

Your finances are complex: Self-employment, multiple income sources, recent job changes, or you’re close to the threshold and need to calculate carefully.

You’ve had a previous refusal: Understanding what went wrong and fixing it properly is crucial. Solicitors spot patterns in refusals that applicants might miss.

You have immigration history issues: Previous overstays, visa refusals, or breaches of conditions need careful handling.

Your relationship is unconventional: Large age gaps, short relationships, or marriages that might raise suspicions require stronger evidence and better presentation.

You can’t meet all requirements: Applications based on human rights (Article 8) or exceptional circumstances are complex and almost always need professional representation.

You want certainty: When you’re paying over £5,000 in fees, many couples prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional review.

Language barriers: If English isn’t your first language, having someone who understands immigration terminology helps avoid misunderstandings.

What Solicitors Do for Your Application

Professional immigration solicitors in Manchester typically:

Review your eligibility thoroughly – They’ll spot issues before you apply, not after refusal.

Calculate financial requirements accurately – Using your specific income sources and circumstances to determine exactly what you need.

Gather and organise evidence – They know what documents the Home Office expects and in what format.

Prepare your application – Complete forms accurately with consistent information throughout.

Write a cover letter – Explaining your case clearly to caseworkers, highlighting key evidence and addressing potential concerns.

Liaise with the Home Office – Handle any requests for additional information or queries during processing.

Represent you if issues arise – Deal with refusals, appeals, or administrative reviews.

Cost vs Benefit of Legal Support

Typical solicitor fees for spouse visa applications:

• Straightforward case: £1,500-£2,500
• Complex case (self-employment, previous refusals): £2,500-£4,000
• Article 8 human rights application: £3,000-£6,000+

What you’re paying for:

• Years of experience with immigration rules
• Knowledge of what Home Office caseworkers look for
• Higher success rate (reducing risk of losing £5,000+ in fees)
• Time saved (solicitors handle the paperwork)
• Peace of mind during a stressful process

When it’s worth it: If your case has any complexity, the solicitor fee is often a worthwhile investment compared to the cost and stress of refusal. A refused application means losing your fees (£5,000+), waiting months longer to be with your partner, and potentially needing legal help anyway to fix the problems.

When you might not need it: If you’re a salaried employee earning well over £29,000, in a long-established relationship with extensive proof, and you’re confident following instructions, you might successfully apply without legal help. But even then, many couples use a solicitor just for document review and peace of mind.

Take the Next Step in Bringing Your Partner to the UK

Applying for a UK spouse visa is a significant step in your life together. It’s not the simplest process, with strict requirements around finances, documentation, and proof of your relationship. But thousands of couples successfully go through this every year and build their lives together in Britain.

The key is thorough preparation. Make sure you genuinely meet all the requirements before applying. Gather comprehensive evidence of your relationship spanning months or years, not just recent documents. Organise your financial proof meticulously, whether you’re using income, savings, or both. Take your time getting everything right rather than rushing an incomplete application.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your application, particularly the financial requirements, don’t guess. Small mistakes can mean losing thousands of pounds in fees and months of separation. Use our UK spouse visa financial requirement calculator to check exactly what you need, and consider whether your situation would benefit from professional review.

Remember, this isn’t just about getting a visa. It’s about starting your life together in the UK, working toward permanent residence, and potentially British citizenship. Getting it right from the beginning sets you on the smoothest path to that future.

Ready to start your spouse visa application with confidence? Our specialist immigration team at Deluxe Law Chambers in Manchester has helped hundreds of couples successfully reunite in the UK. We understand the stress of being apart from your partner and the pressure of meeting complex requirements.

Whether you need a complete application service, document review, or just advice on whether you’re ready to apply, we’re here to help. We’ll assess your eligibility, calculate your exact financial requirements, organise your evidence, and handle every detail of your application from start to finish.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book your consultation online to discuss your spouse visa case. Let our experienced immigration solicitors guide you through the process and help you bring your partner home to the UK. Your life together in Britain is closer than you think.

UK Spouse Visa Types

1. Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Application
2. Spouse Visa Extension
3. Spouse Visa ILR
4. 5-Years Partner Visa
5. 10-Years Partner Visa

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.

✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.

✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.

✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.

✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.

✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

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