The Spouse Visa UK allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or permanent residence) to live together in the UK. It is one of the most common family visas, providing a direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and ultimately British citizenship.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Both applicant and sponsor must be 18 or older when submitting the application.
- Sponsor must be one of the following:
- British or Irish citizen
- Settled in the UK (e.g., indefinite leave to remain, settled status)
- Pre-settled under EU Settlement Scheme
- Holder of a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa
- Refugee or humanitarian protection status
- Relationship must be genuine and subsisting; you are legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK
- You must have met in person and not be within prohibited degrees of relationship under the UK Marriage Acts
- Evidence that previous marriages or partnerships have legally ended
- You both intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Financial Requirements & Adequate Maintenance
The financial eligibility is one of the most critical and frequently updated components:
A minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year (combined income with sponsor) applies for partner visas, including fiancé(e), as of April 2024 (GOV.UK).
Source of Income
Employment Income
- Employment Letter
- Payslips
- Bank Statements
Non-Employment Income
- Rental income (requires title deeds, tenancy agreements, bank statements)
- Dividends (investment statements, dividend vouchers, portfolio reports)
Cash Savings
- To meet the full £29,000, you are required to show that you have held £88,500 for at least 6 consecutive months.
Self-Employment
- HMRC tax return (SA302)
- Accounts
- Business bank statements
- Accountant’s letter
Pension
- Documentation from DWP and other government departments.
- Bank statement showing receipt of pension.
Adequate Maintenance
Where your partner is in receipt of certain benefits or allowances in the UK, you may be exempt from meeting the financial requirement by providing evidence of “adequate maintenance”. This includes:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
Required Documents & Evidence
A detailed breakdown of documentation helps applicants prepare thoroughly:
- Completed online application and fee payment
- Valid passport (and previous passports, if any)
- Evidence of genuine relationship (e.g., photographs, messages, correspondence, shared bills, joint accounts, declarations from friends/family)
- Proof of English language: SELT A1 (or exemption via degree or nationality), or via UK-taught degree (with Ecctis verification if from abroad) (GOV.UK)
- Evidence of meeting the financial requirement: payslips, bank statements, savings, etc. (GOV.UK)
- Proof any previous relationship ended: divorce or death certificates
- Accommodation details in the UK (proof you have adequate housing)
- Evidence of marriage or civil partnership
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (where required)
Need Help with Spouse Visa?
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English Language Requirements & Exemptions
Offer a clearer breakdown for different scenarios:
- SEL Test: A1 level required for spouse visa; must be from a Home Office-approved provider.
- Degree Exemption: University degree taught in English may exempt you—if outside the UK, it requires Ecctis verification.
- Automatic Exemptions: Citizens of certain English-speaking countries and those over 65, or those with a specified clinical condition, are exempt (GOV.UK).
Accommodation Requirements
You must show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK. The property must not be overcrowded and must comply with public health regulations.
Application Process & Logistics
Clarify how applicants should proceed and what to expect:
- Application in advance: Must be submitted from outside/inside the UK, usually online
- Processing times: Typically takes around 12 weeks, but 30 working days via Priority Service outside the UK and within 24 hours inside the UK (if available)
Summary Table
Section | Key Highlights |
Eligibility Criteria | Age 18+, sponsor’s status, genuine relationship; married |
Financial Requirements | £29,000 income (or large savings); review ongoing for lower threshold |
Documents Needed | Passport, relationship proof, English test, financial, and proof of marriage |
English Requirements | SELT A1; degree exemptions; country-based exemptions |
Application Process | Apply from outside/ inside the UK. It typically takes around 12 weeks, but 30 working days via Priority Service outside the UK and within 24 hours inside the UK |
What are the income thresholds and permitted evidences for a Spouse Visa?
Source of Income – Employment
Evidence required:
- 6 months' payslips
- 6 months' bank statements showing salary payments
- Letter from employer confirming employment and salary
Source of Income – Non-Employment Income
Evidence required:
- Rental income (requires title deeds, tenancy agreements, bank statements)
- Dividends (investment statements, dividend vouchers, portfolio reports)
Source of Income – Cash Savings
Evidence required:
- To meet the full £29,000, you are required to show that you have held £88,500 for at least 6 consecutive months.
Source of Income – Self-Employment
Evidence required:
- HMRC tax return (SA302)
- Accounts
- Business bank statements
- Accountant’s letter
Source of Income – Pension
Evidence required:
- Documentation from DWP and other government department
- Bank statement showing receipt of pension
How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with a Spouse Visa UK application?
Flag weak points in your case and suggest how to strengthen them (e.g., limited evidence of relationship/finances).
Draft a legal representation explaining how all the requirements are met.
What relationship/cohabitation proofs are strongest?
Can I switch to a Spouse Visa from Skilled Worker or Student?
Does a Spouse Visa lead to ILR and when?
What are common refusal reasons and how can they be addressed?
- Failure to meet the financial requirement
- Lack of evidence of relationship
- Providing the incorrect English language test
- Lack of evidence
- Incorrect documents
- Failure to disclose previous immigration history and criminal convictions
References
- Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Overview – GOV.UK
- Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Apply as a partner or spouse – GOV.UK
- Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Financial requirements if you’re applying as a partner or spouse – GOV.UK
- Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Knowledge of English – GOV.UK