Spouses and civil partners of British citizens and permanent residents can live, work, and study in the United Kingdom with a UK Spouse Visa. Couples wishing to begin their lives together in the United Kingdom often choose this route.

This guide will explain the entire process, eligibility criteria, required documents, costs, and how to avoid common mistakes.

1. What is the process for getting a UK spouse visa?

UK Spouse Visas (also known as the Family Visa – Partner Route) can be applied for by spouses or civil partners of British citizens, people with settled status (someone with indefinite leave to remain), or people with refugee status.

If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, it will last for two years and nine months, and if you are applying from within the United Kingdom, it will last for two years and six months. A future extension of this visa and eventual application for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) are both possible.

2. Eligibility requirements

In order to qualify for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:

A. Relationship requirements

• Neither partner must be younger than 18 years of age.
• Legally married individuals are eligible to apply for a civil partnership or marriage license in the United Kingdom.
• It is essential that your relationship is genuine and lasting.
• In the United Kingdom, you must intend to live together permanently.

B. Sponsor Requirements

Sponsors (your partners) must be one of the following:

• Citizens of the United Kingdom,
• People who have settled in the United Kingdom (have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence)
• A person who has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection.

C. Financial Requirement

You must demonstrate your ability to support yourself without public assistance to your sponsoring partner.

Minimum income requirement (as of 2025):

• For applicants after April 2024, a salary of £29,000 per year is applicable.
• An alternative is to use savings of at least £88,500 if the sponsor does not meet the income requirement.
• There are many ways to earn income, including salaries, self-employment, pensions, and certain benefits.

An applicant with dependent children is required to earn slightly more income per child.

D. English Language Requirement

To prove your proficiency in English, you must either:

• A1-level English proficiency or higher, or having passed an approved test
• An English degree or a degree in a related field
• An English-speaking country has an exemption due to the fact that it speaks English.

E. Requirements for accommodations

For both of you (and any children involved), you must have access to suitable housing that meets UK housing standards.

F. Requirements related to suitability

It is necessary that you do not have any serious criminal convictions, immigration bans, or debts owed to the UK government.

3. Documentation requirements

Please prepare the following documents before applying:

1. Travel history and a valid passport.
2. Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
3. Evidence of a genuine relationship (photographs, messages, call records, joint bank statements).
4. Please provide a copy of your pay stubs, bank statements, or employment letter as proof of your income.
5. Accommodation evidence (rental agreement, property documents).
6. Proof of completion or exemption from the English language test.
7. If your country requires tuberculosis testing, submit the certificate.
8. Sponsor’s proof of British citizenship or settled status.
9. The visa application and payment receipt have been submitted.

Ensure that all documents not in English are translated by a certified translator.

4. Application Process Step-by-Step

First step: Verify your eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and meet the income requirements. When it comes to your relationship and finances, all criteria must be met.

Second Step: Gather all supporting documents

Make sure every required document is collected early so you won’t miss anything.

Step 3: Submit an online application

The online application form for the UK Family Visa (Spouse/Partner route) can be found here. The choice is yours whether to apply from abroad or within the UK.

Step 4: Make the payment

There is an online payment requirement for application fees as well as Immigration Health Surcharges (IHS).

From 2025, the following fees will apply:

• Outside the UK: £1,846
• £1,048 if applying from within the UK
• The annual immigration health surcharge is £1,035

Scheduling a biometric appointment is the fifth step

Following payment, you will be directed to a visa application center for fingerprinting and photographing.

Step 6: Submit your documents

During your biometric appointment, you can upload your documents online or bring them with you.

The seventh step is to attend the interview (if necessary).

Some applicants may be interviewed to verify the authenticity of their relationship.

Step 8: Wait for a decision

The typical processing time is:

• Outside the United Kingdom, applicants may have to wait up to 12 weeks.
• It usually takes approximately eight weeks for an application to be processed from within the UK.

Services with priority status or super priority status may be subject to an additional charge.

The 9th step is to receive a decision

You will receive the following upon approval:

• A 90-day visa vignette is required for entry into the UK.
• After arrival, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will show the full duration of your visa.

Your right to appeal will be explained in a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.

5. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom

As soon as you arrive in the UK:

• The designated post office must issue your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.
• Working, studying, and volunteering are all possible in the UK.
• Your spouse visa can be extended after two years and six months.
• After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

6. Extending or changing your visa

Upon expiration of your visa, you can apply for an extension for another two years and six months. The income and relationship requirements remain the same in order to qualify.

The spouse visa is available for those who are already in the UK on another visa (for example, a student or work visa).

7. Refusal of a spouse visa for the following reasons

1. A lack of income or savings – the $29,000 requirement is not met.
2. Lack of evidence of a genuine relationship – evidence of a weak relationship.
3. Documents that are missing or incorrect – for example, marriage certificates or bank statements.
4. Uncertain accommodation – no proof provided of where you live.
5. Language test that is not recognized – administered in an unapproved testing center.
6. During the interview, there were inconsistencies – contradictory statements.

Avoiding refusals:

• There must be an exact match between your application form and your supporting documents.
• It is important to provide evidence of a true and clear relationship.
• Income proof must be provided and you must meet the income threshold.
• You should be honest during the interview and during the application process.
• Consider using a professional translation service if necessary.

8. Appealing a denied visa

In addition to your right to appeal, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal of your visa.

The following can be done:

• There is a 28-day deadline to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
• Submit a stronger application.

9. Visa benefits for spouses in the UK

• The UK does not have any restrictions on living, working, or studying.
• As part of the NHS, the IHS payment provides access to healthcare.
• If you have been a resident for five years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• The path to British citizenship starts with obtaining ILR.
• Dependent sponsorship (if applicable).

10. Pre-application checklist

Make sure you have:

• Passports must be valid for both partners
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Genuine evidence of a relationship
• Proof of income or savings
• Accommodation evidence
• Proficiency certificate in English
• TB test certificate (if required)
• Application fee payment and application form completion
• Document translations into English

11. Lastly,

You need to prepare carefully, provide accurate documentation, and demonstrate that your partnership is genuine and that you are financially stable in order to apply for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025.

If you provide complete, verifiable evidence, organize your paperwork neatly, and fulfill all eligibility requirements, your chances of getting approved are greatly enhanced. As soon as a spouse visa is granted, the couple can settle in the United Kingdom and live together for the long term.