Apply for spouse visa uk can be both exciting and overwhelming. This visa category allows partners of British citizens or individuals with settled status to join or remain with their loved ones in the United Kingdom. If you’re planning to reunite with your spouse and start a life together in the UK, understanding the application process is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for a UK spouse visa—from eligibility criteria to required documents, and from financial requirements to the application timeline. Whether you’re applying from within or outside the UK, this step-by-step article will help simplify the process for you.
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa, officially known as a Family of a Settled Person visa, allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to live in the UK. The initial visa is granted for 33 months (if applying from outside the UK) or 30 months (if applying from within), and it can lead to permanent settlement after five years.
You can apply for a spouse visa from outside the UK or switch to this visa category from another valid UK visa if you’re already in the country.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To be eligible, you must meet several key requirements:
1. Relationship Requirement
You must be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who has:
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Indefinite leave to remain
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Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
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Permanent residence status
Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to provide proof such as photos, communication records, or joint financial responsibilities.
2. Age Requirement
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
3. English Language Requirement
Unless you’re exempt, you must prove that you can speak and understand English. This can be done by:
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Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher
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Holding a degree taught in English
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Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Financial Requirement: Can You Afford to Live in the UK?
One of the most significant parts of a spouse visa application is meeting the financial threshold. The UK government requires the sponsoring partner to have a minimum gross annual income of:
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£18,600 for sponsoring a partner
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An additional £3,800 for one dependent child
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An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child
Alternatively, you can show savings of at least £62,500 if your income doesn’t meet the requirement. The financial documents must be thorough and error-free.
If you’re unsure how to meet this condition, our expert solicitors at Legal Assist can help you assess your finances and prepare the necessary documentation.
Documents Required for a Spouse Visa Application
The success of your application largely depends on the accuracy and completeness of your paperwork. You will typically need:
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Valid passport and travel history
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Marriage or civil partnership certificate
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Proof of English language proficiency
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Evidence of a genuine relationship
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Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
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Accommodation details in the UK
It’s essential to double-check all documents before submission. A minor error or omission could delay your application or even result in a refusal.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa UK
Let’s now walk through the actual application process.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Start by filling out the appropriate online form. If applying from outside the UK, use the Appendix FM online form. If applying from inside, you’ll complete the FLR(M) form.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
As of 2025, the spouse visa application fee is:
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£1,846 (from outside the UK)
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£1,048 (from inside the UK)
In addition, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
You can upload your supporting documents online or take them to a visa application centre (VAC) for scanning. Make sure each document is clear and correctly labelled.
Step 4: Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
You’ll need to schedule an appointment at a VAC (if applying from abroad) or at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre (if applying from within the UK). At the appointment, your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The standard processing time is:
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12 weeks for applications from outside the UK
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8 weeks for applications made within the UK
You may also be eligible for a priority or super priority service for faster processing, depending on availability.
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusals
Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid similar mistakes. Common reasons include:
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Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
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Not meeting the financial threshold
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Failing the English language requirement
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Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship
At Legal Assist, our immigration solicitors conduct thorough pre-submission checks to minimise the chances of refusal. We help you build a strong and compelling case tailored to your unique situation.
Switching to a Spouse Visa from Inside the UK
If you’re already in the UK on a different visa (e.g. student or work visa), you may switch to a spouse visa without leaving the country. However, you must not be in the UK on a visitor visa, or with temporary admission.
The process for switching is similar to the standard application. The key difference lies in the form used (FLR(M)) and the location of the biometrics appointment.
What Happens After Your Spouse Visa Is Approved?
Once granted, your spouse visa will allow you to live and work in the UK. You’ll also be able to access NHS services and travel freely in and out of the country.
After 2.5 Years
You’ll need to apply for a spouse visa extension before your current visa expires. This extension is also valid for 2.5 years, bringing your total to 5 years in the UK.
After 5 Years
You may then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can eventually lead to British citizenship. For ILR, you’ll need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet continued English language and income requirements.
Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application
Applying for a spouse visa is a complex and document-heavy process. To improve your chances of success:
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Start early to gather all necessary documents
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Avoid submitting vague or incomplete evidence
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Use a qualified immigration solicitor to review your application
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Be consistent across all paperwork
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Make sure your application tells a clear story
Why Choose Legal Assist?
At Legal Assist, we understand how much is at stake when applying for a UK spouse visa. Our experienced immigration team offers:
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Personalised support for every stage of the application
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Expert guidance on meeting financial and legal requirements
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In-depth document checks to prevent refusals
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Fast-tracked support for priority applications
We take pride in helping families reunite and build their futures in the UK. Let our experts reduce your stress and ensure your application is handled with care and precision.
Final Thoughts
The process of applying for a UK spouse visa involves careful planning, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of immigration rules. Although it may seem daunting, having the right support can make all the difference.
With the right preparation—and guidance from professionals like those at Legal Assist—you can improve your chances of approval and begin your life in the UK with peace of mind.
Need Help with Your Spouse Visa Application?
Contact Legal Assist today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to support you through every step of the spouse visa journey.
