UK Spouse Visa

The Ultimate Guide to the UK Spouse Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Bringing your loved one to the UK should be an exciting and life-changing experience, but for many couples, applying for a UK Spouse Visa turns into a stressful, complicated, and emotionally exhausting process. The Home Office applies strict rules to ensure that only genuine couples qualify, and unfortunately, many applicants face refusals due to minor mistakes, missing documents, or financial miscalculations.

If you're planning to apply for a UK Spouse Visa, this guide will give you everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements and financial proof to common pitfalls and how to maximize your chances of success.

1️⃣ What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa (also known as a Partner Visa) allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partner in the UK. It is granted for 2.5 years initially and can be extended, eventually leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

✔ Allows you to live, work, and study in the UK.
✔ Leads to ILR and British citizenship after 5 years.
✔ Permits you to work freely in the UK (unlike some visas with work restrictions).

📌 Important: The Spouse Visa is different from a Fiancé(e) Visa, which allows you to enter the UK for six months to get married, after which you must switch to a Spouse Visa.

2️⃣ Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

You can apply for a Spouse Visa if you meet the following criteria:

✔ You are married or in a civil partnership with a:

• British citizen
• Person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status
• Refugee or person with humanitarian protection

✔ Your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
✔ You meet the financial requirement.
✔ You meet the English language requirement.
✔ You have suitable accommodation in the UK.
✔ You do not fall under general grounds for refusal (e.g., criminal record, previous immigration breaches).

📌 If you are not legally married, you may still qualify under the "Unmarried Partner" route—but you must prove you have lived together for at least two years in a genuine relationship.

3️⃣ The Financial Requirement: How Much Do You Need to Earn?

The financial requirement is one of the biggest reasons for Spouse Visa refusals. The UK government wants to ensure that the sponsor (the British/settled partner) can financially support their spouse without relying on public funds.

✔ You must earn at least £18,600 per year (before tax) if applying as a couple.
✔ If you have one dependent child, you need £22,400.
✔ For each additional child, add £2,400 per child.

📌 If the sponsor does not earn enough, you can still meet the requirement using:

• Savings (must have at least £62,500 in savings if no salary income).
• Self-employment income (complex, requires detailed documentation).
• Pension income or non-employment income (rental property, dividends, etc.).

💡 Tip: If you are relying on savings, you must have held the money in your bank account for at least six months before applying.

4️⃣ Proving Your Relationship is Genuine

The Home Office strictly checks that your relationship is real and ongoing to prevent sham marriages or visa fraud.

✔ Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate (if married).
✔ Photos of your relationship over time (travel, family gatherings, daily life).
✔ Communication records (WhatsApp, emails, call logs).
✔ Proof of living together (joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, utility bills).
✔ Birth certificates of children (if applicable).

📌 Key Mistake: Many applicants assume that being legally married is enough. However, the Home Office still requires evidence that you have lived together or maintained a genuine long-term relationship.

5️⃣ English Language Requirement

To apply for a Spouse Visa, the applicant must prove English proficiency by either:

✔ Passing a UKVI-approved English test (A1 level or higher).
✔ Holding a degree taught in English (recognized by UK NARIC).
✔ Being from an English-speaking country (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).

📌 Key Tip: Make sure the test is UKVI-approved—normal IELTS is not accepted for visa applications.

6️⃣ Accommodation Requirement: Where Will You Live?

You must prove that you and your spouse will have adequate accommodation in the UK.

✔ Provide a rental agreement or mortgage documents.
✔ Ensure the home meets UK housing standards (not overcrowded).
✔ If living with family, provide a letter from the homeowner confirming you can stay.

📌 Tip: The Home Office may reject your application if they believe you will be living in unsuitable or overcrowded housing.

7️⃣ The Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Ensure all required documents are original and correctly translated if needed.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

✔ Apply via the UK Government Visa Portal.
✔ Pay the visa fee (£1,846 for applications outside the UK, £1,048 for applications inside the UK).
✔ Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).

Step 3: Attend a Biometrics Appointment

✔ Submit fingerprints and photographs at a Visa Application Centre.
✔ Upload all supporting documents (bank statements, proof of relationship, housing documents).

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

✔ Standard processing time: 12 to 24 weeks.
✔ Priority service (if available): Decision in 6 weeks (£500 extra).
✔ Super Priority service: Decision in 1 working day (£1,000 extra).

Step 5: Receive Your Visa & Travel to the UK

✔ Once approved, you will receive a visa vignette (entry clearance) in your passport.
✔ You must enter the UK within 30 days (or apply for a new vignette if delayed).

8️⃣ Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusals & How to Avoid Them

❌ Not Meeting the Financial Requirement
✅ Solution: Ensure your income is clearly documented and meets the threshold.

❌ Weak Relationship Evidence
✅ Solution: Provide plenty of photos, travel history, and communication records.

❌ Incorrect or Missing Documents
✅ Solution: Double-check your documents, translations, and financial proof.

❌ Poor English Language Test Results
✅ Solution: Take the correct UKVI-approved English test early.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Spouse Visa?

While it’s possible to apply on your own, many applicants face refusals due to small mistakes or weak documentation. A lawyer can:
✅ Ensure your documents meet Home Office standards.
✅ Help you avoid financial requirement pitfalls.
✅ Assist with refusals, appeals, or complex cases.

📩 Need expert help with your UK Spouse Visa? Contact Sahin Legal Consultancy today for professional immigration assistance!