Relocating to the United Kingdom to live with your partner is a major personal and legal step. For individuals married to a British citizen or someone with settled status, the Spouse Visa UK is the main route for joining them and beginning a new life together in the UK.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the current requirements for applying in 2025, including the relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language standards that must be met. It also offers practical advice to help applicants submit a strong and complete visa application.
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
The Spouse Visa allows foreign nationals to live in the UK with their husband, wife, or civil partner. It’s part of the Family Visa category under UK immigration rules and is a path to permanent residency and eventually British citizenship.
Eligibility includes individuals who are:
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Married to a British citizen,
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Married to someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status,
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Married to someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To apply successfully, both the applicant and the UK-based sponsor must meet strict criteria designed to confirm the relationship is real and sustainable.
1. Relationship Requirements
Legal Marriage or Civil Partnership
You must be legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognized in the UK. Informal or solely religious ceremonies are not sufficient unless they also comply with UK legal standards.
Genuine and Ongoing Relationship
Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and continues to thrive. This may involve submitting:
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Photos taken together over time
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Communication history (texts, emails, call logs)
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Evidence of shared financial commitments
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Records of trips or visits to each other
In-Person Meeting
A minimum requirement is that the couple has met physically at least once before applying. Online-only relationships do not meet this criterion.
Intention to Live Together in the UK
Both partners must have the clear intention to live together permanently in the UK after the visa is granted.
2. Financial Requirements
To be eligible, the UK-based sponsor must demonstrate financial capability to support their partner without relying on public funds.
Minimum Income Threshold (2025)
As of 2025, the required annual income to sponsor a spouse is:
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£29,000 per year (raised from £18,600)
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Plus £3,800 for the first child
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And £2,400 for each additional child
Example: A sponsor with one child must earn a minimum of £32,800.
Important: The income threshold is scheduled to rise to £34,500 in late 2025 and to £38,700 in early 2026. Always check for the latest figures before applying.
Sources of Income That Count
Income can come from:
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Employment or self-employment in the UK
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Pensions
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Property rental income
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Maternity or paternity pay
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Cash savings (must be at least £88,500 if relying on savings alone)
Combining Incomes
If the applicant is in the UK and legally working, the couple’s income may be combined to meet the threshold.
Benefits and Exceptions
If the UK sponsor receives certain disability-related benefits, the minimum income rule may not apply. Instead, the applicant must demonstrate adequate maintenance.
3. English Language Requirements
Applicants must show they can speak and understand English at a basic level to help them integrate into UK society.
How to Meet This Requirement
You must either:
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Pass an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher,
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Have a degree taught or researched in English (subject to UK recognition),
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Be a citizen of a country where English is the majority language (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada).
Only Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers are accepted, such as IELTS Life Skills.
4. Accommodation Requirement
The couple must have suitable accommodation in the UK. This means the home:
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Is not overcrowded
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Meets public health and safety regulations
Examples of Supporting Evidence
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Rental agreement or mortgage documents
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Utility bills or council tax statements
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Housing inspection report
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A letter from a landlord (if the property is rented)
5. Sponsor’s Immigration Status
The UK-based partner must fall into one of the following categories:
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A British citizen
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Someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU settled status
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A person granted refugee status or humanitarian protection
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
If the applicant is from a country where TB testing is required, they must provide a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic before submitting the visa application.
Additional Considerations
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Children under 18 can be included as dependents but must not be living independently.
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If the applicant or sponsor has previously been married, official proof of divorce or a death certificate must be submitted.
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Applicants applying from within the UK must not be in breach of immigration laws or be on a visitor visa, with limited exceptions.
Documents Checklist
To avoid delays or refusals, applicants should submit accurate and complete documentation, including:
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Valid passports (for applicant and sponsor)
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Marriage or civil partnership certificate
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Proof of relationship (photos, correspondence, joint finances)
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Evidence of income (6 months of payslips, bank statements, employment letter)
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Accommodation documentation
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English language test result or proof of exemption
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TB test certificate, if required
All documents in other languages must be professionally translated into English.
Application Process Summary
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Submit your application online via the UK Government website
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Pay the fees:
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Application fee: £1,846 (for applications from outside the UK)
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Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, typically £2,587.50 upfront for 2.5 years
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Book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
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Upload your documents or submit them in person if required
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Wait for a decision, which typically takes 8 to 12 weeks for standard applications
If Your Application Is Refused
Refusals can happen for a number of reasons, including:
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Inadequate relationship evidence
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Not meeting the income requirement
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Missing or incorrect documentation
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Failure to meet the English language requirement
In such cases, you may be able to appeal the decision, reapply with stronger evidence, or consult with an immigration adviser for support.
Long-Term Path: ILR and British Citizenship
Once approved, the Spouse Visa is typically valid for 2.5 years. After renewing it once (to reach 5 years total), applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
After holding ILR for one additional year, many applicants become eligible to apply for British citizenship.
To Reach ILR, You Must:
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Complete 5 years on a valid spouse visa
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Pass the Life in the UK Test
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Meet updated English language requirements
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Continue meeting financial and relationship criteria
Practical Tips for a Strong Application
Start gathering documents early
Keep a clear, organized folder of all paperwork
Submit more relationship evidence than you think is needed
Review all forms and supporting documents carefully
If in doubt, seek guidance from a regulated immigration adviser
Final Thoughts
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa involves detailed preparation, but with careful planning and a strong understanding of the rules, the process is manageable. As immigration requirements change—especially the financial thresholds—it’s more important than ever to stay up to date and make sure your application is thoroughly documented and legally sound.
