The UK Spouse visa (also known as the Partner visa or Marriage visa) allows you to bring your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner to live with you in the UK. This visa is available if you are a British citizen, have settled status (ILR), or hold refugee status or humanitarian protection. Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting, and you must meet strict financial, English language, and accommodation requirements.
The Spouse visa follows a 5-year route to settlement. You’ll first be granted a visa for 2.5 years, which can be extended for a further 2.5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, your partner can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and, if desired, British citizenship after a further 12 months. Throughout this period, your partner will have full permission to work and access NHS healthcare (after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge).
As of 2025, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 gross per year.
This income can come from:
Savings calculation: If using savings alone, you need £88,500 (£16,000 + (£29,000 × 2.5)). Savings can also supplement income—for every £1 you fall short, you need an extra £2.50 in savings.
Your partner must pass an approved English language test at CEFR Level A1 (basic) or hold a degree taught in English.
Your partner must pass an approved English language test at CEFR Level A1 (basic) or hold a degree taught in English.
You must have adequate accommodation that you own or occupy exclusively without breaching public health regulations.
Evidence includes tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or property inspection report.
Year 0-2.5
Initial Spouse Visa
Meet all requirements
+ £29k
Year 2.5-5
Extension
Still meet requirements + A2 English
We compile comprehensive payslips, bank statements, tax returns, and employer letters covering the required 6-month period.
We help you build a detailed relationship timeline with photos, communication logs, and witness statements.
We review every document for clarity, authenticity, and Home Office compliance before submission.
We guide you to approved test centers and verify your certificate meets UKVI requirements.
We assess your housing situation and provide guidance on meeting public health standards.
As of 2025, the financial requirement is £29,000 gross annual income. This can come from employment, self-employment, savings (over £16,000), pension, or a combination. You must show you’ve met this threshold for at least 6 months before applying.
The initial Spouse visa is granted for 2.5 years (30 months). You can then extend for a further 2.5 years. After 5 years total, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
Your partner must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level A1 for the initial visa, then A2 for the extension, and B1 for ILR. Acceptable evidence includes a SELT test from an approved provider or a degree taught in English.
Yes. You need £16,000 plus an additional £2.50 for every £1 you fall short of the income requirement. For example, if you have no income, you need £88,500 in savings (£16,000 + (£29,000 × 2.5)). Savings must have been held for at least 6 months.
Common refusal reasons include: insufficient financial evidence, relationship not deemed genuine, poor quality photographs/communication evidence, failure to meet English language requirement, or inadequate accommodation. We help you avoid all these pitfalls.
Yes. Spouse visa holders have full permission to work in the UK without restrictions. They can be employed, self-employed, or set up their own business.
