Spouse Visa Requirements (Applicant Guidance)

Having a spouse visa and getting settled in the UK is a dream of many. But in recent times, the Home Office has grown strict and more vigilant when it comes to granting a spouse visa. 

So, it becomes all the more imperative to fulfil all the UK spouse visa requirements in order to have your spouse visa secured. 

What is a UK Spouse visa?

The UK Spouse visa is a permission granted to a non-UK citizen to come to the UK and stay with their partner. The UK Spouse visa route is for those seeking to enter or remain in the UK on the basis of their family life with a person who is a British Citizen, is settled in the UK, is in the UK with limited leave as a refugee or person granted humanitarian protection as mentioned in the Appendix FM of the UK Visas and Immigration rules.

You can apply for this spouse visa if you are the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner who were living together in a relationship for at least 2 years , fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner must marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

Who can apply for a Spouse visa

You qualify to apply for a UK Spouse Visa if you fulfil the following:

1. You are 18 years of age or above

2. You are married or in a civil partnership that is legally recognised in the UK

3. Married to a British citizen or pre settled individual in the UK

4. You have been living together with your partner in a relationship for at least 2 years and you can furnish evidence of the relationship

5. You are engaged, or you hold a  UK Fiance(e) Visa and you intend to get married within 6 months of being in the UK

Requirements for a Spouse visa

General requirements

To secure a UK Spouse visa you must have the basic requirements fulfilled.

1. Fulfil the age eligibility as mentioned above

2. Have all the supporting documents

3. Prove that you relationship with the partner is genuine and subsisting

4. Fulfil the minimum income threshold and the financial prerequisites

5. Prove your English language proficiency 

6. Have evidence to prove an adequate accommodation for yourself and  your partner and any dependents in addition, if required

7. Complete your biometrics to get Indefinite leave to remain

8. Show the test results of Tuberculosis(TB), if required 

Financial requirements

The financial requirements play an important role in deciding whether you meet the eligibility criteria or not. Unless the UK Visa and Immigration(The Home Office) is convinced of your financial stability securing a Spouse visa is difficult.

The partners must have a specified gross annual income of at least  £18,600

And an additional £3,800 for the first child(If any), and  £2,400 for each additional child, either alone or in combination.

There are several ways with which the partners can show the relevant income threshold.

The partner could be employed somewhere or is self-employed, pension, having a specified income from tenancy or mortgage. You must evidence the proof of all your earnings and gross annual income.

English Language requirements

Another mandatory requirement is to have passed an English language test in speaking and listening with a minimum of level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You could also be holding a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD from a recognised UK institute. You must be able to furnish proof of the same.

How to apply for a Spouse visa

Once you have all the documents specified in the requirements above then you need to make an online application and submit all the supported documents. You must book and attend the appointment for Biometrics at a nearest UK visa and immigration centre where your photograph and fingerprint will be taken. 

Currently, the application costs £1,523 and £19.20 for your biometric information.

It could take approximately 12 weeks for the decision to come.

You can also take legal assistance from immigration experts who will represent your case and handhold you at every stage to avoid any chance of refusal and help you achieve your immigration goals.