UK Spouse Visa
Reunite with your spouse or partner and build a life together in the UK
What is the UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa is a family reunion visa designed for individuals who wish to join their married partner or civil partner living in the United Kingdom. This visa category enables couples to live together in the UK for an extended duration, providing a pathway to establish a permanent life together. The visa recognizes legally registered marriages and civil partnerships that meet specific criteria set by UK immigration authorities.
British citizens and individuals with settled status in the UK can sponsor their foreign spouse or civil partner through this visa route. The sponsorship process requires demonstrating financial stability, genuine relationship authenticity, and meeting language proficiency standards. The visa is issued for an initial period of 2 years and 6 months (for married couples) or 6 months (for fiancés), with opportunities for extension and eventual settlement.
Quick Facts
- •Initial visa duration: 2.5 years (married), 6 months (fiancé)
- •Minimum income requirement: £29,000 per year
- •English language: CEFR A1 level minimum required
- •Processing time: 3-12 weeks depending on location
Eligibility Requirements
For the Sponsor (UK Resident)
- ✓Must be 18 years or older
- ✓Must be a British citizen or have settled immigration status
- ✓Must prove financial capacity to support the spouse
- ✓Cannot be on public funds or claiming certain state benefits
- ✓Must have adequate accommodation for both persons
For the Applicant (Spouse)
- ✓Must be 18 years or older
- ✓Must be married to or in civil partnership with UK resident
- ✓Relationship must be genuine and authentic
- ✓Must meet English language requirements (CEFR A1)
- ✓Must meet health and security checks
Relationship Requirements
Marriage Duration
Your marriage or civil partnership must have existed for a minimum of 2 years at the time of visa application. This requirement helps prevent marriages undertaken solely for immigration purposes.
Fiancé Exception
If applying as an engaged couple (not yet married), you must demonstrate evidence of marriage plans with a documented date within 6 months of the fiancé's UK arrival.
Relationship Proof
Extensive documentation is required demonstrating an authentic, ongoing relationship. This includes correspondence, photographs, travel history, shared finances, and third-party statements from family and friends.
Financial Requirements
Income Thresholds
The primary requirement is demonstrating a combined household income of at least £29,000 per year for one spouse. Additional household members require increased income:
- • First dependent child: Add £3,800 annually
- • Each additional child: Add £2,400 annually
- • Each additional dependent adult: Add £3,800 annually
Acceptable Income Sources
- ✓ Employment salary and wages
- ✓ Self-employment income (with documentation)
- ✓ Savings and investments above £16,000
- ✓ Pension payments
- ✓ Rental property income
- ✓ Government benefits (if permitted)
Financial Documentation
Employment Income
- • 6 months of recent payslips
- • Employment letter from employer
- • P60 tax documentation
Bank Statements
- • 6 months of bank statements
- • Proof of savings above £16,000
- • Consistent monthly deposits
English Language Requirements
Proof of English Proficiency
The spouse applicant must demonstrate English language capability at CEFR level A1 (Elementary) in both speaking and listening skills. Proof can be provided through:
- 1.Approved English language test from SELT (Secure English Language Test) providers, with minimum A1 scores in speaking and listening
- 2.Academic qualification (bachelor's degree or higher) taught or examined in English and recognized by UK NARIC
Exemptions
Applicants from the following English-speaking countries are automatically exempt from this requirement:
Additionally, individuals over 65 years or those with qualifying medical conditions may be exempt.
Application Process
Prepare Documentation
Gather all required documents including passport, marriage certificate, proof of English language proficiency, financial documentation, and evidence of relationship authenticity
Complete Online Application
Submit the VAF4A application form online through the official UK Visas and Immigration website, providing all personal and family information
Upload Supporting Documents
Securely upload all required supporting documents through the application portal, ensuring each document is clearly labeled and organized
Pay Visa Fee
Complete the online payment process for the appropriate visa fee based on your application location (outside UK: £1,464, inside UK: £993-£1,583)
Provide Biometric Data
Visit the visa application center to provide fingerprints, photographs, and any additional required biometric information in person
Await Decision
The immigration authorities will review your application and notify you of the decision. Processing times range from 3-12 weeks depending on location and complexity
Fees and Processing Times
Visa Fee Structure
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year for spouse visa
Processing Timelines
Outside UK
Standard processing: Up to 12 weeks
Inside UK (Online/Post)
Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks
Premium Service
Decision typically within 1 business day
Note: Processing may extend beyond these timelines if additional information is requested or security checks require investigation.
Visa Validity and Extension
Initial Visa Duration
Married couples receive initial visa validity of 2 years and 6 months. Fiancé visa holders receive 6 months to marry before the visa expires.
Extension Rights
You may apply to extend your visa 28 days before it expires. Extension requires proof of continuous cohabitation and maintenance of relationship authenticity.
Settlement (ILR)
After 5 years of continuous residence on spouse visas, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, providing permanent residence rights in the UK.
Document Checklist
Personal Documents
- ☐Valid passport (original and copy)
- ☐Previous passports (if applicable)
- ☐2 color passport-sized photographs
- ☐Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- ☐Birth certificate
- ☐Evidence of divorce(s) if previously married
- ☐Medical examination results (if required)
- ☐Police clearance certificate
Supporting Documents
- ☐English language test results or qualification
- ☐6 months of bank statements
- ☐Recent payslips (6 months)
- ☐Employment letter or contract
- ☐Tax returns and P60 documents
- ☐Photographs together (multiple dates/locations)
- ☐Communication records (emails, messages, letters)
- ☐Accommodation proof (lease, mortgage, letter)
Key Takeaways
Relationship Authenticity
UK immigration authorities prioritize verifying genuine relationships. Applicants must provide extensive documentation demonstrating authentic, ongoing commitment to their spouse.
Financial Stability
Meeting the £29,000 income threshold is crucial. Insufficient financial means is a common reason for visa refusal. Ensure documentation clearly demonstrates consistent income.
Language Proficiency
Unless exempt, applicants must pass an approved English language test at CEFR A1 level. Plan time for language preparation and test scheduling.
Settlement Pathway
After 5 continuous years on spouse visas with ongoing extensions, applicants can pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain for permanent UK residence.