Spouse Visa Requirements In the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a top destination for couples seeking to build their lives together. For those married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status, applying for a spouse visa in the UK is the first step toward joining your loved one in the UK and starting a new chapter.
But what does the process entail, and what are the requirements for a UK spouse visa?
In this article, we will walk you through the spouse visa requirements for the UK, covering everything from eligibility criteria to financial requirements and important documentation.
Whether you’re already familiar with the spouse visa process or you’re just beginning your journey, this guide will provide clarity and direction.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK spouse visa, also known as a family visa, allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain) to live and work in the UK.
The visa is initially granted for 30 months, and you can apply for an extension after this period. After five years of residency on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Spouse Visa
Before diving into the required documents, it’s essential to ensure you meet the spouse visa eligibility requirements. Here are the basic conditions you must satisfy:
1. Relationship Requirements
- You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who holds settled status.
- You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, which can be demonstrated through evidence of living together, communication, and shared financial responsibilities.
- If you are applying as an unmarried partner, you must have lived together for at least two years.
2. Age Requirement
- Both the applicant and their partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
3. Financial Requirements
- You and your partner must have a combined minimum income of £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children, this threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- If you do not meet the income requirement through salary, you can supplement it with savings (the amount required depends on your income shortfall).
- Income can be demonstrated through employment, self-employment, pensions, or other legitimate income sources.
4. English Language Requirement
- You must prove your ability to speak and understand English. This can be done by:
- Passing an approved English language test at level A1.
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Being from a country that is exempt from this requirement (such as the US or Canada).
5. Accommodation Requirement
- You must provide proof of adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents. This accommodation must meet the UK’s living standards and be owned or rented by either you or your partner.
Required Documents for the UK Spouse Visa
When applying for a spouse visa, you will need to gather specific documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Evidence of communication (emails, messages, phone logs).
- Photos together or proof of cohabitation.
- Financial Documents:
- Payslips for the last six months.
- Bank statements showing income deposits.
- A letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
- Property inspection report showing that the property meets the required living standards.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency:
- English language test certificate (if applicable).
- Degree certificate (if applicable).
- Other supporting documents:
- Passports or travel documents for both the applicant and their partner.
- Immigration history, if applicable.
Application Process for the UK Spouse Visa
1. Submit the Application Online
The application for a UK spouse visa is submitted online via the UK government’s visa and immigration website. You will need to complete the application form, provide your documents, and pay the visa fee.
2. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
As part of the application, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS fee is currently £624 per year.
3. Attend a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph for your biometric residence permit.
4. Wait for a Decision
The processing time for a spouse visa application can take up to 12 weeks, though priority services are available for faster processing.
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements in Detail
One of the most challenging aspects for applicants is meeting the UK spouse visa financial requirements. Here’s a closer look at how the income thresholds work:
- Income Threshold: £18,600 for the main applicant, increasing by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- Savings Requirement: If you cannot meet the income threshold, you can rely on cash savings above £16,000, which must be held for at least six months. For example, to make up an income shortfall of £5,000, you will need savings of £25,000.
Applicants can combine different income sources to meet the financial requirement, including employment income, pension income, and non-employment income (such as rental income or dividends).
How Long Does the UK Spouse Visa Last?
Once granted, the spouse visa is valid for 30 months. Before it expires, you can apply for an extension, granting you another 30 months of residency in the UK.
After spending five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is the first step toward British citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the processing time for a UK spouse visa?
- Standard applications can take up to 12 weeks, but priority services are available for faster processing.
- How much does it cost to apply for a spouse visa?
- The application fee is £1,538 for applications made outside the UK and £1,048 for applications made within the UK.
- Do I need to meet the financial requirement if my partner is receiving disability benefits?
- No, if your partner is receiving certain disability benefits or a carer’s allowance, the financial requirement does not apply, but you must provide adequate evidence of your circumstances.
- Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
- Yes, the spouse visa grants you the right to work and study in the UK without restrictions.
- Can I apply for a spouse visa if I’m engaged but not yet married?
- No, the spouse visa is only for individuals who are already married or in a civil partnership. If you are engaged, you can apply for a fiancé(e) visa, which allows you to come to the UK to get married within six months.
Conclusion
Navigating the requirements for a UK spouse visa can be daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding, the process becomes much easier.
Ensuring that you meet the relationship, financial, and language requirements is essential to securing your visa and beginning your life in the UK with your partner.
If you’re ready to start the application process or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice!
