Are you married to someone in the UK? Do you want to live there together? The Spouse Visa UK can help. It lets people from outside the UK join their partners. This visa is for spouses of British or Irish citizens. It also works for those with settled status or other special rights. The goal is to keep families together.
After five years, you might get to stay forever. This article explains everything in simple terms. We cover who can apply, what you need, and how to do it.
Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?
First, let’s talk about who can get this visa. You must be married to the right kind of person. Your partner needs to be a British or Irish citizen. Or they could be settled in the UK. That means they live there without time limits. People with pre-settled status under the EU scheme qualify too. So do holders of Turkish Businessperson or Worker visas. Even those with refugee status or humanitarian protection can sponsor a spouse.
Both you and your partner must be over 18 years old. You can’t be too closely related. The UK law says no marriages between parents and kids, siblings, or other close family. Check the Marriage Act 1949 for details. You must have met in person at least once. Phone calls or online chats don’t count alone. The marriage has to be real and legal. If you got married abroad, it must follow local rules. There can’t be any legal blocks in your home countries.
The Relationship Must Be Genuine
The relationship must be genuine. That means you really love each other and plan to stay together. Show proof like shared bills or photos. You both need to want to live in the UK forever. Any old marriages or partnerships must be fully over. No bigamy allowed.
Financial Requirements Matter a Lot
Now, money matters a lot. You need to prove you can support yourselves. The main rule is a yearly income of at least £18,600. This is before taxes. If you have kids who aren’t British, settled, or from the EEA, add more. It’s £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each extra one. Kids with UK rights don’t count toward this.
Some people get a break on money rules. If your UK partner gets certain benefits, like disability pay, you might not need the full amount. They just have to show they can support you without public help. Income can come from jobs, self-employment, or pensions. Even savings count if you have over £16,000 for six months. You can mix sources, like part job and part savings. But you must show clear proof. Many applications fail because of weak money evidence. Get help from experts to avoid mistakes.
Accommodation Needs to Be Suitable
Next is where you’ll live. You need a safe place to stay in the UK. It can’t rely on government money. The home must be yours or rented just for you. No overcrowding allowed. It has to meet health rules too. Prove this with papers like house deeds or a lease. A letter from the landlord works if they say it’s okay for you to live there.
English Skills Are Key
English skills are key. For the first visa, you need basic level A1 on the CEFR scale. That’s simple talking and listening. Later, for extensions, it’s A2. Some skip this: if you’re over 65, have a disability, or special reasons. People from English-speaking countries like the US or Australia don’t need tests. You can pass an approved exam or show a degree taught in English. A group called Ecctis checks degrees.
How to Apply for the Visa
How do you apply? It depends on where you are. If outside the UK, use the online form for entry clearance. Inside the UK? Switch or extend with a different form. Fill it out carefully. Add all papers before you send. You can scan and upload most things. Rules change, so check the latest. It’s smart to talk to immigration pros. They spot errors that cause denials.
Documents You Need to Submit
What papers do you need? Lots! Start with relationship proof. Things like marriage certificates, joint bank statements, or trip photos together. Add chat logs or letters from friends who know you as a couple. For money, show pay slips, tax forms, or bank records. Accommodation needs address proof. English test results or passports for language exemptions. Make a list just for your case. Generic lists miss things. Wrong papers are a top reason for no.
Fees and Costs Involved
Fees aren’t cheap. From outside the UK, it’s £1,523 per person. Inside, for switches or extensions, £1,033. Kids cost extra if applying. Prices can rise, so look up current ones. Plan your budget.
Processing Times to Expect
How long does it take? Overseas apps used to take 12 weeks. Now, after fixing delays, it’s about 60 working days. In-UK ones are 8 weeks. Want faster? Pay for Priority Service. Overseas, it cuts to 30 days. A new option from 2023 speeds pending family visas to 15 days. Super Priority is paused for these right now.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, what next? First visa from abroad lasts 33 months. From inside, 30 months. Before it ends, apply to extend. Get another 30 months if yes. After five years total, go for Indefinite Leave to Remain. That’s permanent stay. For ILR, prove you still live together. Pass a B1 English test and the Life in the UK quiz. Some exemptions apply.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Why do apps get refused? Often, not enough papers. Or money doesn’t add up. English skills fall short. Officials might doubt if the marriage is real. They look for fake relationships. To win, be honest and complete. Appeals cost time and money, so do it right first.
Tips for a Successful Application
Tips for success: Start early. Gather docs over time. Use pros for advice. They know tricks. Stay updated on rules, as they change. For 2025, watch for updates on fees or times.
This visa opens doors to a new life. It reunites families and builds futures. If you qualify, go for it. With care, you can succeed. Remember, this is general info. Your case might differ. Seek personal help for best results.
