Spouse and Partner Visa

• AgeThe applicant and their partner must each be 18 or over on the date of application.
• Genuine relationshipThe applicant and their partner must have met in person, be in a genuine and subsisting relationship, and intend to live together permanently in the UK. This can be as a spouse or civil partner, as an unmarried partner who has lived together with the applicant in a relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years, or as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Where the couple cannot live together, for example because they work or study in different places, evidence of an ongoing commitment to each other is needed instead.
• Minimum income requirementWhere the financial requirement applies, the published rules set a specified gross annual income of at least £29,000 for an application made on or after 11 April 2024. A different, transitional figure applies only where the applicant is extending permission to stay with the same partner and their first successful application as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner or partner was made before 11 April 2024: a specified gross annual income of at least £18,600, plus £3,800 for a first child and £2,400 for each additional child, capped at £29,000 in total. Specified savings can be used instead of, or together with, qualifying income. Where the sponsoring partner receives certain disability or carer’s benefits, an adequate maintenance requirement applies instead. That means showing enough money to house and support the family without relying on public funds.
• Adequate accommodationThe applicant must show there will be adequate accommodation for the family, without recourse to public funds, which the family own or occupy exclusively. Accommodation is not regarded as adequate if it is, or will be, overcrowded, or if it contravenes public health regulations.
• English languageThe applicant must show knowledge of English, usually by passing an approved English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A1 on a first application, or by holding a qualifying academic degree, unless an exemption applies, for example because of age, a disability, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country. Some applicants extending their stay as a partner need to show a higher level after a further period in the UK.
• Tuberculosis testApplicants from a country where the test is required must provide tuberculosis test results with their application.

• Current passport or travel documentPlus copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in previous passports.
• Proof of relationship with your partnerFor example a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or evidence of living together for at least 2 years such as tenancy agreements, utility or Council Tax bills, joint bank statements, or a letter from a doctor or dentist, dated less than 4 years before you apply.
• Proof of incomeFor example payslips, bank statements, or a dated employer’s letter on headed paper confirming employment, income and length of service.
• Your partner’s detailsName, date of birth, nationality, passport and evidence of their right to be in the UK, plus details of any previous marriages, civil partnerships or children.
• Tuberculosis test resultsIf applying from a country where the test is required.
• Certified translationsFor any document that is not in English or Welsh.
• Details of any children on the applicationName, nationality, date of birth, and who the child normally lives with.

Apply outside the UK (joining a partner, parent or child)

£2,064

Apply inside the UK

£1,407

Each dependant added to the application

£2,064 outside the UK / £1,407 inside the UK

Super priority service (from inside the UK only)

£1,000

Healthcare surcharge, adult aged 18 or over (2 years 6 months)

£2,587.50

Healthcare surcharge, adult aged 18 or over (2 years 9 months)

£3,105

Healthcare surcharge, adult aged 18 or over (5 years)

£5,175

Fees are set by the Home Office and can change. A fee waiver may be available in some circumstances. Source: GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa

Apply outside the UK

Usually within 12 weeks

Apply inside the UK, where the financial and English language requirements are met

Usually within 8 weeks

Apply inside the UK, where the financial and English language requirements are not met

About 12 months

Standard service times published by the Home Office; a faster decision may be available for an extra fee.