UK Spouse Visa Requirements

The UK Spouse Visa, part of the Family Visa route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, allows the partner of a British citizen or settled person to live and work in the UK. It provides a legal route to reunite families and supports long-term settlement through progression to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.

The spouse visa can be applied for from inside or outside the UK and is one of the most scrutinised immigration routes due to its combination of financial, relationship, and accommodation requirements. The Home Office assesses not only the applicant’s personal and financial eligibility but also the authenticity of the relationship between the partners.

The spouse visa remains a core part of the UK’s family migration policy. However, it also has relevance for employers and HR professionals managing employees who may be applying as dependants or who are affected by partner immigration timelines. Understanding the requirements helps ensure right to work compliance and informed support for affected staff.

What this article is about:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UK Spouse Visa requirements under Appendix FM. It explains eligibility rules, financial thresholds, accommodation and language conditions, and outlines the application process with evidence expectations. The guide also clarifies the spouse visa’s role as a route to ILR and includes practical insights for sponsors and applicants.

Section A: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa under Appendix FM, applicants must satisfy a range of eligibility conditions designed to ensure the relationship is genuine and that both partners can lawfully and sustainably live together in the UK. These requirements are primarily assessed through documentation and, where necessary, further Home Office verification or interviews.

1. Relationship Requirement

A central aspect of the spouse visa application is the relationship requirement. Applicants must demonstrate that they are legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. The marriage or partnership must be legally recognised under UK law and subsisting at the time of the application.

The Home Office applies a ‘genuine and subsisting relationship’ test to ensure that the marriage is not entered into for immigration advantage. Evidence can include a combination of:

• Official documents such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Joint bank accounts or tenancy agreements
• Correspondence addressed jointly or individually to the same address
• Photographs together over time
• Communication records such as emails, messages, or call logs

Where partners have lived apart, credible reasons must be provided—such as work, study, or visa restrictions—to demonstrate that separation does not undermine the authenticity of the relationship.

2. Immigration Status of the Sponsor

The UK-based partner (the “sponsor”) must have one of the following immigration statuses:

• British citizen
• Holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Person with refugee status or humanitarian protection

In limited circumstances, certain individuals with pre-settled status or limited leave may act as sponsors, but these applications are assessed on a stricter basis and may not lead directly to settlement. Sponsors must also be physically present and habitually resident in the UK, or intend to return with their spouse if applying from abroad. For EU Settlement Scheme routes, sponsors relying on that scheme should ordinarily hold settled status to align with the 5-year settlement route; pre-settled status alone will not usually place a partner on the 5-year route.

3. Age, Consent and Intentions

Both partners must be aged 18 or over on the date of application. Each party must freely consent to the marriage or civil partnership, and there must be a clear intention to live together permanently in the UK. The Home Office may assess this intention through the applicant’s and sponsor’s plans, shared responsibilities, or communications.

Applicants must not be in breach of UK immigration laws (except where permitted under specific provisions for overstayers with good cause under Appendix FM) and must not be under immigration bail at the time of application.

Section Summary

To meet the spouse visa eligibility requirements, applicants must demonstrate a legally recognised and genuine relationship with a qualifying sponsor, satisfy the age and consent conditions, and show a clear intention to live together in the UK. The Home Office places significant weight on the quality and consistency of relationship evidence, making clear and well-organised documentation critical to success.

Section B: Financial Requirement

The financial requirement is one of the most critical and frequently misunderstood elements of the UK Spouse Visa. It ensures that couples can financially support themselves in the UK without relying on public funds. The Home Office applies strict evidential rules under Appendix FM-SE to determine whether the sponsor meets the minimum income threshold or qualifies under one of the permitted exemptions.

1. Minimum Income Threshold

As of 11 April 2024, the minimum gross annual income required to sponsor a spouse or partner under Appendix FM is £29,000. This threshold remains in force through 2025 and applies whether the application is made in-country or out-of-country. For new partner applications, the former child ‘add-on’ amounts have been removed; the flat £29,000 applies regardless of the number of non-British dependent children applying with the partner. Transitional protection applies for earlier cases.

Transitional cases: If the first partner application was made before 11 April 2024 and the applicant remains with the same partner, the previous minimum income requirement of £18,600 (plus child add-ons) continues to apply at extension and ILR under transitional provisions.

Income is normally assessed on the sponsor’s earnings. However, where the applicant is already in the UK with permission to work, the couple can combine incomes in the usual Category A or B methods under Appendix FM-SE.

2. Income Sources

Permitted sources of income include:

• Employment income from a UK-based employer
• Self-employment income from a business registered with HMRC
• Non-employment income such as property rental, dividends, or pension income
• Cash savings above £16,000, which can be used to offset an income shortfall

The Home Office applies the formula £16,000 + (income shortfall × 2.5) to determine the required level of savings for a 2.5-year visa period. Savings must be held in the sponsor’s or applicant’s name for at least six months and be immediately available.

3. Evidential Requirements

Appendix FM-SE sets out strict evidential requirements. Documentation typically includes:

• Payslips covering the relevant six-month period
• Bank statements showing salary deposits
• P60s, employment contracts, or employer letters confirming terms of employment
• For self-employed sponsors: tax returns, business accounts, or accountant’s letters

Failure to provide evidence in the required format or for the correct period is a common reason for refusal. Applicants should ensure all documents meet the specified criteria and align with declared figures.

4. Exceptions and Adequate Maintenance

Sponsors receiving certain benefits are exempt from meeting the £29,000 threshold. Instead, they must show they can provide adequate maintenance without recourse to public funds. This exemption applies to sponsors receiving benefits such as:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit

In these cases, income is assessed against the level of Income Support available to a similar household. Evidence of benefit receipts and overall maintenance levels must be provided.

Section Summary

The financial requirement is one of the most heavily scrutinised aspects of the spouse visa process. Applicants and sponsors must evidence a minimum annual income of £29,000 or rely on permitted savings and benefits-based exemptions. Because of the rigid evidential standards under Appendix FM-SE, precise documentation and full compliance with format and timing rules are essential for a successful outcome.

Section C: Accommodation and English Language Requirements

Beyond financial and relationship evidence, applicants must also demonstrate that suitable accommodation is available in the UK and that they meet the English language requirement. These conditions ensure both stability and integration into UK life. The Home Office reviews these requirements with the same level of scrutiny as financial eligibility.

1. Accommodation Requirement

The applicant and sponsor must have access to adequate accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds. The accommodation must:

• Be owned or occupied exclusively by the couple and any dependants
• Not be statutorily overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985
• Not breach public health regulations

Evidence should confirm both the availability and suitability of the property. Acceptable documents include:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
• Council tax or utility bills
• Property inspection report (recommended if multiple occupants reside)
• Land Registry title or ownership documents

If the property is rented, the sponsor must show they have the right to occupy it and that the landlord consents to the applicant living there. Where accommodation is provided by family or friends, a formal letter of consent should be supported by ownership or tenancy evidence. The Home Office may verify accommodation details through local authority checks or direct contact with the property owner.

2. English Language Requirement

All applicants aged 18 or over must meet the English language requirement to demonstrate integration potential. For a first-time spouse visa, this is set at CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening). When extending the visa after 2.5 years, the requirement rises to Level A2.

Applicants can meet the requirement by:

• Passing an approved English language test from a Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider such as IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College London
• Holding a degree taught in English, verified by ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC)
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, or Australia

The certificate or verification letter must be submitted with the visa application. Expired test results cannot be reused unless they were accepted for an earlier successful application. Failure to meet the English language requirement is a frequent cause of refusal, particularly where applicants use unapproved test centres or uncertified qualifications.

Section Summary

Applicants must prove access to adequate, non-overcrowded accommodation and demonstrate English proficiency at the required level. These requirements ensure couples can establish stable living arrangements and communicate effectively in the UK. Up-to-date, verifiable evidence of housing and English qualifications is essential to meeting these conditions under Appendix FM.

Section D: Application Process and Supporting Documents

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa requires careful preparation and strict adherence to the procedural and evidential rules set out under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or refusals, even where applicants meet all eligibility requirements. This section outlines the key steps, documentation, and timelines involved in the process.

1. Application Steps

The spouse visa application is made online via GOV.UK using the relevant Family Visa form. The process involves the following key steps:

• Visa fee payment – payable at the time of online submission, subject to annual Home Office updates
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – paid to access NHS services during the visa period
• Biometric enrolment – required for identity verification and document submission

Applicants in the UK will complete their biometrics through UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services), while those applying from abroad will attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their country of residence.

After submission, supporting evidence can be uploaded online or provided at the appointment, depending on local process. Once biometrics are submitted, the application moves to Home Office consideration.

eVisa and status confirmation: Successful entry clearance applicants are issued a short-term vignette to travel to the UK. Upon arrival, their immigration status is now recorded digitally as an eVisa linked to a UKVI account. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been phased out. Applicants must use their UKVI account to view and prove immigration status online, including generating share codes for employers or landlords.

2. Document Checklist

While specific requirements vary by circumstance, the standard documentation includes:

• Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship (photos, correspondence, joint commitments)
• Proof of sponsor’s immigration status (passport or residence permit)
• Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, tax documents)
• Accommodation proof (tenancy agreement, inspection report, or ownership documents)
• English language certificate or ECCTIS verification letter
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applicable

Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. Clear, legible, and correctly labelled uploads are critical to avoid administrative delays.

3. Processing Times and Outcome

Processing times vary depending on the application location and service level:

• Outside the UK: up to 12 weeks for standard service
• Inside the UK: around 8 weeks for standard service, with optional priority (5-day) and super-priority (24-hour) upgrades at additional cost

Applicants should always check current timelines on GOV.UK before applying. On approval, an entry vignette is issued to travel to the UK, and status is then viewable via the applicant’s UKVI account as an eVisa. If refused, applicants may have a right to appeal or request an administrative review depending on the reason and where the application was made.

Section Summary

The spouse visa process demands accuracy, complete evidence, and strict compliance with Home Office format requirements. Applicants should stay updated on changes such as the eVisa system and use the UKVI account to manage and prove their immigration status digitally. Preparation and documentary precision are the best safeguards against delay or refusal.

FAQs

1. What is the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa in 2025?

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or partner under Appendix FM is £29,000 gross per year for new applications made on or after 11 April 2024. If your first partner application was submitted before that date and you remain with the same partner, the previous £18,600 threshold (plus child add-ons) continues to apply under transitional rules.

2. Can I use savings instead of income for a spouse visa?

Yes. Applicants can rely on cash savings held for at least six months to meet or supplement the income requirement. The Home Office formula is £16,000 + (shortfall × 2.5). For instance, if a sponsor earns £25,000, they would need savings of £26,000 (£16,000 + £4,000 × 2.5) to reach the £29,000 threshold. Savings must be held in accessible accounts and in the names of the sponsor, applicant, or both.

3. What English test do I need for a spouse visa?

Applicants must meet CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening) for the initial application and A2 for extensions. An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) must be taken with a Home Office-approved provider such as IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College London. Alternatively, nationals of majority English-speaking countries or degree holders taught in English (confirmed via ECCTIS) are exempt.

4. How long does the UK spouse visa take to process?

Standard processing currently takes up to 12 weeks for overseas applications and around 8 weeks for in-country applications. Priority (5-day) and super-priority (24-hour) services may be available at an extra cost, depending on location and capacity. Applicants should check the latest service times before submission.

5. Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?

Yes. Holders of a UK Spouse Visa have full right to work and study in the UK without restriction. Employment is not subject to sponsorship requirements, but employers must conduct a valid online right-to-work check using the applicant’s eVisa share code through the Home Office digital status service.

Conclusion

The UK Spouse Visa offers a crucial route for partners of British citizens and settled individuals to live together and build a life in the UK. However, it remains one of the most complex visa categories under the Immigration Rules, demanding precision in both eligibility and evidence.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement (or satisfy the adequate maintenance test where exempt), and provide evidence of suitable accommodation and English language proficiency. The success of an application often depends on the quality, accuracy, and organisation of supporting documents in accordance with Appendix FM-SE.

Once approved, the spouse visa grants leave to remain for 2.5 years on the five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After settlement, holders may qualify for British citizenship through naturalisation. Immigration status is now recorded digitally as an eVisa within the applicant’s UKVI account, replacing the physical BRP. Applicants should keep their account updated and use share codes to prove their rights to employers or landlords.

Employers should note that spouse visa holders have full work rights and can be employed without sponsorship. Nevertheless, HR teams must perform compliant online right-to-work checks to verify immigration status.

In summary, success in a UK Spouse Visa application requires early preparation, detailed documentary evidence, and adherence to the strict evidential rules. With careful planning and compliance, couples can establish residence together in the UK and progress toward permanent settlement.

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