Spouse Visa UK 2025 – Eligibility Requirements & Application Process

Last updated: December 2025, reflects new Home Office income rules (HC 1333).

Quick Answer: UK Spouse Visa 2025 Rules

  • Income: Sponsor must earn £29,000/year (frozen at this level for now).
  • Processing Time:12 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).
  • Cost: Approx £5,200 total (Application + Health Surcharge) for overseas applicants.
  • Key Change: No extra income required for children under the new rules (post-April 2024).

UK Spouse Visa: Quick Summary & 2025 Key Requirements

Requirement Key Figure
Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) £29,000 gross annual income.
Cash Savings (Sole Reliance) £88,500 (held for 6+ months).
English Language Minimum CEFR Level A1 (Speaking/Listening).
Settlement Time 5 Years (to reach ILR).

Applying for a Spouse Visa UK in 2025 allows a non-UK national to live, work, and settle in the United Kingdom with their British or settled partner. At Solicitors in Manchester, our SRA-regulated immigration lawyers guide you through every stage from eligibility checks to successful approval under the new £29,000 income threshold.

What is a Spouse Visa UK? 

A Spouse Visa UK allows non‑British partners to join their British or settled UK partner to live together in the UK. It is the first step toward long-term settlement.

Who is eligible for a Spouse Visa UK?

  • Both partners must be 18 or older.
  • Applicants must be married, in a civil partnership, or in a genuine relationship of at least 2 years. Fiancé/fiancée applications must plan to marry within six months.
  • The UK partner must be a British citizen or have settled status.
  • Financial requirement: Minimum income of £29,000 per year (or equivalent savings) unless an exemption applies.
  • English language proficiency: CEFR A1 minimum.
  • Adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds.

How do I apply for a Spouse Visa UK? 

Applications can be made from outside the UK or, in some cases, switched in‑country. Typical processing time is up to 12 weeks for applications made abroad. Initial visas last 2 years 9 months and can be extended, eventually leading to settlement after 5 years.

Why should I seek specialist advice? 

Professional guidance ensures:

  • Correct calculation of income
  • Strong evidence of a genuine relationship
  • Proof of adequate accommodation
  • Consideration of previous immigration history

Infographic Spouse Visa UK 2025

Eligibility & Sponsor Requirements

You can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if:

  • You and your partner are both aged 18 or over.
  • Your partner is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee / humanitarian protection.
  • You are legally married, in a civil partnership, or have cohabited for 2+ years.
  • You can prove a genuine and subsisting relationship through consistent evidence (e.g. joint bills, photos, messages).
  • You plan to live together permanently in the UK.

Who Can Be the Sponsor?

To apply, both you and your partner must meet certain conditions. Your partner (the sponsor) must be one of the following:

  • A British citizen
  • Someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
  • An EU national with settled or pre-settled status
  • A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection
  • You must be aged 18 or over.
  • Both opposite-sex and same-sex couples are eligible.

Financial Requirement – The £29,000 Rule Explained

Since April 2024, the Minimum Income Requirement has increased to £29,000 for all new spouse visa applications. This applies whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. The requirement remains the same even if dependent children are included.

Accepted Sources of Income (Categories A & B)

  • Employment or self-employment in the UK.
  • Pension or rental income.
  • Maternity, adoption, or sick pay.
  • Savings interest or dividends.

Proof required: 6 months’ payslips and bank statements (Category A), or 12 months for self-employed (Category B).

Using Savings Instead of Income

If your income falls short, you can rely on cash savings. You must have held the funds for at least 6 months in a personal account.

Formula:

Savings = (Income shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000

If relying solely on savings, you’ll need £88,500 or more.

Example: If your income is £25,000 (shortfall £4,000): (£4,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £26,000 required savings.

UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Calculator

Check if you meet the £29,000 income requirement

Important: Since April 2024, the Minimum Income Requirement for UK Spouse Visa applications is £29,000 per year. This calculator will help you determine if you meet this requirement or calculate the savings needed as an alternative.

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English Language Requirement

You must prove your knowledge of English unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or exempt due to age or disability.

Stage CEFR Level Notes
First Application (Entry Clearance or FLR(M)) A1 Basic speaking and listening
Extension Application A2 Conversational English
ILR (Settlement) B1 + Life in the UK Test Permanent residency requirement

Approved English tests include IELTS for UKVI and Trinity College London SELT.

For a UK spouse visa, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at A1 level on the CEFR scale by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in speaking and listening.

Accommodation Requirement

You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK without relying on public funds. This could be a rented or owned property, and it must not be overcrowded as defined by the UK Housing Act.

Evidence examples:

  • Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
  • Council tax bill or property inspection report

Required Documents Checklist (Downloadable PDF)

You’ll need to provide:

  • Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Proof of income or savings (6 months’ payslips, bank statements)
  • Proof of relationship (joint bills, tenancy, photos, messages)
  • English test certificate (A1/A2)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Download our free Spouse Visa Document Checklist (PDF)

Applying Inside vs Outside the UK Comparison Table

Factor Inside the UK (FLR(M)) Outside the UK (Entry Clearance)
Visa Duration 30 months 33 months
Application Fee £1,321 £1,938
Health Surcharge (IHS) £3,105 (approx) £3,105 (approx)
Biometric Appointment UKVCAS centre Visa Application Centre
Processing Time 8–12 weeks (standard) 8–12 weeks (standard)
Priority Option 24-hour decision 5-day decision
Eligible to Switch Yes, from valid visa (not visitor) Must apply abroad

Step-by-step Process for Spouse Visa UK

  • Check eligibility and prepare all documents.
  • Complete the online form on GOV.UK.
  • Pay visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
  • Upload evidence or use UKVCAS document scanning service.
  • Book and attend biometric appointment (fingerprints & photo).
  • Wait for decision standard, priority, or super priority routes available.

Your Pathway to the Spouse Visa UK

Step 1: Check Eligibility & Prepare

Ensure you meet all legal requirements and gather your supporting documents.

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Fill out your application form accurately on the official GOV.UK portal.

Step 3: Pay Fees

Settle the required Visa Fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Upload Your Evidence

Submit your documents online or use the UKVCAS document scanning service.

Step 5: Biometrics Appointment

Book and attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 6: Wait for Decision

Standard Service :

Processing Time: Typically 8-12 weeks.
Best for: Applicants with non-urgent timelines.

Priority Service:

Processing Time: Usually within 5 working days.
Best for: Those needing a quicker outcome.

Super Priority Service:

Processing Time: By the end of the next working day.
Best for: Urgent, time-sensitive applications.

The Difference: 5-Year vs. 10-Year Spouse Visa Routes

The route you are placed on fundamentally determines how long it will take to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

The Standard 5-Year Route to Settlement

This path is for applicants who meet all core requirements (Financial, English, Relationship, etc.). It requires five years of continuous residence in the UK before you can apply for ILR. This is the fastest route to settlement.

The 10-Year Route (Exceptions)

The 10-year route is granted when you do not fully meet all the rules (e.g., income or English language level is not met), but refusal would be disproportionate or result in unjustifiably harsh circumstances.

  • ILR Eligibility: After 10 years of continuous legal residence in the UK.
  • Switching: You can switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year route as soon as you meet all the stricter financial and English language requirements. Time spent on the 10-year route does not count towards the 5-year clock.

Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

To apply, both you and your partner must meet certain conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Your partner (the sponsor) must be a British citizen, have settled status (ILR), or be in the UK under refugee status or humanitarian protection.
  • You must be aged 18 or over.
  • You need to be married, in a civil partnership, or in a genuine relationship akin to marriage and have lived together for at least two years.
  • You can apply from outside the UK or, in some cases, from inside the UK if you're not on a visitor visa or a short-term immigration route.
  • Both opposite-sex and same-sex couples are eligible.

Our immigration lawyers in Manchester are ready to assist you in person or via the phone.

Contact Us

Applying from Inside vs Outside the UK

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll apply for Entry Clearance.

If you’re already in the UK on a visa that allows switching (not a visitor visa), you can apply for FLR(M) Further Leave to Remain.

How Long Is a Spouse Visa Valid?

The initial visa is granted for 2 years and 6 months. After that, you’ll need to apply for an extension (FLR(M)) to stay longer.

How to Extend a Spouse Visa

Before your current visa runs out, you can apply to extend it:

  • You’ll need to meet the same requirements again (relationship, income, English)
  • The process is similar to the first application
  • Apply in time to avoid becoming an overstayer

If you extend successfully, you’ll be on the 5 year route to ILR.

Can You Work or Claim Benefits on a Spouse Visa?

Yes, you can work full-time or part-time in any job once your visa is granted. You can also be self-employed or start your own business.

However, you cannot claim most public funds, such as Universal Credit or housing benefit. Some exceptions apply, for example, if your partner receives a disability benefit.

Spouse Visa to ILR and British Citizenship

After 5 continuous years on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, you’ll need to:

  • Still be in a genuine relationship with your sponsor
  • Meet the financial and language rules
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test
  • Not have spent too much time outside the UK (usually no more than 180 days in any 12-month period)

Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after one more year.

Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusal

Spouse visa applications are sometimes refused for:

Reason How to Prevent It
Missing documents Double-check checklist before submission
Incorrect income evidence Use consistent payslips + bank statements
Weak relationship proof Include chat history, photos, travel evidence
Wrong English test Use approved UKVI provider
Visitor visa applicant Must apply from home country or eligible visa

Our solicitors review every document before submission to prevent refusals and costly reapplications.

Other UK Family Visas

There are other options if the spouse visa doesn’t fit your situation:

FAQs – Spouse Visa UK (2025)

What is the income requirement for 2025?

The minimum income requirement for the UK Spouse Visa is currently £29,000 gross annual income.

Can I apply without a job?

Yes, you can apply without a job if your partner (the sponsor) has enough income, or if you have sufficient cash savings of at least £88,500 to meet the financial requirement for the Spouse Visa.

Can I apply if I meet the savings threshold instead?

Yes, sufficient cash savings of at least £88,500 can be used to cover the entire financial requirement. Savings can also be combined with income if neither meets the threshold alone.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Standard Spouse Visa decisions usually take 8 to 12 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. Priority options are faster.

Can I work in the UK on this visa?

Yes, once your Spouse Visa is granted, you have the full right to work, be self-employed, or study in the UK without any restrictions.

Can I bring children?

Yes, dependent children under 18 can apply alongside you. You do not need to show any additional income above the £29,000 threshold for dependent children.

Can I claim benefits on a spouse visa?

Generally no, the Spouse Visa has a 'No Recourse to Public Funds' condition. You cannot claim most public funds, unless your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits.

How long can I stay outside the UK on this visa?

There is no formal yearly limit, but try not to spend more than 180 days per year outside the UK if aiming for ILR.

Applying for a Spouse Visa UK in 2025 comes with some new challenges, especially with the higher income thresholds. But if you prepare carefully, gather the right documents, and stay on top of the rules, it’s completely achievable. The most important part is proving your relationship is real and showing you can support yourselves in the UK.

Why Use Our SRA-Regulated Solicitors?

Our specialist team offers a comprehensive Spouse Visa Service based on 10+ years of experience. We provide Fixed Fees and expertise in successfully navigating the new financial rules and challenging common reasons for refusal (including Administrative Review and Judicial Review).

Need Immediate Help with the £29,000 Rule?

Speak directly to our SRA-Regulated Solicitors for Free Initial Advice on your Spouse Visa UK application call 01614644140 or book an appointment.

Our immigration lawyers in Manchester are ready to assist you in person or via the phone.

Contact Us

UK Spouse Visa Glossary

1. Spouse Visa

A visa that lets a husband, wife or partner live in the UK with their British or settled partner. Related to: family visa, UK immigration, partner visa

2. Sponsor

The partner living in the UK who supports the visa applicant. Related to: financial requirement, eligibility, Appendix FM

3. Applicant

The person applying for the visa to join their partner in the UK. Related to: spouse visa process, entry clearance

4. UKVI

UK Visas and Immigration – the government department that checks and decides visa applications. Related to: Home Office, decision time, suitability requirements

5. Minimum Income Requirement

The minimum earnings the sponsor must show to prove they can support the applicant. Related to: financial evidence, salary threshold

6. Cash Savings Requirement

The minimum savings that can be used instead of income to meet the financial rules. Related to: proof of funds, Appendix FM-SE documents

7. Entry Clearance

Permission to enter the UK, given when someone applies from outside the UK. Related to: visa decision, first application

8. FLR(M)

Further Leave to Remain for partners already in the UK and extending their visa. Related to: extension application, spouse visa renewal

9. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Permission to stay in the UK permanently without a time limit. Related to: settlement, 5-year route

10. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

Proof the relationship is real and ongoing. Related to: evidence of relationship, fraud prevention

11. Adequate Accommodation

Suitable housing where the couple can live without overcrowding. Related to: tenancy, housing documents

12. No Recourse to Public Funds

A rule that means most UK benefits cannot be claimed. Related to: immigration conditions, self-support

13. Processing Time

How long it takes UKVI to make a decision. Related to: priority service, standard service

14. Dependent Child

A child who depends on the applicant or sponsor, usually under 18. Related to: family application, visa fees

15. Priority or Super Priority

Paid fast-track services for quicker visa decisions. Related to: processing time, service level

16. 10-Year Route

A longer route to settlement used when someone cannot meet normal requirements. Related to: human rights route, discretionary leave

17. Curtailment

When the Home Office cuts short a person’s visa. Related to: visa cancellation, breach of conditions

18. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

A fee paid as part of visa applications to access the NHS. Related to: healthcare charge, public services

19. Appendix FM

The main immigration rule for family visas, including partner visas. Related to: eligibility rules, requirements for partners

20. Appendix FM-SE

The rules explaining what financial documents are acceptable. Related to: payslips, bank statements

21. Suitability Requirements

Checks to make sure a person is suitable to stay in the UK. Includes criminal history, deception, immigration breaches. Related to: character checks, refusal grounds

22. Eligibility Requirements

Rules someone must meet to get a visa, including money, English ability, and relationship proof. Related to: Appendix FM, financial requirement

23. Period of Grant

The length of time the spouse visa is issued for (usually 2.5 years each stage). Related to: visa expiry, renewal timeline

This guide was last updated on December 20 2025. UK immigration rules change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the official Home Office guidance or consult an immigration solicitor before applying.

Solicitors in Manchester is a leading UK immigration law firm with offices in Manchester city centre. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and specialise in family immigration, work visas, settlement applications, and British citizenship. Our experienced team provides expert legal advice to clients across the UK and internationally.

Our Spouse Visa Services

Initial Application Services:

  • Eligibility assessment and advice
  • Document preparation and review
  • Online application completion
  • Legal representations to Home Office
  • Priority service booking (if available)
  • Home Office correspondence

Extension Application Services:

  • Review of continued eligibility
  • Updated financial and relationship evidence
  • English language test guidance
  • Extension application preparation
  • Fee waiver applications (if needed)

Settlement (ILR) Applications:

  • ILR eligibility assessment
  • Calculation of qualifying residence
  • Preparation for Life in the UK test
  • Complete ILR application
  • Long residence applications (10-year route)

Additional Services:

Family Immigration:

Settlement & Citizenship:

Work Visas:

Other Services:

Useful External Resources

Official Government Resources

Document Verification Services

Support Organisations

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