Spouse Visa UK 2025 – Eligibility Requirements & Application Process

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

The “Spouse Visa UK” allows a non-UK partner to join or remain with a British or settled partner in the UK, providing a clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence under the 5-year route. Key eligibility requires the sponsoring partner to meet a minimum gross annual income of £29,000 (or £88,500 in cash savings if relying on funds alone), demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, and meet the minimum CEFR Level A1 English language requirement for the initial application process.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Fiancé Visa UK Guide: for those planning to get married in the UK within 6 months
• Unmarried Partner Visa: for long-term couples who aren’t married but have lived together for at least 2 years
• Learn how to challenge a spouse visa refusal
• Dependent Child Visa: for children joining a parent in the UK
• Check your ILR eligibility here
• Visit for more visa's immigration solicitors in Manchester

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).

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