UK SPOUSE VISA — KD Immigration Experts GUIDE 2025

Section A: What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The Spouse Visa sits under the Family route and lets the husband, wife, civil partner or long‑term partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK live here. Holders can work in any role and study without restriction, and the route counts towards settlement. After five years of residence on this route, most applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner visas are granted for 6 months to marry/enter a civil partnership in the UK; switching to the Spouse route is then required. Initial grants are typically 33 months from overseas or 30 months in‑country, with a further 30‑month extension to reach five years.

Key Advantages

- Unrestricted access to employment and study.
- A clear pathway to ILR after five years (subject to eligibility).
- Access to NHS services after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Facilitates family life in the UK.

Section B: Core Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must show a qualifying relationship, meet financial and English language requirements, and have adequate accommodation. Both partners must be aged 18+.

Eligibility Area	What You Must Show	Typical Evidence
Legal relationship	Valid UK-recognised marriage/civil partnership, or 2+ years’ cohabitation, or intention to marry within 6 months on a fiancé(e) visa	Marriage/civil partnership certificate; cohabitation documents; wedding/notice booking where applicable
Financial requirement	Minimum gross income £29,000 per year (post-11 April 2024 applications) or qualifying cash savings; pre-11 April 2024 extensions may rely on the previous rules	Payslips, bank statements, P60s, employment contracts, self-employment records, savings statements
Genuine & subsisting	Ongoing, committed relationship; couple have met in person; consistent history of contact	Joint bills, tenancy/mortgage, photos, travel records, messages, statements from family/friends
Accommodation	Suitable, uncrowded housing without recourse to public funds	Tenancy agreement, property deeds/mortgage, property inspection report (if used)
English language	Meets the required level or exempt	Approved test certificate; degree taught in English; nationality-based exemption

Financial Requirement — Savings Formula Snapshot

If relying on savings alone (no income), required amount = £16,000 + (2.5 × income threshold). At the £29,000 threshold, this is £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £88,500. If combining income and savings, savings above £16,000 can cover the shortfall × 2.5. Savings must be held for 6 months in a regulated institution and be under the control of the applicant and/or sponsor.

Section C: Application Process (Overview)

Applications are made online via GOV.UK. Identity is verified either at a visa application centre (biometrics) or through the ID Check app (where eligible). Provide full supporting evidence and pay the relevant fees and IHS.

Step	Action
1. Create account	Open a UKVI account and select the Family route (partner/spouse).
2. Complete form	Enter accurate details for both applicant and sponsor; ensure consistency across documents.
3. Pay fees & IHS	Submit the visa fee and IHS; keep confirmations.
4. Biometrics/ID	Book and attend a biometric appointment or use the ID Check app when invited.
5. Upload documents	Submit clear scans in the required format (PDF/JPEG) via the portal or at appointment.
6. Decision	Monitor the portal/email for updates; attend interview if invited.

Supporting Documents (Essentials)

Category	Examples
Identity	Passports for both partners; photographs (as required).
Relationship	Marriage/civil partnership certificate; 2+ years’ cohabitation (if unmarried partners); evidence of contact and visits.
Financial	6 months payslips and bank statements, P60s, employer letters, self-employment accounts, savings evidence.
Accommodation	Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement/deeds; overcrowding assessment if applicable.
English language	Approved test or degree taught in English; exemption evidence if applicable.
Previous relationships	Divorce/dissolution orders if relevant.

Section D: Processing Times

Times vary by location and case complexity. Priority options can shorten the wait if available.

Application Location/Type	Standard Timeframe	Priority (Guide)
Outside the UK	Around 12 weeks	≈ 5 working days (if eligible)
Inside the UK (meets income & English)	Around 8 weeks	≈ 10 working days (if eligible)
Inside the UK (no income/English requirement)	No service standard; currently ≈ 12 months	Not generally available

Section E: Fees (Guide, 2025)

Fee Type	Amount
Spouse visa fee (outside UK)	£1,938
Spouse visa fee (inside UK)	£1,321
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year
Biometrics enrolment	£19.20
Priority service (optional)	£500
Super priority service (optional)	£1,000

Section F: Common Applicant Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake	What it Means	Avoid By
Incomplete application	Missing data or uploads	Use a checklist and the portal’s document list
Inconsistent details	Dates/names don’t match across evidence	Cross-check all forms and documents
Weak financial proof	Income/savings not evidenced over the required period	Include 6 months evidence; follow the savings rules
Late submission	Risk of overstaying or gaps	Apply well before expiry; track deadlines
Poor translations	Non-English docs not certified	Use certified translations with full details

Section G: If Refused — Typical Reasons & Next Steps

Reason	Explanation	Possible Remedy
Income/savings not met	Evidence missing or below threshold	Add correct evidence; consider savings combination
Relationship not accepted	Insufficient genuine/subsisting proof	Provide stronger, chronological evidence
Document problems	Unclear scans; uncertified translations	Rescan; certify/translate properly
Form errors	Incorrect names/dates; inconsistencies	Correct and resubmit
Credibility issues	Doubts raised by conflicting info	Clarify discrepancies with evidence

Section H: Extension & Settlement Pathways

Most applicants follow a 5‑year route to ILR on the partner pathway, subject to meeting ongoing requirements (including A2 English at extension and KoLL for ILR). Time spent as a fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner does not count towards the 5‑year total.

Stage	What Happens	Indicative Timing
Initial grant	33 months (entry clearance) or 30 months (in-country)	Decision per processing times
Extension	Further 30 months if requirements continue to be met	≈ 8 weeks standard (if income/English met)
ILR (5-year route)	Permanent residence if all criteria met (including KoLL)	Up to ~6 months standard processing

Section I: Employer Support (Optional Guidance)

Employers can assist staff members by providing tailored employment letters, flexible working for appointments, and access to vetted immigration advice. They should handle data in line with GDPR and keep internal guidance current with immigration rule changes.

FAQ

Section J: FAQs (Quick Answers)

Can I work on a spouse visa?

Yes — there are no work restrictions on the Spouse route.
How long is the first visa valid?

Typically 33 months from overseas, 30 months in‑country.
What income is required?

Generally £29,000 per year or qualifying cash savings (post‑11 April 2024 rules).
Do I need English?

Yes, unless exempt (nationality, age, disability, or recognised qualifications).
When can I get ILR?

After 5 years on the partner route if all criteria are met, including KoLL.

Section K: Glossary (Selected Terms)

Term	Meaning
Spouse Visa	Partner route under the Family Rules allowing residence with a British/settled partner
ILR	Indefinite Leave to Remain—permanent residence
IHS	Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access
Appendix FM	Rules governing family members (including partners)
KoLL	Knowledge of English and Life in the UK requirement