Complete Guide to Spouse Visa Requirements for the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers a Spouse Visa (also known as a Marriage Visa) to non-UK nationals who are married to British citizens or individuals who have settled status in the UK. This visa allows married couples to live together in the UK, but to successfully apply, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the UK Home Office. In this post, we’ll break down the eligibility criteria, documentation, and the application process for obtaining a UK Spouse Visa.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa is a type of Family Visa that allows individuals who are married to British citizens or individuals with permanent residence status in the UK to live and work in the country. It is generally issued for an initial period of 2.5 years, after which the visa holder can apply for an extension or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the necessary criteria.

Key Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa

To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, you and your spouse must meet the following conditions:

1. Relationship Requirements

• Genuine and Subsisting Marriage: You must prove that your marriage is genuine and not a marriage of convenience. This includes providing evidence that you and your spouse have been living together and have an ongoing relationship. This could include communication records, photos, and joint financial documents.
• Legal Marriage: Your marriage must be legally recognized, and you should be able to provide a valid marriage certificate. If your marriage took place outside the UK, it must be legally valid in the country where it took place and recognized by UK law.

2. Financial Requirements

One of the most critical requirements for a Spouse Visa is that the applicant’s sponsor (the UK-based spouse) must meet a minimum income threshold. The financial requirement ensures that the couple can support themselves without relying on public funds.

• Minimum Income: The UK government mandates a minimum income of £18,600 per year. This can be met through employment, savings, or a combination of both. If there are children involved (who are not British citizens or settled in the UK), the income requirement increases:
  • £22,400 for one child
  • An additional £2,400 for each further child
• Evidence of Income: You’ll need to provide documents such as payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, and tax returns to prove that your sponsor meets the income requirement. If relying on savings, you’ll need to have a minimum of £62,500 in savings, held for at least 6 months.

3. English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by either:

• Passing an approved English language test at A1 level or above (for applicants outside the UK).
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia, etc.).
• Having a degree-level qualification taught in English.

This requirement is waived if the applicant is from a country where English is an official language or if they have a medical condition preventing them from meeting the language requirement.

4. Accommodation Requirements

You and your spouse must prove that you have adequate accommodation in the UK. The accommodation must not be overcrowded and should be suitable for you both to live comfortably. Evidence of your living arrangements, such as tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or ownership documents, may be required.

5. Age Requirement

Both the applicant and the UK spouse must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Spouse Visa.

6. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must:

• Undergo a Tuberculosis test (if applying from certain countries, such as India, Pakistan, or the Philippines).
• Have no serious criminal convictions. A criminal record may result in visa refusal.
• Provide a police certificate (in certain circumstances) from any country where they’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Documents You’ll Need for a UK Spouse Visa Application

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, you’ll need to submit various documents that prove you meet the eligibility requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your personal circumstances, but generally, the following are required:

1. Marriage Certificate – Proof of legal marriage.
2. Proof of Relationship – This can include photographs, messages, emails, or evidence of visits and phone calls.
3. Evidence of Financial Status – Payslips, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of income or savings.
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency – English test results or certificates.
5. Accommodation Evidence – Proof of suitable living arrangements in the UK.
6. Passport or Travel Document – A valid passport or national ID card.
7. TB Test Results (if applicable).
8. Police Certificates (if required).
9. Divorce Decrees (if either party was previously married).

These documents must be submitted with the application, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation depending on your specific case.

Application Process for a UK Spouse Visa

1. Check Eligibility: Before starting your application, ensure that you meet all the requirements for the Spouse Visa, such as the relationship, financial, language, and accommodation conditions.
2. Gather the Necessary Documents: Collect all the required documents listed above and make sure they are valid and up-to-date.
3. Submit Your Application Online: Applications for a Spouse Visa must be submitted online via the official UK government website. You’ll need to fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and book an appointment for biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
4. Attend the Biometrics Appointment: You will need to visit a visa application center (VAC) to provide your biometric information as part of the application process.
5. Wait for the Decision: The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa can take several months, typically around 8-12 weeks, though this may vary depending on the complexity of your case and your location.
6. Receive Your Visa: If your application is successful, you’ll be issued a Spouse Visa that allows you to enter and live in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years.

Visa Fees and Additional Costs

• Application Fee: The standard fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK, and £1,048 if applying from within the UK (as of 2025). Additional charges apply if you want to extend your visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Immigration Health Surcharge: In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which costs £624 per year for each applicant.

Conclusion

A UK Spouse Visa allows married couples to live together in the United Kingdom, but it requires careful preparation to meet the legal, financial, and relationship criteria set by the Home Office. Be sure to understand all the eligibility requirements and gather the necessary documentation before applying.

If you meet all the requirements and follow the correct process, you’ll be one step closer to reuniting with your spouse in the UK. If you’re unsure about any part of the process or need guidance on your specific situation, consulting with an immigration lawyer or expert can help ensure that your application is successful.

Good luck on your journey to living in the UK with your spouse!