If you’re looking to join your partner in the UK, applying for a spouse visa is an important step. At The Nathanson Partnership, we understand how complex the process can be. Our experienced team is committed to providing clear, practical guidance to help you navigate the requirements confidently and successfully. We’re here to support you throughout your application journey.
At The Nathanson Partnership, our team of expert immigration advisors are here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. We simplify the process, ensuring that you meet all the necessary criteria and submit the correct documentation for a successful application.
For a personalised consultation and expert guidance, contact us today. You can reach us at 020 3476 9523 or [email protected].
Am I Eligible for a UK Spouse Visa?
If you’re in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a UK spouse visa.
To qualify, both you and your partner must be over 18, and you’ll need to show that your relationship is real and ongoing. This could mean you’re married, in a civil partnership, or you’ve been living together for at least two years. If you’re engaged, you must plan to marry within six months of arriving in the UK.
Your partner must usually be a British or Irish citizen, or someone with permanent permission to live in the UK. You’ll also need to prove that you plan to live together in the UK and meet certain requirements around income and English language.
If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the criteria, or if you’re applying from outside the UK, it’s a good idea to speak to an immigration specialist. We can help you understand your options and support you through the application process.
Can I Apply if My Partner Is Not a British Citizen but Is Settled in the UK?
Yes, you can still apply for a UK spouse visa even if your partner isn’t a British citizen, as long as they are “settled” in the UK.
This means your partner must have permanent permission to live in the UK, such as:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Permanent Residence
- Refugee or humanitarian protection
As long as your relationship meets the other requirements and you intend to live together in the UK, you may be eligible.
If you’re unsure about your partner’s status or how it affects your application, we can help you understand what’s needed and guide you through the next steps.
Do I Need to Be Living With My Partner Already?
Not necessarily. You don’t have to be living with your partner at the time you apply, but you do need to show that your relationship is genuine and long-term.
If you’re already living together, it helps to provide documents that show you share an address, like council tax bills or utility statements. If you’re not living together, perhaps due to work, study, or cultural reasons, you’ll just need to show that you’re in a committed relationship and keep in regular contact.
Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or applying as an unmarried partner, the key is proving that your relationship is real, ongoing, and that you plan to build a life together in the UK.
We can help you prepare the right evidence and guide you through every step of your application.
Is Same-Sex Marriage or Civil Partnership Accepted for the Visa?
Yes, absolutely. Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are fully recognised under UK immigration law.
As long as your relationship is legally valid and meets the same requirements as any other couple, such as being in a genuine partnership and planning to live together in the UK, you can apply for a spouse or partner visa.
If you’re unsure about your specific circumstances or the documents you’ll need, we’re here to help make the process clear and straightforward.
How Much Income Does My Partner Need to Sponsor Me?
If you’re applying for a UK spouse or partner visa, your partner must usually meet a minimum income requirement, but the amount depends on when you apply and your relationship history.
As of 11th April 2024, the income threshold for most new applicants is £29,000 per year. This applies if:
- You’re applying for the first time under the partner or fiancé(e) visa route
- You’re switching to a new partner
- You’re applying to enter the UK as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner
If you were already on the partner visa route before 11th April 2024 and are applying to extend your stay with the same partner, you may still qualify under a lower threshold, typically £18,600, with some flexibility if children are involved. This is part of what’s known as a transitional arrangement, introduced to ease the shift to the new income rules.
In some cases, a different test applies. For example, if your partner receives certain benefits or if you’re applying as a parent, you may need to meet the adequate maintenance requirement instead of the standard income threshold.
It’s important to note that these figures apply to gross annual income (before tax), and there are specific rules about what types of income can be counted, including employment, self-employment, savings, or pensions.
If you’re unsure which category you fall under or what financial documents are accepted, we can guide you through the requirements and help you present the strongest possible application.
Can Savings Be Used Instead of Income?
Yes, in some cases, savings can be used to meet the financial requirement for a spouse or partner visa.
If you or your partner has a certain level of cash savings, held for at least six months, you may be able to use that money either on its own or to make up for a shortfall in income. The savings must be easily accessible, in your control, and held in your name(s) or a dependent child’s name (if over 18).
Savings can be combined with income from certain types of employment, pensions, or other non-employment sources. However, they can’t be combined with income from self-employment or certain types of company directorships.
In short, if you’re relying on savings, there are specific rules about how much you need and how long you’ve had it, but for many couples, this can be a helpful option when income alone doesn’t meet the threshold.
It is important to mention that the level of cash savings required will vary depending on which financial threshold applies to your application.
What English Language Test Do I Need to Take?
For your initial UK spouse visa application, you’ll need to pass an approved English language test at level A1 on the CEFR scale (basic speaking and listening skills). You can also choose to take a higher-level test if you prefer.
When it’s time to extend your visa after 2.5 years, the required level depends on what you passed for your first visa:
- If you passed level A1 before, you’ll need to pass at least level A2 for speaking and listening.
- If you passed level A2 or above initially, you can usually reuse that test result, provided your certificate is still valid.
If you were exempt from the test before, you’ll need to pass a level A1 test when extending.
Passing level B1 or higher also means you can use that same test result later when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Spouse Visa?
The processing time for a UK spouse visa can vary depending on where you apply and your individual circumstances. If you apply from outside the UK, you can usually expect a decision within around 12 weeks. For those applying from within the UK, if you meet the financial and English language requirements, decisions typically come through in about 8 weeks. However, if you don’t meet these requirements, the process can take closer to 12 months. There are also options to pay for a faster decision if you need to speed things up.
How Much Does the UK Spouse Visa Cost?
The cost of a UK spouse visa depends on where you apply and your circumstances. If you apply from outside the UK, the fee is usually around £1,900 per person, while applying from inside the UK typically costs about £1,300 per person. Each dependant added to your application will also incur the same fees.
Most applicants must pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their application. For adults, this ranges from around £2,600 to over £5,100 depending on how long you plan to stay. For children, the surcharge is lower, between about £1,900 and £3,900.
Can I Fast-Track the Process?
If you apply from within the UK, you can pay an extra £1,000 for a faster “super priority” decision service, which speeds up the process. Note that this service isn’t available to everyone, such as adults applying to be cared for by a relative.
When Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
You can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on a spouse visa. This means you’ve completed the initial 2.5-year visa and then the 2.5-year extension. Meeting certain requirements, like the English language test and the Life in the UK test, will also be necessary before applying.
Do I Need to Extend the Spouse Visa After 2.5 Years?
Yes, the initial UK spouse visa is granted for 2.5 years (30 months). Before it expires, you’ll need to apply to extend your visa for another 2.5 years to continue living in the UK. After this extension, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Why You Should Choose The Nathanson Partnership
At The Nathanson Partnership, we specialise in supporting spouse visa applicants through the often complex UK immigration process. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your visa application as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Let our regulated immigration professionals guide you with expert advice and personalised support, giving you the confidence to submit a strong application.
For tailored guidance and a one-on-one consultation, get in touch with us today. You can reach us at 020 3476 9523 or [email protected].