Spouse Visas & Civil Partner Visas

UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2024: Application Guide and Checklist

The UK Spouse Visa allows partners to join their British spouse, often paving the way to permanent residency. Our expert team simplifies the process, ensuring swift visa decisions and smooth navigation through each step. Start your journey to a new life with expert support.

UK Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria 2024

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

Age Requirement

1. Both you and your spouse or civil partner must be at least 18 years old.

Relationship Requirements

1. You must have met your partner in person.
2. Your relationship must not break any UK laws (i.e., you cannot be closely related).
3. The marriage or civil partnership must be legally recognized in the UK.
4. You must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to live together permanently.

Financial Requirements

You need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum income requirement:

1. £18,600 per year if applying without children.
2. £22,400 per year if sponsoring one child.
3. An additional £2,400 per year for each extra child.

You may also use savings to meet this requirement, with special calculations based on your circumstances.

Accommodation Requirements
You must prove that you have adequate accommodation arranged for yourself and your spouse/civil partner in the UK.

English Language Requirement
The applicant must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved test or holding a degree taught in English.

Visa Duration and Settlement Pathway

Initial Visa Duration:

1. 30 months if applying from within the UK.
2. 33 months if applying from outside the UK.

You can apply for a 30-month extension before your initial visa expires, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a spouse or civil partner visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided that:

1. Your relationship is still genuine and subsisting.
2. You and your partner are living together.
3. You continue to meet the financial, accommodation, and language requirements.
4. You pass the Life in the UK test.

British Citizenship

Once granted ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. This step typically involves meeting a residential qualifying period and demonstrating your ongoing commitment to the UK.