Whether you are married, in a civil partnership or in a durable unmarried relationship, we help you secure the correct visa route and begin your life together in the UK with confidence.
What is a Spouse or Partner Visa?
A UK Spouse or Partner Visa allows a non‑UK national to join their partner in the UK, provided that the sponsoring partner is:
- A British or Irish citizen
- Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status)
- A refugee or person with humanitarian protection
- A Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holder
This visa allows you to live, work and study in the UK and provides a recognised pathway to settlement.
Who can apply for a Spouse or Partner visa?
You may qualify for a Spouse or Partner Visa if:
- Both you and your partner are aged 18 or over
- You are married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or you have lived together for at least two years
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
- Any previous relationships have formally ended
A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa is also available for couples planning to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival in the UK.
Understanding the Spouse visa route
A Spouse Visa is available to individuals who are:
- Legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK
- Able to show that their relationship is genuine and ongoing, supported by appropriate documentary evidence.
- Able to meet the financial requirement, which currently sets a minimum income threshold of £29,000, and satisfy the English language and accommodation requirements.
Successful applicants are granted an initial 2.5‑year visa, which can be extended for a further 2.5 years. After completing five years of continuous residence under this route, applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Understanding the Partner Visa (Unmarried Partner) Route
The Partner Visa route applies to couples who are:
- Not married but can demonstrate a committed and durable relationship comparable to marriage.
- Applicants must show that they have lived together for at least two years and provide evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting.
- Able to meet the financial requirement, accommodation standards and English language criteria.
Where granted, the visa is issued for 2.5 years and may be extended for a further 2.5 years. After five years of residence on this route, applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
UK Spouse and Partner visa requirements
To qualify for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa, applicants must:
- Demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship
- Meet the financial requirement:
- Minimum income of £29,000 per year (as of April 2024)
- Or £88,500 in savings held for at least six months
- Show evidence of adequate accommodation
- Demonstrate English language ability at CEFR A1 for an initial application
Recent updates
- Increased minimum income requirement of £29,000
- Savings requirement of £88,500 for those who do not meet the income level
- All supporting documents must now be uploaded digitally before biometrics
- Processing times:
- Around 12 weeks from outside the UK
- Around 8 weeks from inside the UK
Partner and Spouse visa duration and settlement pathway
- Initial visa grant:
- 30 months for applications from inside the UK
- 33 months for applications from outside the UK
- Extension: Additional 30 months
- Settlement: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years
- British Citizenship: Eligible after holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months
Common reasons for refusal
- Not meeting the financial requirement
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship
- Missing, inconsistent, or incorrect documentation
- Failing to meet the English language requirement
How we can help
Our immigration team provides tailored, comprehensive support, including:
- Detailed eligibility assessments
- Review and preparation of all supporting documents
- Drafting and submission of your application
- Assistance with appeals or reapplications following refusal
Start your Spouse or Partner visa application today
Avoid delays and unnecessary refusals. Contact our specialist immigration lawyers for a free initial consultation and begin your UK Spouse or Partner Visa application with expert legal guidance.