Spouse & Partner Visa
Expert UK immigration guidance for couples — clear advice, complete documentation, and timely submissions from start to finish.
At-a-glance
Minimum income £29,000 Savings: £16,000 + 2.5× shortfall English A1 → A2 → B1 5-year route (or 10-year)
Applied as a partner before 11 Apr 2024? You’ll usually keep the earlier £18,600 threshold on extensions under that route.
Immigration Status Requirement
If you’re applying from inside the UK (for permission to stay as a partner), you must already have valid immigration status on the date you apply, unless one of the limited exceptions below applies.
- You normally must not be in the UK as a visitor, or with temporary admission, or without leave. Applications from those categories are usually refused.
- Exception – 10-year route: If you have overstayed or have no leave but there are insurmountable obstacles or exceptional circumstances under Article 8 (family/private life), the Home Office may consider your case under the 10-year partner route.
- Entry-clearance route: If you’re outside the UK, you apply directly for entry clearance as a partner – the status requirement only applies once you’re here.
Eligibility (simple)
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Married, civil partners, or partners who have lived together for at least 2 years. - Your partner is eligible to sponsor you.
They’re British or Irish, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status (where eligible), or have refugee / humanitarian protection. - You plan to live together in the UK and have adequate accommodation available.
- You meet the financial and English language rules for your stage of application.
- No suitability concerns, such as serious criminality or immigration breaches.
Not sure if you qualify for the 5-year or 10-year route? We’ll confirm that during your consultation.
English language requirement
- First visa: CEFR A1 (speaking & listening) — approved test or exemption.
- Extension (after 30 months): CEFR A2.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): CEFR B1 plus Life in the UK Test.
Exemptions apply for applicants aged 65+, those with qualifying degrees taught in English, or medical conditions preventing testing.
Financial Requirement
Most new partner applications must show a combined gross income of £29,000 per year. Children don’t increase this figure for new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024. If the sponsor receives certain benefits, the adequate maintenance test may apply instead.
Worked examples
| Annual income | Shortfall to £29,000 | Required savings |
|---|---|---|
| £27,000 | £2,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £2,000) = £21,000 |
| £20,000 | £9,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000) = £38,500 |
| £0 (savings-only) | £29,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £88,500 |
We’ll calculate the best mix (salary, self-employment, other income and/or savings) and give you a precise evidence checklist for your situation.
Home Office Fees & Health Surcharge
Below are the most up-to-date Home Office application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates for spouse and partner visa applications as of 1 July 2025. Fees can change — we’ll confirm the latest amounts before you apply.
| Application type | Fee (guide) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partner visa from outside the UK | £1,938 | “Route to Settlement” family partner category — per applicant. |
| Partner visa inside the UK (extension) | £1,321 | Leave to remain as a partner — per applicant. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Reduced for under-18s and students; paid upfront for the visa duration. |
| Priority service | +£500 | Typically faster decisions (subject to availability). |
| Super Priority service | +£1,000 | Next-working-day decisions where offered. |
Decision times
Actual times vary by country, season and case complexity. Below are typical Home Office processing times.
Outside the UK
~12 weeks on standard service for straightforward cases.
Priority (where available) is usually faster but not guaranteed.
Inside the UK
Up to ~8 weeks on standard service for straightforward cases.
Super Priority (where offered) aims for next-working-day decisions.
- We’ll advise on your nearest VAC/UKVCAS availability and the best appointment type.
- Complexities (e.g., missing evidence, criminality, previous refusals) can extend timelines.
- We monitor your application and respond promptly to any Home Office requests.
Documents you’ll need
Core
- Passports and recent photos (all applicants)
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate, or 2+ years’ cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners
- Relationship evidence (timeline, travel history, communications, joint commitments)
- Adequate accommodation proof (tenancy/title, permission letters, overcrowding check)
We’ll organise your evidence into a clear, decision-ready bundle.
Financial evidence
- Employment: recent payslips, matching bank statements, employer letter
- Self-employment: SA302/tax year overviews, accounts, business bank statements
- Other income: pension statements, rental statements, dividends (where relevant)
- Cash savings (if used): statements covering at least the last 6 months
We align your documents with the exact evidential category and calculation rules.
English language
- Approved test certificate at the required level (A1 for first grant, A2 for extension, B1 for ILR)
- OR a qualifying degree taught in English
- OR exemption evidence (e.g., age 65+ or medical condition)
We’ll confirm which proof is best for your stage and circumstances.
FAQs
Do children change the £29,000 financial requirement?
No. For new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the £29,000 threshold does not increase for children. (Different rules may apply if you are protected under the earlier regime.)
Can cash savings meet the financial requirement on their own?
Yes. Savings can meet it fully if they’re at least £88,500 and held for 6+ months in the correct form. Savings can also “top up” other income using the formula £16,000 + 2.5 × shortfall.
Which English level do I need?
A1 for the first grant, A2 at extension (after ~30 months) and B1 plus the Life in the UK Test for ILR, unless exempt or you hold a qualifying degree taught in English.
What if I’m applying from inside the UK and my visa is expiring?
Apply before expiry to protect your position under Section 3C. If you have no leave or are here as a visitor, you may still have options under the 10-year route in exceptional circumstances—ask us.
How long do decisions take?
Typical timelines: outside the UK ~12 weeks; inside the UK up to ~8 weeks on standard service. Priority/super priority can be faster where available.
Get a quick, honest assessment
We’ll confirm your best route, review your financial evidence, and give you a clear, decision-ready document checklist.