Partner Visa

What is a spouse or partner visa?

A spouse or partner visa allows married partners of UK citizens and people settled in the UK to immigrate to the UK based on being married to someone who is 'settled in the UK' - i.e. a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK.

You are eligible to work or study in the UK once the visa has been granted.

Spouse visa requirements

To qualify for a UK spouse / partner visa you must satisfy the following requirements:

  • You and your spouse must be 18 years old or over.
  • You must have met each other and be legally married - this is to prevent arranged marriages.
  • You must intend to live together permanently.
  • You must have sufficient income or savings to support yourselves (and any dependants) without claiming public funds.
  • Normally, your sponsoring partner must earn more than £18,600 per year or have sufficient savings to be able to sponsor you. The minimum financial requirement is higher if you are also sponsoring dependent children.
  • You must have suitable accommodation for you, your partner and any dependants.
  • You must satisfy the English language requirements.

How do I apply for a spouse visa?

You can apply for a spouse visa from overseas or switch to the partner route from within the UK. If you are already in the UK on a fiancé visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch into a partner visa.

How long does the application take?

The average processing time for an out of country partner visa application is 3 months. This may be reduced to 30 days where a priority service is available. Processing times may vary depending on the country where the application is made.

How long does a spouse/partner visa last?

If applying from overseas, a spouse visa is initially issued for 33 months. If you are applying from within the UK a spouse visa is issued for a period of 30 months.

Can I extend my spouse visa?

You can apply for an extension for an additional 30 months which can take your total time in the UK on this visa up to five years. At this point you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provided you are still married and living in the UK with your spouse and continue to meet the maintenance requirements. After you have been granted ILR you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation as British citizen.

Spouse visa permission to enter 

  • If you are seeking to enter the UK on the basis of your relationship with a UK national you must apply for permission to enter a.k.a. ‘entry clearance’ before coming to the UK.
  • If you are applying from inside the UK you must have permission to stay a.k.a. ‘leave to remain’ in the UK valid for at least six months at the time you apply.
  • You cannot switch to a spouse visa if you are already in the UK and were initially admitted for a period of less than six months - for example, if you were initially admitted entry as a visitor or prospective student.
  • As a spouse visa applicant you must be able to show that you can speak and understand English, or otherwise meet the English language requirement, for example, being a national of a majority English-speaking country or having a degree taught in English.

Spouse visa dependants

Children under 18 years of age can enter the UK as your dependants. You should make an application for them at the same time that you make your spouse visa application. Please note that your sponsoring spouse must show income of a specified amount, the level of which varies depending on the number of dependant children being sponsored.

By using our service you will receive full support with your immigration application, including:

  • Providing you with detailed advice regarding your application on the requirements, the application processes and the supporting documentation required;
  • Reviewing documentation and information provided to us in support of your application;
  • Initiating and reviewing and drafting your application in line with the law and the facts specific to you as the applicant;
  • Booking your (and dependants’ if applicable) appointment at the relevant Visa Application Centre and providing you with clear instructions;
  • Drafting any template letters required in support of the application as well as liaising with third parties including government agencies on your behalf;
  • Where necessary, we draft a detailed letter of representation to accompany your application;
  • Monitoring the progress of your application and providing you with timely relevant updates;
  • Advising on the applicable UK immigration law, processes and turnaround times (established and actual) in relation to the application; 
  • Responding to any queries that may arise from UK Visas and Immigration; and
  • Provide follow up advice on receipt of the UK Visas and Immigration decision.