UK PARTNER VISA

UK Spouse Visa Rules: Proposed Changes in the 2025 Immigration White Paper

In May 2025, the UK government published a White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System”, outlining significant future reforms to family visa routes, including the Spouse Visa. These proposals have not yet been implemented but are expected to roll out in stages through late 2025 and early 2026.

Further Increase to Minimum Income Requirement

The minimum salary requirement is expected to rise again:

• £34,500 – projected for late 2025
• £38,700 – expected by early 2026

These increases are aligned with the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has cautioned against this sharp rise, suggesting a more moderate increase to £23,000–£28,000 to ensure families aren't unfairly separated.

Reform of Exceptional Circumstances (Article 8)

Currently, discretionary decisions allow some applicants to remain in the UK under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act (right to private and family life).

The proposed reforms aim to:

• Codify these decisions into clear, statutory rules
• Limit exceptions, providing more consistent outcomes—but potentially reducing flexibility for families with complex circumstances

Tightened English Language Requirements

Applicants may soon need to meet progressively higher English proficiency standards at each stage of their visa journey:

• Initial Application: A1 level (Entry/Beginner)
• Visa Extension: A2 level (Elementary)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: B1 or B2 level (Intermediate)

What Remains Unchanged for Spouse Visa Applicants (as of now)

Despite the proposed changes, some key aspects of the UK Spouse Visa route remain the same:

• The £29,000 income requirement introduced in April 2024 is still in effect (pending further consultation).
• 5-year route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) remains available for spouses of British citizens or individuals with indefinite leave to remain or settled status.

UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse Visa

The UK Partner Visa, also known as the UK Spouse visa, is a visa category designed for individuals who are either married, in a civil partnership, or in an unmarried partnership with a UK citizen or a person who is settled in the UK. This visa allows them to seek authorisation to reside in the UK.

UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse Visa: Key Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse visa, applicants must fulfil various criteria, including:

1. Age: The applicant and their UK partner must be at least 18 years old when applying for the visa.
   
   
2. Relationship Criteria: Prospective candidates are required to meet one of the following conditions: they must either be legally married, be registered in a civil partnership, or have cohabitated with a partner in a manner akin to marriage as an unmarried partner for a minimum of two (2) years.
   
   
3. Financial Requirement: Applicants must show that they can financially support themselves, their partner, and any dependents without using public funds. Evidence of meeting the financial requirement, which usually means showing that both the applicant and their partner have a combined income or savings that meet or exceed a certain threshold.
   
   
4. Accommodation Requirement: The couple and any dependents must have adequate accommodation that meets UK housing standards and provides enough space for all family members.
   
   
5. English Language Requirement: To apply, the applicant needs to demonstrate proficiency in English by either passing an approved English language test at level A1 or higher or by holding an academic degree taught in English and recognised by ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) which is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
   
   
6. Maintaining an authentic and ongoing relationship: Applicants must provide evidence that demonstrates the genuineness and continuity of their relationship. This can include but is not limited to, joint bank statements and utility bills in both names and photographs together. The aim is to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and that the couple plans to reside together permanently in the UK.
   
   
7. Suitability Requirement: This requirement focuses on the applicant's background and personal circumstances, including their criminal history, financial stability, and immigration history, among other factors. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the applicant is a suitable candidate for entry to the UK and that their presence in the country will not pose a threat to public safety or the immigration system.
   
   

UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse Visa financial requirement

The financial requirement for the UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse visa category may be satisfied through income, cash savings, or a combination of both. The level of the financial requirement for a UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse visa varies depending on the date of the application.

UK Partner visa or UK spouse visa applications on or after 11th April 2024:-

If an applicant is applying as a partner for the first time on or after April 11, 2024, they must show a minimum income of £29,000. The income requirement stays the same, even if there are children included in the application.

When applying for the UK Partner Visa or UK Spouse visa, an applicant can count any cash savings above £16,000. To satisfy the financial requirement, the applicant is required to divide any amount exceeding £16,000 by 2.5.

Applicants who are solely relying on cash savings and no other combined source(s) of income need to show a cash savings of £88,500.

Sources of Income

The financial requirement can be met through various sources of income, including:

• Employment Income: Salary from employment can count towards the financial requirement.
  
• Income from Self-Employment: Earnings from self-employment, specifically as a Sole Trader or as a Director of a limited company in the UK, may be considered.
  
• Cash Savings: Cash savings above £16,000 can help meet the requirement. The calculation for how much of your savings can count towards the financial requirement is complex, so it's often advisable to consult with an expert.
  
• Pension: Pension income can also be considered towards meeting the financial requirement.
  
• Other Sources: Other sources, such as rental or investment income, may also be applicable in some cases.
  

Demonstration of a genuine relationship for a UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa

One of the most critical requirements for a UK Spouse Visa or UK Partner Visa is proving that the relationship between the applicant and their partner is genuine and subsisting. This means the relationship must be real, long-term, and ongoing—not merely a marriage or partnership entered into for immigration purposes.

What the Home Office Looks for

The UK Home Office does not provide an exhaustive list of documents to prove a genuine relationship. However, applicants are expected to submit a range of supporting evidence that demonstrates:

• The couple are in a committed relationship.
• They have lived together or maintained regular contact.
• Their relationship is ongoing and not solely for visa purposes.

Required Relationship Evidence

While a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate is the starting point for married couples, it is not sufficient on its own. The Home Office will require additional proof that the couple’s relationship is genuine and continues to exist.

Preferred Documents Include:

• Joint utility bills, tenancy agreements, or mortgage statements showing both names and the same address.
• Official letters or correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address (e.g., council tax bills, NHS letters, HMRC letters).
• If joint documents are not available, the Home Office may accept:
  • Separate documents addressed to each person at the same address.
  • These should ideally span a period of at least 2 years to reflect cohabitation.

Communication Evidence (for long-distance or recently joined couples):

• Screenshots of messages, emails, or call logs.
• Evidence of visits or time spent together (travel bookings, photos, etc.).
• Proof of financial support or shared responsibilities (e.g., money transfers, joint purchases).

Travel & Immigration History:

• Copies of flight bookings and passport stamps showing time spent together in person.
• Visas granted for visiting each other’s countries.

Photographs:

• A limited number of photos together across different dates and locations (avoid large photo albums).
• Ideally include images with friends and family to show wider social acceptance of the relationship.

English language requirement for a UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa

Applicants must show they can speak and understand English proficiently. To fulfil the English language requirement, applicants may satisfy the criteria through one of the following methods:

• Attaining a passing score on an approved English language test at the prescribed level (A1 or higher, as per individual circumstances).
  
• Obtaining a degree which is taught in English.
  
• Holding citizenship in one of the English-speaking nations.
  

Accommodation requirements for a UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa or UK Partner Visa, one of the key requirements is proving that the couple will have adequate accommodation in the UK. The Home Office must be satisfied that the applicant and their partner (and any dependents) will have a suitable place to live without recourse to public funds.

What Counts as Suitable Accommodation?

To meet the accommodation requirement, the applicant must show that:

• The accommodation is owned or legally occupied by the sponsor, the applicant, or both.
• It will be exclusively available to the couple and their family (i.e. not shared with unrelated adults unless in a self-contained unit).
• It is adequate and not overcrowded as defined under the UK Housing Act 1985.
• It meets basic public health and safety standards (e.g., no serious disrepair, damp, or sanitation issues).

Types of Acceptable Accommodation

• Owned property (with title deeds or mortgage statements).
• Rented accommodation, with a valid tenancy agreement.
• Accommodation with family or friends, provided there is written consent from the property owner confirming that the applicant can stay there and that the space is sufficient.

Evidence You May Need to Provide

To prove suitable accommodation, you should submit a combination of the following documents:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement in the name of the sponsor or applicant.
• Title deed or land registry document (for owned property).
• A recent letter from a landlord or letting agency, confirming terms of tenancy and number of permitted occupants.
• Utility bills or council tax bills showing the address and occupant names.
• A property inspection report from a qualified surveyor or local authority (recommended, but not always required).
• A consent letter from the property owner (if staying with family or friends), confirming the applicant can reside there without charge or restriction.

Overcrowding and Room Standards

The Home Office will assess whether the accommodation is overcrowded using official guidance. Generally:

• Each couple needs one bedroom.
• Children over 10 of opposite sexes must have separate sleeping spaces.
• The accommodation must have enough rooms and space for everyone who will be living there.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa

You must apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa online through the Home Office website. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check if you're eligible
   Make sure you meet the requirements for the Spouse or Partner visa, including relationship, income, English language, and accommodation rules.


2. Prepare your documents
   Gather all the documents you need to prove your relationship and eligibility (e.g. passport, marriage certificate, financial evidence, proof of accommodation).


3. Fill in the online application
   Complete the visa application form on the UK government website.


4. Pay the fees
   You’ll need to pay:
   • The visa application fee
   • The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)


5. Upload your documents
   Submit your supporting documents online through the UKVCAS or VFS system (depending on where you apply from).


6. Book a biometric appointment
   Attend an appointment to give your fingerprints and photo.


7. Attend an interview (if required)
   In some cases, the Home Office may invite you for an interview to check the details of your application.

What are the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa required document checklist?

The following are the required documents for a UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa, although this list is by no means exhaustive:

• Proof of your identity;
• Evidence of your relationship, i.e. either through marriage or civil partnership or living together in a relationship for at least 2 years;
• Proof of your English language requirement;
• Proof of your financial requirement;
• Evidence of your accommodation;
• Evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting and both parties intend to live together. For example, documents showing that you have lived together, have children together, have a shared bank account or savings, or have spent time together and are in frequent contact;
• The translation of any document that are not in English or Welsh.

In addition to the required documents, applicants will also need to provide details of any previous immigration applications, any criminal convictions, any previous marriages or relationships, details of any children, and tuberculosis test results if applicable. Every applicant’s situation is different. You may need to submit additional documents depending on your personal history and circumstances.

Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa category will be granted a visa for 33 months (if applying for entry clearance application from overseas) or 30 months (if applying within the UK).

Applicants under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa will have free access to public schools and the National Health Service. Dependents under the UK Partner or Spouse visa may work or study without restrictions.

Once an applicant under a UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa completes their initial grant of stay, they can apply for a UK Spouse visa extension under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa. Successful applicants have the option to extend their spouse visa for an additional 2 years and 6 months.

After 5 years in the UK under the Partner or Spouse visa category, applicants can apply for settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

UK Spouse Visa or a UK Partner visa extension requirements:

To extend a UK Spouse Visa, applicants must show that they continue to meet the requirements under the Family Immigration Rules. This includes proving that the relationship with their British or settled partner is genuine and ongoing, and that both partners intend to live together permanently in the UK. Applicants must meet the financial requirement, which typically means a combined income of at least £29,000 per year (as of April 2024), or provide evidence of sufficient savings. They must also meet the English language requirement, usually at CEFR level A2 or higher for extensions. In addition, the couple must have adequate accommodation in the UK, and the applicant must not be in breach of immigration laws. The extension application is typically submitted before the initial 2.5-year visa expires and, if approved, grants another 2.5 years—allowing the applicant to reach the 5-year residency needed for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

ILR Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa or a UK Partner visa

After spending 5 continuous years in the UK on a Spouse Visa (granted under the 5-year route), applicants may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, they must prove that their relationship with their British or settled partner is still genuine and subsisting, that they continue to meet the financial and accommodation requirements, and that they have passed the Life in the UK Test. Applicants must also demonstrate a higher level of English—CEFR level B1 or above—and must not have breached any immigration laws during their stay. The ILR application should be submitted before the current visa expires. Once granted, ILR provides the right to live and work in the UK without time restrictions and is the final step before applying for British citizenship.

FAQ

• Which form should I use to apply for a UK Partner visa or a UK Spouse visa?v

  • If you are in the UK, you need to complete the application process online using the following form:-
    
    

    Current Immigration status or UK visa	Online Application Form
    Initial grant of UK Partner visa, Spouse visa or as an unmarried partner visa UK	FLR (M)
    Extension of Initial grant of UK Partner visa, Spouse visa or as an unmarried partner visa UK	FLR (M)
    Marriage Visa UK / Fiance Visa (in cases where you got married or entered into a civil partnership within 6 months)	FLR (M)
    Dependent children under the age of 18	FLR (M)
    Children who initially received leave under this route before turning 18 and are now 18 or older	FLR (M)

    
    
    If you are outside the UK and submitting an entry clearance application to enter as a UK Partner visa, Spouse visa, unmarried partner visa UK or fiance visa or marriage visa, you need to complete the application process online.

• Are there any exceptions to the financial requirement?v

  • If the applicant's partner receives specific benefits in the UK under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa category, the applicant can fulfil the financial requirement by showing evidence of "adequate maintenance" instead of meeting an income threshold. The eligible benefits include: Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Attendance Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment.

• Can a third party support counts towards financial requirement?v

  • Applicants and their partners under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa category must have the required resources under their own control and not somebody else. Support from third parties like friends or family members is not counted towards the financial requirement due to its potential vulnerability to changes in circumstances or relationships.

• Can you 'switch' if you are already in the UK?v

  • Applicants applying for the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa may switch within the UK if visa categories allow switching. However, they cannot switch into the UK Partner visa or spouse visa category if they are in the UK as a visitor; have permission to stay for less than 6 months (unless as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner); they are on temporary admission, or are in breach of the Immigration Rules (for example overstaying for more than 28 days).

• Rights of Dependantsv

  • Dependants under the UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa category (including children under 18 years of age) will be eligible to live and stay in the UK with their parents. They can live and work in the UK without any restrictions. They will be granted leave in line with the expiry date of the main applicant’s leave.

• Conditions of Stay  v

  • Applicants under UK Partner visa or spouse visa category will have the following conditions attached to their leave:

    • No recourse to public funds;
    • Registration with the police, if applicable;
• What is my immigration status while my application is pending?v

  • If a UK Partner or Spouse visa applicant applies before their authorized stay ends, their immigration status will continue until a decision is made, even if it's after their permitted stay. UK Partner visa or UK Spouse visa applicants can continue to work until their case is decided if the conditions of their existing leave allow them to do so.

• UK Immigration: ID Check App

  • The UK Immigration ID Check app is revolutionising how visa applicants verify their identity for UK skilled worker visa applications. This official UKVI mobile application allows you to complete identity verification remotely using your smartphone, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to visa application centres. The app uses advanced biometric technology to scan your document's chip and confirm your identity securely.

• Who Can Use the UK Immigration ID Check App?

  • Not everyone can use the ID Check app. Applicants are eligible if they have one of the following:

    • A biometric passport from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland
    • A biometric passport for British Nationals (Overseas), Hong Kong SAR passport holders, or EEA nationals applying for certain visa routes, such as the BNO visa
    • An expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if your visa route allows, up to 18 months after expiry
• How the UK Immigration ID Check Process Works

  • The process starts with the visa application on the GOV.UK website. When the applicant reaches the identity verification stage, they’ll be prompted to open or download the UK Immigration: ID Check app. They can link their application to the app by scanning the QR code shown on their application page or by entering a connection code.

    Once linked, the app will ask the applicant to scan their identity document. First, the applicant should take a clear photo of their passport or BRP. Then, hold their phone over the document’s biometric chip until the app confirms that their information has been checked.

• What to Do If the App Cannot Read Your Document

  • If the UK Immigration ID Check app encounters difficulties reading your document's chip, applicants have alternative options. They can book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point for in-person identity verification. This backup option ensures that the applicant’s visa application can proceed without delays, giving them flexibility in how they complete the identity verification process.

• Immigration Health Surchargev

  • The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) was implemented by the Home Office on 6th April 2015. People coming to the UK for more than six months must pay this health surcharge as a part of their immigration application towards the National Health Service (healthcare in the UK).
    
    Offshore applicants must pay the health surcharge for visas longer than six months, while onshore applicants must pay for any length of visa.

    Applicants will have to pay £776 per year as a student, or as a Youth Mobility Scheme or applicant under 18 years old. For all other visa and immigration applications, they must pay £1,035 per year. Dependents will usually need to pay the same amount as the main applicant. The exact amount they must pay depends on how much leave they are granted. They can calculate how much they will have to pay before you apply. If the period of the grant applied for is less than six months, then half of the yearly amount is to be paid, and if the period of the grant applied for is more than six months, then the whole year amount is to be paid.

    Visa applications will not be granted if applicants do not pay the healthcare surcharge, and the applications will be delayed if the correct amount is not paid.

    Visa application will not be granted if applicants do not pay the health care surcharge or application will be delayed if the right amount is not paid.

    Following persons are exempted to pay the IHS:

    • Applicants applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain;
    • Diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control;
    • Dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces;
    • Dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control;
    • Family member of a European national with Treaty rights;
    • Applicants who are seeking a visa for the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands;
    • Resident of the Falkland Islands and a citizen of a British Overseas Territory;
    • An asylum seeker or someone seeking humanitarian protection (or their dependents);
    • A domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking;
    • Applicants or their dependents applying for discretionary leave to remain in the UK as victims of slavery or human trafficking;
    • In cases where the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to applicants and or their dependant;
    • Applicants and or their dependents who depart from the UK would be against their rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights
• Government Feesv

  • Home Office fees for the UK Partner Visa or Spouse Visa UK
    	Postal Application	Super Priority Service	Overseas / Entry Clearance Application
    Main Appplicant	£1,321	£2,321	£1,938
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if applying together)	£1,321	£2,321	£1,938
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying later), or child aged over 18	£1,321	£2,321	£1,938

• Standard Processing Timesv

  • Applications from Outside the UK: Standard processing for spouse visa and partner visa applications submitted from outside the UK typically takes 12 weeks for most applications. However, processing times can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case, the volume of applications being processed at your specific visa application centre, and current Home Office workload priorities.

    The 12-week timeframe represents the government's service standard, but many applications are processed faster, particularly straightforward cases with complete documentation. Complex cases involving unusual financial circumstances, extensive relationship evidence requirements, or applicants with complicated immigration histories may take longer than the standard timeframe.

    Applications from Inside the UK: Standard processing for spouse visa extensions or switches from within the UK usually takes 8 weeks when applying to extend your current spouse visa or switching from another visa category. The Home Office aims to process most family visa applications within this timeframe, though complex cases requiring additional verification may take longer.

    Internal UK applications often benefit from streamlined processing as applicants are already in the UK immigration system, but the 8-week timeframe can extend during peak periods or when additional evidence is required to support the application.

• Priority Processing Options for UK Spouse and Partner Visasv

  • Priority Service: Available for an additional £500 per application, priority service aims to process applications within 5 working days. This service is subject to availability and may not be offered at all visa application centres.

    Super Priority Service: For an additional £1,000 per application, super priority service targets decision-making within 24 hours. This premium service is limited and typically only available for applications submitted from within the UK.

• Factors Affecting Processing Timesv

  • Application Quality: Complete applications with all required documents typically process faster than those requiring additional information or clarification from applicants.

    Peak Periods: Processing times may extend during busy periods, particularly at the start of academic years for student-related applications or during holiday seasons.

    Document Verification: Applications requiring extensive document verification or additional security checks may experience longer processing times regardless of the service level selected.