Introducing the Spouse visa
The Spouse visa category allows spouses and partners of UK citizens and persons settled in the UK to join or stay with their husband, wife, or partner in the United Kingdom. , looking to join or stay with their husband or wife in the UK.
Along with residence rights, Spouse visa holders are also permitted to work and study in the UK without any restrictions.
Spouse visa requirements
To be eligible for a UK spouse visa, your partner must be one of the following:
- A British or Irish citizen
- A UK settled person: they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
- A national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled or settled status
- In possession of a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
- In possession of refugee status or under humanitarian protection in the UK
Additionally, you both need to be over 18 years of age and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Your and your spouse or partner will be required to prove all of the following:
- You are in a marriage or partnership that is officially recognized in the UK, or you have been living together in a genuine relationship for at least 2 years before the application date
- You have a good knowledge of conversational English
- You and your spouse or partner can financially support yourselves and any dependants while you are in the UK
- You and your spouse will have sufficient accommodation in the UK
You and your spouse or partner will need to obtain documentary proof of the above.
Spouse visa application process
You must apply online to secure a visa under the spouse route.
If successful, you will be granted a Spouse visa to stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months. When that time is up, you can apply to extend your visa by another 2 years and 6 months. After 5 years of continuous residence as a spouse visa holder you may become eligible to settle in the UK permanently.
Spouse visa processing time
The processing time for your visa will also depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Applying outside the UK: the decision-making process will usually be made within 12 weeks of your application date. If you require a faster decision, most visa application centers overseas offer a priority service, meaning you should receive the outcome in half the time
- Applying inside the UK: your application will usually be decided within 8 weeks of your application date, but you may purchase a priority service that significantly reduces your waiting time
If your application is complex, however, decision times will likely be longer than usual.
Spouse visa fees
To apply, you will need to pay the application fees: £1,523 for those applying overseas, and £1,033 if you are switching from another migration route inside the UK.
The Immigration Health Surcharge at £624 per year is also payable on submission of your application.
Quick Consultation Form
Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.
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