Applying for a UK Spouse Visa can feel overwhelming, especially with constant updates to immigration rules. This comprehensive guide answers the top ten most frequently asked questions about the UK Spouse Visa, based on the latest 2025 Home Office regulations.
1. What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person to live in the United Kingdom. This visa enables the applicant to live, work, and study in the UK without restriction.
Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and subsisting, that they meet financial and accommodation requirements, and that they intend to live together permanently in the UK.
2. Who can sponsor a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa can be sponsored by:
- A British citizen
- A person settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status)
- A holder of refugee or humanitarian protection status
- An Irish citizen residing in the UK
- A person with limited leave under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Certain Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa holders (under the Ankara Agreement, if still lawfully residing in the UK)
Note: Turkish Worker/Businessperson sponsorship is only possible where the sponsor already holds that category of leave .it is not an open new-entry route.
This expanded list ensures more couples can qualify, provided they meet all relationship and financial criteria.
3. What are the financial requirements?
The financial requirement ensures that the couple can support themselves without relying on public funds.
As of 2025, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year. The government has announced plans to raise this to £38,700, but the higher rate is not yet in effect as of October 2025.
Applicants exempt from the financial requirement-such as those on certain disability-related benefits—must show adequate maintenance instead.
Note: As of April 2024, the income threshold no longer increases based on the number of children included in the application.
4. What documents are required for a UK Spouse Visa?
Applicants must provide strong documentary evidence, including:
- Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of relationship (photos, messages, joint bills, or tenancy agreements)
- Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
- Proof of suitable accommodation in the UK
- English language test certificate (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results – only required if the applicant is from a country listed by the UK government (see official list)
It’s crucial to ensure every document is up to date, correctly formatted, and submitted according to UK Home Office standards.
Translate any documents not in English or Welsh; translations must be certified and include the translator’s contact details and statement of accuracy.
5. How long does it take to process a UK Spouse Visa?
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s location.
- Outside the UK: The standard processing time is typically up to 12 weeks.
- Inside the UK (switching or extending): Around 8 weeks under the standard route.
Applicants can also opt for a priority service (if available) for faster decisions.
6. How much does the UK Spouse Visa cost?
As of 2025, the UK Spouse Visa fee is approximately £1,938 when applying from outside the UK, and £1,321 for in-country applications.
These fees are subject to change, so always check the latest Home Office fee guidance before applying.
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £1,035 per year for most adult applicants. For example, the IHS for a 2.5-year initial spouse visa would be £2,587.50 (paid up front).
7. Do I need to attend a biometric appointment?
Most applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.
However, some applicants may be able to complete this step digitally using the UK Immigration ID Check app, depending on their nationality and passport type. The app allows biometric verification without visiting a centre, streamlining the process considerably.
8. Can I appeal if my UK Spouse Visa is refused?
Yes, but not all refusals are eligible for appeal. Applicants can only appeal if their refusal raises human rights grounds, such as the right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
If an appeal is not available, the applicant may submit a new application addressing the refusal reasons.
Legal advice is strongly recommended before pursuing an appeal to improve the chances of success.
9. When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
After living in the UK for five continuous years under the Spouse Visa route, applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Continued cohabitation with their partner
- Ongoing compliance with visa conditions
- English language proficiency
- Knowledge of Life in the UK
Once ILR is granted, individuals may later apply for British citizenship, provided they meet residency and good character requirements.
10. What happens after ILR – can I apply for British citizenship?
Yes. After obtaining ILR and meeting the required residency period (typically 12 months), applicants can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
They must demonstrate good character, continuous residence, and a genuine intention to make the UK their permanent home.
Citizenship allows the applicant to hold a British passport and enjoy full legal rights as a UK national.
How LawSentis can help
At LawSentis, our UK immigration experts specialise in spouse and family visa applications. We provide tailored guidance at every stage – from eligibility assessment and document preparation to legal representation in complex or refused cases.
Whether you’re applying from abroad, extending your visa in the UK, or seeking settlement, LawSentis ensures your application meets all current Home Office requirements.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let our experienced immigration advisers help you secure your future in the UK.