The UK Spouse Visa, part of the Family Visa route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, enables the partner of a British citizen or settled person to live and work in the UK. It serves as a vital route for family reunification and provides a clear pathway to long-term settlement through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
This visa can be applied for both from within and outside the UK and is one of the most closely scrutinised immigration categories due to its detailed financial, relationship, and accommodation requirements. The Home Office carefully assesses not only the applicant’s personal and financial circumstances but also the authenticity and stability of the couple’s relationship.
The spouse visa continues to play a key role in the UK’s family migration policy. It also has implications for employers and HR professionals, particularly when employees apply as dependants or are affected by partner immigration timelines. Understanding the requirements helps organisations ensure right-to-work compliance and provide informed support to affected staff.
What this article covers
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UK Spouse Visa requirements under Appendix FM. It explains the eligibility criteria, financial thresholds, accommodation and English language conditions, and outlines the application process with documentary expectations. It also clarifies how the spouse visa leads to ILR and includes practical insights for both sponsors and applicants.
Section A: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa under Appendix FM, applicants must meet a set of eligibility conditions designed to prove the genuineness of the relationship and ensure both partners can lawfully and sustainably live together in the UK. These are primarily verified through documentation and, where necessary, Home Office interviews or checks.
1. Relationship Requirement
The foundation of a spouse visa application lies in proving a genuine relationship. Applicants must show they are legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. The marriage or partnership must be legally recognised under UK law and must still be subsisting at the time of application.
The Home Office applies the “genuine and subsisting relationship” test to prevent marriages of convenience. Evidence to support this may include:
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Marriage or civil partnership certificate
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Joint bank statements or tenancy agreements
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Correspondence to the same address
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Photos together over time
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Communication records (emails, messages, call logs)
If partners have lived apart, applicants should provide credible reasons such as work, studies, or visa restrictions to show that separation does not affect the authenticity of the relationship.
2. Immigration Status of the Sponsor
The UK-based partner (sponsor) must hold one of the following statuses:
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British citizen
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
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Refugee status or humanitarian protection
In limited cases, sponsors with pre-settled status or limited leave may apply, though such cases are assessed more strictly and may not lead directly to settlement. Sponsors must be physically present and habitually resident in the UK or intend to return with their spouse if applying from abroad. Those relying on the EU Settlement Scheme should ideally hold settled status to align with the five-year route to ILR.
3. Age, Consent and Intentions
Both partners must be aged 18 or over on the date of the application and must freely consent to the marriage or civil partnership. There must also be a clear, shared intention to live together permanently in the UK.
Applicants must not be in breach of UK immigration laws (except where specific concessions apply under Appendix FM) and must not be under immigration bail at the time of application.
Section Summary:
To meet eligibility requirements, couples must prove a genuine, legally recognised relationship with a qualifying sponsor, satisfy age and consent conditions, and show clear intention to cohabit in the UK. The strength of evidence submitted plays a decisive role in the success of the application.
Section B: Financial Requirement
The financial requirement is one of the most critical aspects of the UK Spouse Visa. It ensures couples can support themselves financially without relying on public funds. The Home Office enforces strict evidential standards under Appendix FM-SE to confirm whether the sponsor meets the minimum income threshold or qualifies for an exemption.
1. Minimum Income Threshold
As of 11 April 2024, the minimum annual income requirement to sponsor a spouse or partner under the UK Spouse Visa route is £29,000. This threshold applies to all new applications made in 2024 and 2025, whether submitted inside or outside the UK.
The previous child “add-on” amounts have been removed, meaning the £29,000 threshold applies regardless of the number of dependent children included in the application.
The UK government has also announced a phased increase to the financial requirement:
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The threshold will rise to around £34,500 in early 2026.
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It is expected to reach £38,700 by early 2027, aligning it with the Skilled Worker Visa salary level.
These increases are part of the Home Office’s plan to “reduce overall migration and ensure sponsors can financially support their families without relying on public funds.”
Transitional cases:
If the applicant’s first partner visa application was made before 11 April 2024 and they remain with the same partner, the former £18,600 threshold (plus child add-ons) continues to apply at extension and ILR stages.
Income is usually assessed on the sponsor’s earnings alone, though if the applicant is already in the UK and legally working, both incomes can be combined under Appendix FM-SE.
2. Income Sources
Accepted income sources include:
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Employment income from a UK employer
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Self-employment income (registered with HMRC)
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Non-employment income (rental, dividends, pensions)
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Cash savings above £16,000
Savings can offset income shortfalls using the formula:
£16,000 + (income shortfall × 2.5)
Savings must be held for at least six months in the names of the applicant or sponsor and be immediately accessible.
3. Evidential Requirements
Documents must strictly comply with Appendix FM-SE requirements, typically including:
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Payslips covering six months
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Bank statements showing salary deposits
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P60s or employment contracts
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Employer letters confirming job terms
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For self-employed sponsors: tax returns, accounts, or accountant’s letters
Non-compliant evidence is a common reason for refusals, so accuracy and format consistency are vital.
4. Exceptions and Adequate Maintenance
Sponsors receiving certain benefits are exempt from the £29,000 income threshold but must show “adequate maintenance” without relying on public funds. This applies to those receiving:
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Carer’s Allowance
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Severe Disablement Allowance
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Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit
Income is then assessed against the equivalent level of Income Support for a similar household.
Section Summary:
Meeting the financial requirement is often the toughest part of the process. Precise, compliant documentation is essential to demonstrate the minimum income or savings level required under Appendix FM-SE.
Section C: Accommodation and English Language Requirements
Applicants must also prove they have suitable accommodation and meet the English language requirement to support successful integration and stability in the UK.
1. Accommodation Requirement
Couples must show access to adequate accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds. The property must:
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Be owned or occupied exclusively by the couple and dependants
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Not be statutorily overcrowded
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Meet public health standards
Supporting documents may include:
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Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
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Council tax or utility bills
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Property inspection report (recommended)
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Land Registry or ownership evidence
If staying with family or friends, applicants must include a letter of consent and proof of ownership or tenancy.
2. English Language Requirement
Applicants aged 18 or over must meet the English language standard at CEFR Level A1 for the first application and A2 at the extension stage. This can be satisfied by:
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Passing an approved SELT test (e.g. IELTS for UKVI, Trinity College London)
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Holding a degree taught in English, verified by ECCTIS
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Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Expired test certificates cannot be reused unless previously accepted by the Home Office.
Section Summary:
Applicants must show they have suitable, non-overcrowded housing and demonstrate English proficiency at the correct level. Proper documentation of accommodation and English qualifications is key.
Section D: Application Process and Supporting Documents
The UK Spouse Visa application process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Even minor errors can result in refusal or long delays.
1. Application Steps
Applications are made online through GOV.UK and include:
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Paying the visa fee
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Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
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Submitting biometrics
Applicants in the UK use UKVCAS, while those abroad attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Successful applicants receive an entry vignette to travel to the UK, followed by a digital eVisa linked to their UKVI account (replacing physical BRPs). They must use this account to view or prove their immigration status.
2. Document Checklist
Key documents usually include:
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Passports (applicant and sponsor)
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Marriage or civil partnership certificate
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Relationship evidence (photos, correspondence, joint accounts)
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Proof of sponsor’s immigration status
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Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, etc.)
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Proof of accommodation
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English language certificate or ECCTIS letter
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TB test certificate (if required)
Documents not in English or Welsh must have certified translations.
3. Processing Times and Outcome
Typical processing times:
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Outside the UK: up to 12 weeks
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Inside the UK: about 8 weeks (priority and super-priority options available)
Successful applicants will receive an eVisa. If refused, appeal or administrative review options may apply depending on the case type.
Section Summary:
Attention to evidence format, timing, and accuracy is vital. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the new eVisa system and use their UKVI account to manage their status.
FAQs
1. What is the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa in 2025?
The minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year for all new applications from 11 April 2024 onwards. Transitional cases under the previous £18,600 rule continue where applicable.
2. Can I use savings instead of income for a spouse visa?
Yes, savings above £16,000 held for at least six months can offset income shortfalls using the formula £16,000 + (shortfall × 2.5).
3. What English test do I need for a spouse visa?
Applicants must meet CEFR Level A1 initially and A2 on extension. Only approved SELT providers such as IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College London are accepted.
4. How long does the UK spouse visa take to process?
Standard processing: up to 12 weeks outside the UK or 8 weeks inside. Priority and super-priority upgrades may be available.
5. Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
Yes. Spouse visa holders have full right to work and study without sponsorship. Employers can verify their status online using a share code.
Conclusion
The UK Spouse Visa offers a vital opportunity for couples to reunite and build a life together in the UK. However, the process demands thorough preparation and strict adherence to the Home Office’s evidential standards. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship, meet the financial threshold, provide adequate housing proof, and show English proficiency.
Once granted, the visa allows residence for 2.5 years on the five-year route to ILR, leading eventually to British citizenship. With immigration status now managed digitally via the Home Office eVisa system, applicants must keep their records up to date and use share codes to prove their rights.
Employers should note that spouse visa holders have the full right to work without sponsorship, though compliant right-to-work checks are still required.
Ultimately, successful spouse visa applications depend on accuracy, detailed documentation, and professional preparation.
How LawSentis Can Help
At LawSentis, our expert UK immigration advisors specialise in family and spouse visa applications. We help you:
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Assess eligibility and prepare all supporting documents
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Calculate and verify financial requirements accurately
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Review relationship evidence and prevent refusal risks
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Guide you through the online application, IHS, and eVisa steps
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Represent you before the Home Office and manage appeals if needed
Our team stays up to date with every change in UK immigration policy to ensure your application meets the latest Home Office standards.
Book a free consultation today and let LawSentis guide you through your UK Spouse Visa journey with confidence and precision.