How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa: A Complete Guide

If you're married to a British citizen or someone who's settled in the UK, and you want to live together in the UK, you’ll likely need a UK Spouse Visa. I know it can feel overwhelming at first—there’s a lot of paperwork and requirements to meet—but don’t worry. I’m here to walk you through the whole process step-by-step. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to apply for your UK Spouse Visa with as little stress as possible.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa allows the spouse of a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK to live together in the UK. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 30 months initially. After that, you can apply for an extension, and eventually, after five years, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It's the first step toward settling in the UK long-term.

Am I Eligible for a UK Spouse Visa?

Before you jump into the application, let’s make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. It’s really important that you do, because the UK Home Office is very strict about these rules. Here’s what you need to know:

You Need to Be Married
First and foremost, you must be legally married to a British citizen or someone who has settled status in the UK. They should be able to prove their immigration status. You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship being genuine, such as photos, messages, and travel records showing that you’ve been in contact and have lived together (or spent time together) during your relationship.
Both Partners Must Be Over 18
This is a legal requirement. You can’t apply if either of you is under 18.
You Need to Meet the Financial Requirement
The UK Spouse Visa has a financial requirement—your British spouse (or settled partner) must have an income of at least £18,600 per year. If you have children, this figure increases to £22,400 for one child, with an extra £2,400 for each additional child. This income can come from employment, self-employment, or savings, but the documents you provide need to clearly show that your spouse meets this threshold.
English Language Proficiency
You’ll also need to prove that you can speak and understand English. There are a couple of ways to do this:

Show that you have a degree or higher education qualification that was taught in English.
Take an approved English language test (at CEFR level A1 or higher) if you haven’t completed a degree in English.

Accommodation
You and your spouse need to have somewhere suitable to live in the UK. You’ll need to provide proof of this, such as a lease agreement, property ownership details, or a letter from your landlord confirming where you’ll live.
The Relationship Must Be Genuine
You need to prove that your relationship is real and that you intend to live together in the UK long-term. Evidence can include photos, messages, and details of trips or visits you’ve made to see each other. The more proof you have of a genuine relationship, the stronger your case will be.
Good Character
Both you and your spouse should have a clean immigration and criminal record. In some cases, you may be asked to provide police certificates if you’ve lived in other countries.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying

Now that we’ve covered eligibility, let’s dive into how to actually apply for your UK Spouse Visa.

1. Gather Your Documents

The first thing you’ll want to do is gather all the necessary documents. Trust me, having everything in one place will save you a lot of time and hassle. Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need:

Passports: Yours and your spouse’s.
Marriage certificate: Proving that you’re legally married.
Proof of relationship: Photos, emails, messages, etc., to show that you’re in a genuine relationship.
Financial evidence: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns, or savings.
English language proof: Test results or degrees.
Accommodation evidence: A lease or mortgage documents to prove you have somewhere to live.
Proof of your spouse’s immigration status: Their British passport or residency card.

2. Complete the Application Form

Once you have all your documents ready, head over to the UK government website and fill out the online application form. This is where you’ll provide all your details, from your personal information to information about your relationship and your finances.

When you’re filling out the form, make sure you double-check everything. Missing information is a common reason for delays, and you don’t want to end up waiting longer than necessary. If you're unsure about any of the questions, it's a good idea to get professional advice, but be as thorough and honest as possible.

3. Pay the Fees

This is one of the more significant parts of the application—paying the visa fee. As of 2025, the fee is £1,538 if you’re applying from outside the UK and £1,048 if you’re applying from inside the UK. This fee covers the cost of processing your visa application.

You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee is £624 per year and gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while you’re in the country.

4. Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application and paying the fees, you’ll need to schedule a biometrics appointment. This is where they’ll take your fingerprints and photograph. It’s a standard part of the visa process to verify your identity and check for security issues.

5. Submit Your Documents

Once you’ve completed your application and attended the biometrics appointment, you’ll need to submit your supporting documents. Depending on where you’re applying, you may either upload your documents online or send physical copies by post. Just follow the instructions you’re given to make sure everything is submitted properly.

6. Wait for the Decision

Now comes the waiting game. The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa is typically between 8 and 12 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of your application. During this time, the UK Home Office will review your application, check your documents, and make sure everything is in order.

If they need more information from you, they’ll reach out, so be sure to respond quickly to avoid delays.

7. Receive Your Visa

If all goes well, you’ll get your UK Spouse Visa. If you’re applying from outside the UK, they’ll issue it in your passport. If you're already in the UK, you'll receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This will allow you to live and work in the UK for up to 30 months.

What Happens After Your Visa is Approved?

Once your visa is granted, you can start planning for life in the UK! But there are a few things to keep in mind moving forward:

Visa Extension
After 30 months, you’ll need to apply for an extension to continue living in the UK. You can do this up to 28 days before your current visa expires. This extension is usually granted for another 30 months, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Path to Citizenship
After living in the UK for five years on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. To do this, you’ll need to pass the Life in the UK test and prove your English language skills.
Work and Study
The great thing about the UK Spouse Visa is that you have the right to work and study in the UK, which opens up lots of opportunities.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you understand the process of applying for a UK Spouse Visa. While the application process may seem complex, with the right preparation and attention to detail, you can navigate it successfully.

If you ever feel uncertain about any part of your application or if you'd prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Farani Taylor Solicitors. Our team of experienced immigration experts can guide you through every step, ensuring your application is handled with care and efficiency. We’re here to make your journey to the UK as smooth as possible.

Good luck with your application, and remember, we’re here to help if you need us!