Spouse Visa

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What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa allows individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK to join their partner in the UK. The visa allows you to live together in the UK for a set period, after which you can apply for an extension and eventually settle in the country. The spouse visa is a critical part of the family visa category, designed to reunite married couples or civil partners and ensure they can live together in the UK.

To apply for a visa, spouse visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proof of your relationship. In addition, both the applicant and the UK-based sponsor must meet specific financial and accommodation conditions.

Who is it for?

The UK Spouse Visa is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. This visa allows them to join their partner in the UK and live together. It is specifically for:

Spouses or Civil Partners of UK citizens or settled individuals.

Spouses or Civil Partners of UK citizens or settled individuals.

Spouses or Civil Partners of UK citizens or settled individuals.

Spouses or Civil Partners of UK citizens or settled individuals.

Individuals who wish to reunite with their partner and live in the UK permanently.

Individuals who wish to reunite with their partner and live in the UK permanently.

Individuals who wish to reunite with their partner and live in the UK permanently.

Individuals who wish to reunite with their partner and live in the UK permanently.

Those meeting the financial requirements and proving their relationship is genuine.

Those meeting the financial requirements and proving their relationship is genuine.

Those meeting the financial requirements and proving their relationship is genuine.

Those meeting the financial requirements and proving their relationship is genuine.

This visa is ideal for couples wishing to start their life together in the UK while meeting all necessary immigration requirements.

What is the Application Process for a Spouse Visa UK?

The spouse visa application process involves several steps:

  1. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of your relationship, your visa financial documents, and your accommodation details.

  2. Submit an Application: Complete the online partner visa application form on the gov.uk website. You will need to provide personal details, relationship details, and information about your sponsor.

  3. Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment where you will provide fingerprints and a photograph.

  4. Visa Fee Payment: Pay the required visa fee and immigration health surcharge.

  5. Wait for a Decision: The UK Home Office will process your application. Processing times can vary but typically take around 8–12 weeks.

Once approved, you will be granted a spouse visa, allowing you to enter the UK and live with your partner.

What are the Spouse visa requirements in 2025?

To be eligible for a family visa, you must meet certain requirements, which include:

Relationship proof: You need to prove your relationship with the family member in the UK (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse visa or birth certificate for a child visa).

Relationship proof: You need to prove your relationship with the family member in the UK (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse visa or birth certificate for a child visa).

Relationship proof: You need to prove your relationship with the family member in the UK (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse visa or birth certificate for a child visa).

Relationship proof: You need to prove your relationship with the family member in the UK (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse visa or birth certificate for a child visa).

Financial requirement: You or your sponsor in the UK must meet a minimum income requirement to prove that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.

Financial requirement: You or your sponsor in the UK must meet a minimum income requirement to prove that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.

Financial requirement: You or your sponsor in the UK must meet a minimum income requirement to prove that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.

Financial requirement: You or your sponsor in the UK must meet a minimum income requirement to prove that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.

English language requirement: For some family visa categories (e.g., spouse visa), you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

English language requirement: For some family visa categories (e.g., spouse visa), you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

English language requirement: For some family visa categories (e.g., spouse visa), you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

English language requirement: For some family visa categories (e.g., spouse visa), you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Accommodation: You need to show that you have a place to live in the UK.

Accommodation: You need to show that you have a place to live in the UK.

Accommodation: You need to show that you have a place to live in the UK.

Accommodation: You need to show that you have a place to live in the UK.

What are the Financial Requirements for Spouse Visa?

To be eligible for the spouse visa UK, you and your sponsor must meet the financial requirement set by the UK government. As of 2025, the minimum income requirement is:

  • £29,000 per year for the applicant and their partner

The income can come from various sources, including employment, savings, or income from rental properties. If you are unable to meet the financial requirement through income alone, you may use savings to meet the requirement.

What are the English Language Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

As part of the visa requirements, you must prove your knowledge of the English language. This is usually done by:

  • Taking an approved English language test.

  • Providing evidence that you are from an English-speaking country.

  • Providing evidence that your degree or educational qualification was taught in English.

If you do not meet the English language requirement, you may not be granted a spouse visa.

What are the Benefits of a UK Spouse Visa?

There are several benefits of obtaining a UK spouse visa:

Live and work in the UK: You can live and work in the UK, which means you can contribute to the economy and enjoy life in the country.

Live and work in the UK: You can live and work in the UK, which means you can contribute to the economy and enjoy life in the country.

Live and work in the UK: You can live and work in the UK, which means you can contribute to the economy and enjoy life in the country.

Live and work in the UK: You can live and work in the UK, which means you can contribute to the economy and enjoy life in the country.

Path to settlement: After living in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step towards British citizenship.

Path to settlement: After living in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step towards British citizenship.

Path to settlement: After living in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step towards British citizenship.

Path to settlement: After living in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step towards British citizenship.

Family reunification: The spouse visa allows you to live with your partner, helping reunite families.

Family reunification: The spouse visa allows you to live with your partner, helping reunite families.

Family reunification: The spouse visa allows you to live with your partner, helping reunite families.

Family reunification: The spouse visa allows you to live with your partner, helping reunite families.

Access to services: As a spouse visa holder, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services.

Access to services: As a spouse visa holder, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services.

Access to services: As a spouse visa holder, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services.

Access to services: As a spouse visa holder, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services.

How Long Can You Stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa?

The spouse visa is usually granted for 33 months. After this period, you can apply for an extension if you still meet the eligibility requirements. After spending five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency in the UK.

What are the Application Fee Associated with the UK Spouse Visa?

The Visa application fee for a spouse visa varies depending on whether you are need to apply from inside or outside the UK:

  • Applying from outside the UK: £1,938

  • Applying from inside the UK: £1,321 

Additionally, you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge, which is approximately £1,035 per year for each applicant. This allows you to access the NHS while in the UK.

How to Extend a UK Spouse Visa?

If your spouse visa is about to expire, you may be able to apply to extend it and remain in the UK. The process is similar to the initial application and involves proving that your relationship is still genuine, meeting the spouse visa financial requirement, and paying the visa fee and health surcharge. You can extend your spouse visa for another 30 months (2.5 years), leading you towards eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, since you've lived in the UK for 5 years.

Why Choose Bekenbey for Your UK Spouse Visa Application?

At Bekenbey, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of the UK spouse visa application process. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • Expert Advice: Our team of immigration lawyers will guide you through every step of the application, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements.

  • Personalized Solutions: We offer tailored advice to help you navigate the specific circumstances of your relationship and financial situation.

  • Proven Success: We have a track record of helping clients successfully obtain their spouse visas and other family visas.

Apply for a Spouse Visa or Partner visa Today with Bekenbey!

Ready to join your spouse or partner in the UK? Contact Bekenbey today for expert assistance with your UK spouse visa application and come to the UK and even apply within the UK. Our team of experienced UK immigration lawyers will guide you through the process and help you reunite with your loved ones. If you are interested life in the UK and want to live together permanently in the UK, our Bekenbey Spouse visa lawyers can help you!

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your visa application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Passport or Travel Document

We have years of experience handling UK immigration cases.

1

Passport or Travel Document

We have years of experience handling UK immigration cases.

1

Passport or Travel Document

We have years of experience handling UK immigration cases.

1

Passport or Travel Document

We have years of experience handling UK immigration cases.

2

Completed application form and application fee

2

Completed application form and application fee

2

Completed application form and application fee

2

Completed application form and application fee

3

Previous passports

3

Previous passports

3

Previous passports

3

Previous passports

4

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g. shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).

4

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g. shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).

4

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g. shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).

4

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g. shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).

5

Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

5

Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

5

Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

5

Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

6

Two passport-sized colour photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.

6

Two passport-sized colour photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.

6

Two passport-sized colour photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.

6

Two passport-sized colour photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.

7

Proof you meet the financial requirements (e.g. bank statements, savings statement, wage slips)

7

Proof you meet the financial requirements (e.g. bank statements, savings statement, wage slips)

7

Proof you meet the financial requirements (e.g. bank statements, savings statement, wage slips)

7

Proof you meet the financial requirements (e.g. bank statements, savings statement, wage slips)

8

Details of any previous immigration applications, if any

8

Details of any previous immigration applications, if any

8

Details of any previous immigration applications, if any

8

Details of any previous immigration applications, if any

9

Proof Details of any criminal convictionsyou meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

9

Proof Details of any criminal convictionsyou meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

9

Proof Details of any criminal convictionsyou meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

9

Proof Details of any criminal convictionsyou meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).

10

Your national insurance number (if you have one)

10

Your national insurance number (if you have one)

10

Your national insurance number (if you have one)

10

Your national insurance number (if you have one)

11

Proof of accommodation in the UK

11

Proof of accommodation in the UK

11

Proof of accommodation in the UK

11

Proof of accommodation in the UK

12

Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

12

Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

12

Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

12

Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

13

Tuberculosis test results if from a country where you have to take the test

13

Tuberculosis test results if from a country where you have to take the test

13

Tuberculosis test results if from a country where you have to take the test

13

Tuberculosis test results if from a country where you have to take the test

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK spouse visa allows married couples or civil partners of UK citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. It enables you to join your partner in the UK and live together as a family.

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK spouse visa allows married couples or civil partners of UK citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. It enables you to join your partner in the UK and live together as a family.

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK spouse visa allows married couples or civil partners of UK citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. It enables you to join your partner in the UK and live together as a family.

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK spouse visa allows married couples or civil partners of UK citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. It enables you to join your partner in the UK and live together as a family.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa?

The initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months. After that, you can apply for an extension. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How long can I stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa?

The initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months. After that, you can apply for an extension. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How long can I stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa?

The initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months. After that, you can apply for an extension. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How long can I stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa?

The initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months. After that, you can apply for an extension. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

To be eligible, you must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled already in the UK, meet the financial requirement, and prove that your relationship is genuine.

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

To be eligible, you must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled already in the UK, meet the financial requirement, and prove that your relationship is genuine.

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

To be eligible, you must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled already in the UK, meet the financial requirement, and prove that your relationship is genuine.

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

To be eligible, you must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled already in the UK, meet the financial requirement, and prove that your relationship is genuine.

What is the application process for a Spouse Visa?

The application process involves completing the online form, paying the visa fee and immigration health surcharge, attending a biometric appointment, and providing all required documents.

What is the application process for a Spouse Visa?

The application process involves completing the online form, paying the visa fee and immigration health surcharge, attending a biometric appointment, and providing all required documents.

What is the application process for a Spouse Visa?

The application process involves completing the online form, paying the visa fee and immigration health surcharge, attending a biometric appointment, and providing all required documents.

What is the application process for a Spouse Visa?

The application process involves completing the online form, paying the visa fee and immigration health surcharge, attending a biometric appointment, and providing all required documents.

Can I work in the UK on a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?

Yes, as a spouse visa holder, you are allowed to work in the UK.

Can I work in the UK on a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?

Yes, as a spouse visa holder, you are allowed to work in the UK.

Can I work in the UK on a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?

Yes, as a spouse visa holder, you are allowed to work in the UK.

Can I work in the UK on a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?

Yes, as a spouse visa holder, you are allowed to work in the UK.