ukvisa.guide

UK Spouse Visa — Requirements, Fees & How to Apply in 2026

Complete guide to the UK spouse visa (partner visa). Learn about requirements, fees (£1,846), processing times, required documents, and step-by-step application process.

Overview

The UK spouse visa (officially called the “Family visa — partner route”) allows you to join your husband, wife, or civil partner who is either a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. It’s one of the most common visa routes, with tens of thousands of applications processed each year.

What you need to know

The spouse visa is a two-stage process. You’ll initially receive a visa valid for 2 years and 9 months. Before it expires, you’ll need to apply for an extension (called “further leave to remain”). After 5 years on this route, you become eligible for indefinite leave to remain — permanent settlement in the UK.

Financial requirement

The minimum income threshold was raised to £29,000 in 2024. Your sponsoring partner must demonstrate they earn at least this amount through:

  • Employment income — payslips and employer letter
  • Self-employment — tax returns and accounts for the last full financial year
  • Cash savings — savings above £16,000 held for at least 6 months (calculated using a specific formula)
  • Combination — you can combine sources to meet the threshold

English language requirement

You must pass an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 (basic level) for your initial application. When you apply to extend your visa, you’ll need A2 level. When applying for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need B1 level.

You’re exempt from the English language requirement if you:

  • Are a national of a majority English-speaking country
  • Hold a degree taught in English (academic ATAS)
  • Have a disability that prevents you from meeting the requirement

After you arrive

Once in the UK with your spouse visa, you can:

  • Work without restrictions in any job
  • Study at any institution
  • Access the NHS (covered by your IHS payment)
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely

You cannot claim most public funds (benefits) during your initial visa period.

Timeline to settlement

StageDurationKey action
Initial visa2 years 9 monthsEnter and live in the UK
Extension2 years 6 monthsApply before initial visa expires
ILR applicationAfter 5 years totalApply for indefinite leave to remain
Citizenship1 year after ILREligible to apply for British citizenship

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    Confirm you and your partner meet the financial, relationship, and English language requirements before beginning your application.

  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    Collect all required evidence including financial documents, relationship proof, English language test certificate, and TB test results if applicable.

  3. 3

    Apply online

    Complete the online application form on the gov.uk website. You'll need to create an account and pay the application fee and IHS.

  4. 4

    Pay the fees

    Pay the application fee (£1,846) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for 2.5 years). Priority processing is available for an additional £1,000.

  5. 5

    Attend your biometrics appointment

    Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

  6. 6

    Submit supporting documents

    Upload or submit all supporting documents through the online portal or at your appointment.

  7. 7

    Wait for a decision

    Standard processing takes around 12 weeks. You can check your application status online. Do not make travel plans until you receive your visa.

  8. 8

    Collect your visa

    If approved, you'll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days to enter the UK. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arriving.

Fees

Fee type Amount
Application fee £1,846
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £1,035
Priority processing £1,000
Total £3,881

Eligibility Requirements

  • Your partner must be a British citizen or have settled status (indefinite leave to remain)
  • You must be aged 18 or over
  • You must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year
  • You must have met your partner in person
  • Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting
  • You must intend to live together permanently in the UK
  • You must have adequate accommodation in the UK
  • You must meet the English language requirement (minimum CEFR level A1)

Required Documents

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
  • Proof of English language ability (test certificate or exempt nationality)
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK
  • Photos of you and your partner together
  • Communication evidence (messages, call logs, letters)
  • Evidence of any previous immigration applications
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applying from certain countries)
  • Two passport-sized photographs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UK spouse visa cost in 2026?
The UK spouse visa application fee is £1,846. You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. For a 2.5-year visa, the total IHS cost is £2,587.50, making the total minimum cost approximately £4,433.50. Priority processing adds £1,000.
How long does the UK spouse visa take to process?
Standard processing for the UK spouse visa takes around 12 weeks from your biometrics appointment. If you pay for priority processing (£1,000), you can get a decision in around 5 working days.
What is the minimum income requirement for a spouse visa?
As of 2026, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year. This can be met through employment, self-employment, cash savings, or a combination. Your partner (the UK sponsor) typically needs to show they meet this threshold.
Can I work on a UK spouse visa?
Yes, the UK spouse visa allows you to work in the UK without restrictions. You can take any job, be self-employed, or start a business. There are no limitations on the type of work or hours.
How long is the UK spouse visa valid?
The initial spouse visa is granted for 2 years and 9 months. You can then apply to extend for another 2.5 years. After 5 years on a spouse visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement).
Do I need to take an English test for the spouse visa?
Yes, you need to prove English language ability at CEFR level A1 (basic) for the initial application. When extending, you'll need A2 level. Nationals of English-speaking countries and those with UK degrees are exempt.