UK Spouse Visa Application Process Explained

ByThomas Chase

UK Spouse Visa Application Process Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions I receive most often on my TikTok page:

  • “What are the requirements for a spouse visa?”
  • “How can my partner secure a UK spouse visa?”
  • “Will my partner’s visa application be successful?”

Let’s take a look at the spouse visa requirements to help inform you about this important visa option.

Applying for a UK spouse visa to bring your overseas partner to join you can indeed be a complex process. Below is a streamlined outline of the UK spouse visa application process, including the key steps, required documents, and practical tips for a successful application.

Spouse Visa Eligibility

The visa applicant is the overseas spouse, unmarried partner, or civil partner. The applicant may make a UK family visa application to join or accompany their sponsoring partner to the UK. This visa is often referred to as a UK spouse visa.

The sponsor can be:

  • A British citizen;
  • A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR);
  • A person with status under the EU Settlement Scheme; or
  • A person with refugee status.

Relationship Requirement

The couple must:

  • Be married;
  • Be in a civil partnership; or
  • Have been in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.

Financial Requirement

If the overseas partner is applying to join their partner in the UK, the sponsor must evidence that they earn at least £29,000 annually.

If the applicant and overseas children are travelling to the UK, the sponsor must also evidence that they earn over £29,000 annually.

The applicant cannot rely upon their overseas earnings, even if the salary meets the threshold.

Savings Alternative

Alternatively, the couple can provide proof of sufficient savings:

  • £88,500 if relying on savings alone.

It is possible to combine savings and employment income. Advice should be sought to ensure that the financial requirement is met in full to avoid disappointment.

English Language Requirement

The overseas partner must demonstrate knowledge of the English language. This can be done by:

  • Passing a recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT); or
  • Holding an academic qualification taught or researched in English.

If the overseas partner is from a recognised majority English-speaking country, they will be exempt from the English language requirement.

UK Spouse Visa Application Process

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

The couple must gather and prepare the necessary documents to demonstrate eligibility for the UK spouse visa.

Identity Documents

  • The overseas partner’s valid passport.
  • The sponsoring partner’s passport copy or proof of UK immigration status.

Relationship Evidence

This may include:

  • Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate;
  • Evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners;
  • Photographs together;
  • Messages the couple are happy to share;
  • Evidence of travel history.

These documents help demonstrate that the relationship is genuine.

Financial Evidence

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

  • Payslips covering the 6 months before the application date;
  • Corresponding bank statements;
  • Employer letter;
  • Savings evidence;
  • Information about the source of savings;
  • Savings account statements covering 6 months.

Accommodation Evidence

Evidence of adequate accommodation may include:

  • Tenancy agreement;
  • Letter from a landlord or letting agent; or
  • Proof of property ownership.

English Language Evidence

This may include:

  • Secure English Language Test certificate at CEFR Level A1;
  • Degree certificate and verification; or
  • Equivalent proof of English language ability.

Majority English-Speaking Countries

Applicants from the following countries are exempt from the English language requirement:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United States of America

Tuberculosis (TB) Requirement

Depending on the overseas applicant’s location, a TB Screening Certificate may be required.

If you have any questions or concerns about the required evidence to support a UK spouse visa, seek advice or assistance by contacting Thomas Chase Immigration.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

After gathering the required evidence, the overseas applicant must complete the online application form.

The application will only be valid once:

  • The spouse visa application fee has been paid; and
  • The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has been paid.

Step 3: Attend the Biometrics Appointment

After paying the required fees, the overseas partner must book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre in their country of origin or legal residence.

At the appointment, the visa application centre will collect:

  • Fingerprints; and
  • A digital photograph

on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Step 4: Submit the Supporting Documents

The overseas partner must then upload or submit the supporting documents using the method specified for their location.

At Thomas Chase Immigration, we can:

  • Prepare the application;
  • Book the biometric appointment; and
  • Upload the supporting documents on your behalf.

Contact us for more information about our professional services.

Step 5: Await the Decision

The published processing time is:

  • Up to 12 weeks for a standard application.

For an additional fee, it may be possible to request a faster decision.

General Guidance, Tips and Pitfalls

One in four applications are refused at the initial stage. The fact that a couple may be in a genuine relationship should not be a reason to take the outcome for granted.

Pay Close Attention to the Financial Requirement

I cannot overstress the importance of double-checking the financial requirement calculations.

The financial requirement can be complex depending on the circumstances. If it is not fully met, the application may:

  • Be granted under a longer 10-year route; or
  • Be refused.

Provide Strong Relationship Evidence

Ensure that the relationship evidence is detailed and convincing.

If this is not done, the spouse visa application may be refused.

Meet All Deadlines

Pay close attention to deadlines for:

  • Biometrics appointments; and
  • Document submission.

If an appointment is missed, or documents are not provided in the correct format, the application may be rejected or refused.

Seeking professional advice can help smooth the application process.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete or poorly organised supporting documents.
  • Failing to meet the financial requirement without explanation.
  • Overlooking updates to the Immigration Rules and UKVI policy.
  • Relying on outdated guidance or old versions of application forms.

After the UK Spouse Visa Decision

If the application is approved, UKVI will notify the overseas partner.

The UK spouse visa is normally granted for an initial period of 2.5 years.

Before the visa expires, the visa holder must apply for an extension from within the UK. As with the initial application, this process should not be taken for granted.

Settlement and British Citizenship

After 5 years in the UK, a spouse visa holder may be eligible to apply for:

  1. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR); and subsequently
  2. British citizenship.

Spouse Visa Next Steps

For more tailored advice, contact Thomas Chase Immigration for help and guidance to ensure compliance with all requirements of the laws and to improve your chances of success. Bottom of Form.

Written by Carla Thomas – Managing Director at Thomas Chase immigration.

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