The UK Spouse or Partner Visa allows eligible partners of British citizens, settled persons, or those with refugee or humanitarian protection to live together in the UK. This route enables couples to build their lives in the UK and ultimately provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
You can apply?
If you are the partner of someone who is:
– A British citizen
– A person settled in the UK (holding ILR or settled status)
– In the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection
– A person with pre-settled status (EUSS)
You must be applying as:
– A spouse (married partner)
– A civil partner
– An unmarried partner (in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years)
– A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner (to marry within 6 months of arrival)
Eligibility Requirements
Relationship
You must show that:
– Your relationship is genuine and subsisting
– You intend to live together permanently in the UK
– Any previous relationships have broken down permanently
– You have met in person (required for spouses/fiancé(e)s)
Financial
The UK-based partner must meet the minimum income threshold currently £29,000, which is periodically updated by the Home Office. Income can come from:
– Employment or self-employment
– Specified savings
– Pension income
– Non-employment income
– Combined earnings if applying within the UK
Accommodation
Applicants must also demonstrate adequate accommodation without relying on public funds.
English Language
Applicants must meet the English language requirement at A1, A2, or B1 level, depending on whether it is an initial application or extension. This can be met through:
– An approved English language test
– A degree taught in English
– Exemption based on nationality or medical condition
TB Test
TB test may also be required for certain countries if applying from outside the UK.
Meeting the Financial Requirement if Your Sponsor Is Receiving Benefits
If the UK-based sponsor is receiving certain permitted state benefits or allowances, they do not need to meet the standard minimum income threshold. Instead, they must show that they can adequately maintain and accommodate their partner without relying on additional public funds. This is known as the “adequate maintenance” route.
Eligible Benefits
If the UK sponsor receives one or more of the following specified benefits, the adequate maintenance test applies instead of the usual income threshold:
– Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
– Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
– Attendance Allowance
– Carer’s Allowance
– Severe Disablement Allowance
– Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
– Armed Forces Independent Payment
– Constant Attendance Allowance
– Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
– War Disablement Pension
Receiving Universal Credit alone does not always qualify unless the sponsor also receives a qualifying disability or carer-related benefit.
FAQs
Do unmarried partners still need to have lived together for 2 years?
No. Under the updated Appendix FM rules, unmarried partners no longer need to prove 2 years of cohabitation. Instead, you must show that your relationship is durable, genuine, and ongoing.
Can I apply for a spouse or partner visa from within the UK?
Yes, provided you are not on a visitor visa and meet all eligibility requirements. Visitors cannot normally switch into the spouse/partner route.
Can I work on a spouse or partner visa?
Yes. Spouse and partner visas give full right to work, including self-employment and setting up a business.
What if we do not meet the financial requirement?
Other options may include: Receiving certain benefits or exceptional circumstances. under human rights grounds. We can assess your situation and advise on the best route.
Can we include children in the application?
Yes. Eligible dependent children can apply under Appendix FM as part of the same family unit.
Can I travel while a UK application is pending?
If applying inside the UK, you must not travel until a decision is issued. Leaving the UK will automatically withdraw your application.
Can I switch from a fiancé(e) visa to a spouse visa?
Yes. After marrying within the 6-month fiancé(e) visa validity period, you can switch to the spouse visa from within the UK.
How We Can Help
We provide comprehensive, end-to-end support for Spouse/Partner Visa applications. We begin by assessing your eligibility and clearly explaining the financial, relationship, and English language requirements to ensure you are fully prepared. We assist in gathering and presenting strong evidence to demonstrate your genuine relationship, financial stability, and intention to live together permanently in the UK.
We also prepare detailed legal representations, reducing the risk of errors and strengthening your case. Whether you are applying from abroad, switching from another visa within the UK, extending your current visa, or preparing for ILR, we guide you hrough every stage.