What is a spouse visa?
A spouse visa, also referred to as a UK marriage visa, enables married partners of UK citizens to come to the UK because they are married to someone who is "established in the UK" — that is, someone who is typically resident in the UK and has no immigration limits on the length of their stay.
Can I work on a spouse visa?
Yes, after the visa has been approved, you are permitted to work or study in the UK.
Spouse visa requirements
To qualify for a UK spouse / marriage visa you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Both you and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
- This is to avoid arranged marriages; you must have met and be lawfully wed.
- You must want to cohabitate long-term.
- You must be able to maintain yourself (and any dependents) on your own without requesting government assistance.
- Your sponsoring partner must be able to sponsor you by earning more than £18,600 per year or having sufficient savings. If they are also sponsoring dependent children, the minimum financial requirement is greater.
- A decent place to live for you, your spouse, and any dependents is a requirement.
- The standards for English language proficiency must be met.
How do I apply for a spouse visa?
You can apply for a spouse visa both domestically and abroad.
You could be allowed to change to a spouse visa if you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa that is valid for longer than six months.
How long does the application take?
From the time we submit the application to the UKBA, the processing time for a spouse visa application ranges from 2 to 12 weeks. Depending on the nation where the application is submitted, processing times change.
How long does a spouse visa last?
From the time we submit the application to the UKBA, a spouse visa application will typically take 2 to 12 weeks to process. The country where the application is submitted affects how quickly applications are processed.
Can I extend my spouse visa?
You have the option to apply for a 30-month extension, extending your stay in the UK on this visa to a maximum of five years. If you are still married, residing in the UK with your spouse, and continuing to pay the required maintenance, you may now apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You can be qualified to apply for naturalization as a British citizen after receiving ILR.
Spouse visa entry clearance
Before traveling to the UK, you must apply for entry clearance if you plan to enter the country based on your relationship with a citizen of the country.
If you are applying from within the UK, you must be in possession of a visa that allows you to stay for at least six months in the country.
If you are currently in the UK and were initially granted entrance for a duration of less than six months, such as if you were a guest or prospective student, you cannot switch to a spouse visa.
English language requirements for partners
You must be able to demonstrate your English language proficiency if you want to apply for a spouse visa.
You must meet the English language requirement if:
- You are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and
- You are in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK; and
- You want to immigrate to the UK as that person's spouse.
You must pass an English language test from an authorized test provider if you are not a citizen of a nation where the majority of people speak English or if your degree is not taught in English.
If you are submitting your application from outside the U.S., we can arrange for you to take an acceptable English language test there.
To learn more about the English language requirements, get in touch with us.
Spouse visa dependants
Children under the age of 18 are eligible for entry into the UK as your dependents. Along with your spouse's visa application, you should submit one for them as well. Please be aware that depending on the number of dependent children being sponsored, your sponsoring spouse must demonstrate income of a certain level.
What if your relationship ends?
If your relationship ends while your partner is only permitted to visit or stay in the UK temporarily (i.e. during the probationary period before they can apply to live here permanently) you should notify the UKBA by writing to:
Evidence and Enquiry Unit
Lunar House
12th Floor (Long) Corridor
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
Surrey
CR9 2BY
Include your partner's full name as it appears in their passport, their birthdate, and their UKBA reference number or entrance clearance (if known)
The UKBA will make the final call regarding whether to revoke your ex-visa. partner's However, if the reason for their stay has changed, this won't happen automatically. For instance, they might be eligible to continue in the UK on another basis, or it would not be acceptable to terminate their stay for humanitarian or other reasons.
