Last reviewed: 2 June 2026 The UK Fiance Visa grants six months of leave to enter the UK in order to marry or form a civil partnership with a settled partner, after which the applicant must switch to a Spouse Visa from inside the UK. The six-month window is short, and...
Spouse Visa Guides and Insights
The UK Spouse Visa lets the husband, wife or civil partner of a British or settled person live in the UK, on a five-year route to settlement, subject to a financial requirement of £29,000 a year (as of July 2026). These guides cover the financial and relationship requirements, accommodation, switching, extensions and the route to settlement. Start with the guides, or browse the full list of insights below.
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Complete guide
UK Spouse Visa: requirements, costs & how to apply
The full guide to the route, from eligibility to settlement.
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The money rule
Financial requirement: £29,000 explained
The central requirement and the ways it can be met.
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Timelines
UK Spouse Visa processing time
How long a decision takes, in and out of country.
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All Spouse Visa guides
UK Spouse Visa Accommodation Requirement: What Counts as Adequate
Updated on 01 June 2026 The accommodation requirement on a UK Spouse Visa is that the applicant and any dependants must have adequate accommodation in the UK, available for their exclusive use, that meets public health standards and is not overcrowded under the...
Recent Changes to Unmarried Partner Visa Rules
The recent changes to the definition of an “unmarried partner” under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules have significant implications for couples seeking to enter or remain in the UK. This update, effective from 31 January 2024, eliminates the previous requirement...
UK Visa Options for Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend in 2026
Updated on 01 June 2026 There are six main UK visa routes for a partner: the Standard Visitor Visa, the Marriage Visitor Visa, the Fiancé(e) Visa, the Unmarried Partner Visa, the Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa and the Dependant Visa where the sponsor is in the UK on...
Family Immigration Success Stories
Whytecroft Ford has been providing expert assistance to clients from all around the world who seek to join and remain with their spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, fiancé(e)s, and other relatives in the United Kingdom. Some examples of our successful clients...
UK Spouse Visa: Returning Sponsors Income Requirement
If you're a returning sponsor looking to return with your partner to the UK, navigating the financial requirements for a spouse visa can seem complex. However, understanding the process and planning ahead can simplify the journey. In this post, we'll delve into the...
Defining ‘Relationship Akin to Marriage’ For Unmarried Partner Visa
The UK unmarried partner visa, also known as the partner visa or de facto visa, is a category of partner visa that allows unmarried partners of British citizens or settled persons to live and work in the UK. It is designed for couples who are in a genuine and...
Absences Allowed on a Spouse Visa: What are the Limits?
If you are a Spouse Visa holder in the UK, you may wonder how long you can spend outside the country without jeopardizing your visa status. While many UK visa types have specific absence rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, Spouse Visa holders are...
Understanding UK Immigration Rules for Partners
In the United Kingdom, the immigration rules for partners of British citizens or settled individuals are designed to facilitate their entry or stay in the country. There are mainly three types of partnerships recognized under the British Immigration Rules:...
Housing Report for UK Spouse Visa
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of a property inspection report for a UK partner visa. For a successful application, the evidence must demonstrate that there will be sufficient accommodation in the UK for the applicant's family, including other...
Common questions about the Spouse Visa route
How long is a UK Spouse Visa granted for?
A Spouse Visa granted on an application made from outside the UK lasts 33 months, or 30 months where the application is made inside the UK. It is then extended for a further period before the holder becomes eligible to apply for settlement after five years.
Can a Spouse Visa holder work in the UK?
Yes. A Spouse Visa carries no restriction on employment, and the holder may work for an employer, be self-employed, or study. There is no minimum salary the visa holder must earn, since the financial requirement is assessed on the sponsor and the couple's combined position.
What is the minimum income for a Spouse Visa?
The minimum income requirement is £29,000 a year (as of July 2026). It can be met through the sponsor's employment or self-employment income, certain non-employment income, pension income, qualifying cash savings, or a combination of these.
How Whytecroft Ford can help
The Spouse Visa financial requirement and the relationship evidence are where most of the work sits, and a shortfall in either is a common reason applications are returned. The Whytecroft Ford immigration team prepares Spouse Visa applications end to end, from confirming the right income category to assembling the relationship and accommodation evidence.
To discuss a Spouse Visa application with our team, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.
The material in this article is provided for guidance and general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice upon which you should rely. In particular, the information should not be used as a substitute for a full and proper consultation with a suitably qualified professional. UK Immigration Rules are subject to change. Please do contact the Whytecroft Ford team if you require further advice.