Last reviewed: 2 June 2026 The UK Spouse Visa grants 33 months of initial leave to enter, after which the applicant applies for a 30-month extension on form FLR(M) and then for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the five-year point. The cohabitation and address evidence...
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 Fiance Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid
If you are planning to marry a British citizen or a person who holds settled status in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK Fiance Visa. This visa is essential for people who want to move to the UK to get married and settle permanently. However, many people make...
The Relationship Requirement for a UK Partner Visa, Explained
Updated on 05 June 2026 The relationship requirement is the gateway to a UK partner visa, and it must be met along with the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements. It is the test of whether the couple's relationship is one the Immigration Rules...
SET M Application Documents
Individuals in a relationship with a British citizen or a settled person who intend to settle in the UK may consider applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a partner. The ILR status enables individuals to stay indefinitely in the UK without any time...
Self-Employment Income for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa
Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 UK Spouse and Partner Visa applicants can use income from self-employment to meet the minimum income requirement. Categories F and G are the routes under Appendix FM-SE for meeting the financial requirement from self-employment or...
UK Fiance Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Updated on 01 March 2026 The UK fiance visa (formally, leave to enter as a fiance(e) under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules) grants entry to the UK to marry your British citizen or settled partner within six months of arrival. The questions below go beyond the...
Pension Income for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa (2026)
Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 UK Spouse or Partner Visa applicants can use pension income to meet the minimum income requirement. Category E is the route under Appendix FM-SE for meeting the financial requirement from pension income. It covers state, occupational, and...
What visa do I need to get married in the UK?
Updated on 10 October 2023 There are two main immigration routes available for couples who wish to marry in the UK - the Marriage Visitor Visa and the UK Fiance Visa. The main difference between these two routes is whether you are looking to reside in the UK for a...
UK Spouse Visa Interview Questions & Tips
Spouse visa interviews are conducted for the sole purpose of establishing whether your marriage is genuine and not entered into just for immigration purposes. The UK Visas and Immigration caseworkers will pinpoint anything which might indicate that your marriage may...
Immigration Health Surcharge Explained (IHS Fee)
You will still be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) even if you have private medical insurance. Free assessment.
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.