How much does it cost?

Main outlays are: Spouse visa fee (from outside UK) — £1,846; Spouse visa fee (in-country) — £1,048 (visa) + £1,035/yr IHS; IHS (2.5 years) — £2,587.50; SELT — £150–£200. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.

Where can I find the official forms and guidance?

The official sources are: Family visas — gov.uk; Financial requirement guidance; Find an OISC immigration adviser. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.

Can I do this myself without a solicitor?

Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.

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Immigration Law

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Updated 2026-05-22

UK-wide

Spouse / Partner visa (UK)

How the Spouse visa (partner of British citizen or settled person) works — financial requirement, English-language test, the 5-year route to ILR.

Quick answer

The Spouse visa (formally 'partner of a British citizen or settled person') lets a non-UK spouse or partner live in the UK. It requires a genuine relationship, a minimum income threshold (currently £29,000 from April 2024 — rising in steps), English language B1 CEFR (or exempt), and adequate accommodation. The visa lasts 2.5 years and is renewable twice, with Indefinite Leave to Remain available after 5 years.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Overview

The Spouse visa (technically the 'Partner of a British citizen or settled person' route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules) is the main UK family migration route. Recent reforms have tightened the financial threshold significantly — from £18,600 in 2023 to £29,000 in April 2024, with phased rises planned. This guide is a general orientation; the rules are detailed and partner visas are commonly refused for documentation issues, so consult a regulated immigration adviser before applying.

Who Can Use This Process

Your partner is a British citizen, settled person (e.g. ILR holder), refugee, person with humanitarian protection, or pre-settled status holder
You are 18 or over and have met your partner in person
Your relationship is genuine and subsisting
You meet the financial requirement (currently £29,000 — see warnings for rising thresholds)
You meet the English-language requirement (A1 for entry, A2 for extension, B1 for ILR)
You have adequate accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm your partner's status

Your partner needs to be British, settled, refugee, humanitarian protection, or EU pre-settled status. Different partner statuses have slightly different rules.

Meet the financial requirement

Currently £29,000 of UK-based annual income (or savings of approx. £88,500), evidenced via payslips, P60s, employment letter, tax returns (for self-employed), or bank statements (for savings). Future rises are planned.

Pass an English-language test

For initial entry, A1 CEFR (Life Skills A1). For ILR after 5 years, B1 CEFR. Use an approved Secure English Language Test provider, or evidence a qualifying degree.

Provide relationship evidence

Marriage/civil partnership certificate, cohabitation evidence, joint accounts, joint tenancy, photos, communication history, evidence of meetings — Home Office routinely look closely at this.

Apply online and pay fees

Fees, IHS, biometrics. Decision typically 24 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks inside. Priority service available.

Plan extensions and route to ILR

Initial visa lasts 2.5 years, renewable for another 2.5 years, then eligible for ILR after 5 years (or 10 years if you do not meet the financial requirement throughout).

Costs

Spouse visa fee (from outside UK)£1,846

Spouse visa fee (in-country)£1,048 (visa) + £1,035/yr IHS

IHS (2.5 years)£2,587.50

SELT£150–£200

Important Warnings

The financial threshold is rising — currently £29,000, expected to reach £38,700 in stages (subject to change after government reviews).

Spouse visas have a high refusal rate (around 20% historically) — mostly due to documentation issues with the financial requirement.

You can apply from a 10-year route instead of 5 if you cannot meet the financial requirement and would face 'exceptional circumstances' barriers; this is harder and longer.

Domestic abuse — partners of British citizens experiencing DA can apply for Indefinite Leave under a special concession (Destitution Domestic Violence Concession).

Useful Links

Family visas — gov.uk Financial requirement guidance Find an OISC immigration adviser

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?: Main outlays are: Spouse visa fee (from outside UK) — £1,846; Spouse visa fee (in-country) — £1,048 (visa) + £1,035/yr IHS; IHS (2.5 years) — £2,587.50; SELT — £150–£200. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?: Watch out for: The financial threshold is rising — currently £29,000, expected to reach £38,700 in stages (subject to change after government reviews).; Spouse visas have a high refusal rate (around 20% historically) — mostly due to documentation issues with the financial requirement.; You can apply from a 10-year route instead of 5 if you cannot meet the financial requirement and would face 'exceptional circumstances' barriers; this is harder and longer.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
Where can I find the official forms and guidance?: The official sources are: Family visas — gov.uk; Financial requirement guidance; Find an OISC immigration adviser. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
Can I do this myself without a solicitor?: Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.