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.
ਸੰਖੇਪ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ
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.
ਇਹ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਕੌਣ ਵਰਤ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ
- 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
ਕਦਮ-ਦਰ-ਕਦਮ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ
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).
ਖਰਚੇ
ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀਆਂ
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).