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.
Przegląd
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.
Kto może skorzystać z tego procesu
- 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
Proces krok po kroku
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).
Koszty
Ważne ostrzeżenia
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).