What is a UK spouse visa?

A UK spouse visa lets the husband, wife, civil partner or long-term partner of a British citizen or settled person live in the UK. It is valid for 2 years and 6 months if applied for inside the UK, or 2 years and 9 months if applied for outside. Holders can live, work and study without restriction.

Who qualifies for a UK spouse visa?

You must be married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship of at least 2 years with a British citizen or settled person. Both partners must be over 18, intend to live together permanently, meet the English language requirement, and have suitable accommodation.

What is the minimum income requirement for a spouse visa?

The sponsor must earn at least £29,000 a year before tax. Income can come from employment, self-employment, or pensions. Savings of £88,500 can be used if income is not enough, or income and savings can be combined. Proof such as payslips and bank statements is required.

How long does it take to get a UK spouse visa?

Applications from outside the UK usually take around 12 weeks. Inside the UK, decisions are normally made within 8 weeks. A faster priority service is sometimes available. Delays can occur if documents are missing or if more checks are needed.

How long does it take to get a UK spouse visa?

Processing times vary depending on where the application is submitted. If you apply from outside the UK, the standard processing time is around 12 weeks. Priority services may shorten this to 6 weeks in some visa centres, but availability differs by country.

For applications made inside the UK, the standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. A faster decision may be possible under the Super Priority service, which can provide a decision within 1 working day if the service is offered at the chosen centre.

What documents do I need for a spouse visa application?

Applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents. The most important include:

• Passports for both applicant and sponsor
• Marriage certificate or proof of long-term relationship
• Evidence of living together or ongoing contact if apart
• Proof of income such as payslips, bank statements, or tax returns
• Proof of savings if income is below the threshold
• Evidence of suitable accommodation such as tenancy agreements or property ownership documents
• English language test certificate or academic qualification

Can I apply for a spouse visa extension?

Yes. A spouse visa is initially granted for 30 or 33 months, depending on where it is applied for. Before it expires, you must apply for an extension to continue living in the UK.

The extension is granted for a further 30 months. After holding a spouse visa for 5 years, most applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if all requirements are met.

Can I work on a UK spouse visa?

Yes. A spouse visa grants full permission to work in the UK. Holders can take up employment, start a business, or work as self-employed without restrictions.

This makes the spouse visa one of the most flexible family visas in the UK. It allows applicants to contribute to household income, support dependants, and integrate into local communities.

What happens if my spouse visa is refused?

If a spouse visa application is refused, the refusal letter will explain the reasons. Common reasons include missing financial documents, doubts about the relationship, or failing to meet the English language requirement.

Applicants may challenge a refusal through an appeal, administrative review, or by submitting a fresh application. Which option is best depends on the reason for refusal.

How can a spouse visa lawyer help me?

Applying for a spouse visa involves strict requirements and evidence rules. A spouse visa lawyer provides structured support, ensuring documents meet the Home Office standard.

They can prepare legal representations, highlight the strengths of the application, and address any potential weaknesses in advance. If the case involves complex financial arrangements or previous refusals, their role is even more valuable.

How much do spouse visa lawyers in the UK charge?

The cost of hiring a spouse visa lawyer depends on the complexity of the case and the level of support needed. For straightforward applications, fees may start from around £1,000. More complex cases involving appeals, refusals, or unusual financial circumstances usually cost more.

While fees vary between firms, many couples see legal support as an investment in avoiding the risk of refusal, which can be far costlier in the long run.

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