Immigration, Simplified
UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or eligible partner of a British citizen or a person with settled status to live and work in the United Kingdom. As a settlement route, it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship, provided you continue to meet the immigration requirements. Our experienced advisers offer expert guidance throughout the entire application process to help maximise your chances of success.
Official UK Government Updates
For the latest guidance, eligibility requirements, and visa regulations, we recommend checking the official UK Government website before submitting your application.
Core Eligibility
To qualify, you and your partner must satisfy these key requirements:
- Partner Status: Your sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), have EU Settled Status, or be in the UK with refugee/humanitarian protection.
- Legal Marriage: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by UK law. If you are not married, you must prove you have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.
- Genuine Relationship: You must provide evidence (photos, messages, travel history) that your relationship is real and ongoing.
- English Proficiency: For your initial application, you must pass an approved test at CEFR Level A1 in speaking and listening.
- Housing: You must have adequate accommodation for your family that meets UK public health and overcrowding standards.
2026 Financial Requirements
For new applications submitted in 2026, the financial thresholds are as follows:
| Category | Requirement |
| Minimum Income | £29,000 per year (combined income) |
| Cash Savings Only | £88,500 (held for at least 6 months) |
- Transitional Rules: If you first applied for your partner visa before April 11, 2024, and are now extending it, you only need to meet the old £18,600 threshold.
- Exemptions: If your UK partner receives certain disability or carer’s benefits (like PIP or Attendance Allowance), you do not need to meet the £29,000 threshold. Instead, you must show “Adequate Maintenance”—proving you have enough to live on after housing costs.
2026 Costs and Duration
The costs vary significantly depending on where you are when you apply.
| Fee Type | Outside UK (Entry) | Inside UK (Extension/Switch) |
| Visa Application Fee | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | £3,105 (for 33 months) | £2,587.50 (for 30 months) |
| Total Upfront Cost | £5,043 | £3,908.50 |
- Priority Services: You can pay £500 for a decision in 30 working days (overseas) or £1,000 for a next-day decision (inside the UK).
- Initial Duration: Visas granted from overseas are valid for 33 months, while those granted from inside the UK are for 30 months.
The Path to Settlement (ILR)
Most people on this route follow the 5-year track to permanent residency.
- Initial Visa: 2.5 years (approx).
- Extension: After your first visa expires, you apply for a further 2.5 years (Form FLR-M). You must meet a higher English level (CEFR A2) for this extension.
- Settlement (ILR): After 5 continuous years, you apply for ILR. You must meet the CEFR B1 English requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test.
Working and Public Funds
- Work: You have the full right to work or be self-employed in any field.
- No Public Funds: You cannot claim most benefits (like Universal Credit). However, if your partner is a British citizen, they can still claim any benefits they are personally entitled to, provided your presence doesn’t increase the claim amount.
UK Spouse Visa
Full support for your UK Spouse visa entry clearance or extension applications.
£
£
Important Information About Our Fees
Professional Service Fees: Our quoted fees cover our professional immigration advice and application support only. They do not include UK Government application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointment charges, translation services, or any other third-party costs.
Personalised Fee Estimates: All prices provided are intended as estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the level of support required, the volume of documentation, and any urgent processing requests.
Disclaimer: All quoted service fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable.
Expert UK visa and immigration services designed to simplify your application, provide real-time progress updates, and maximise your chances of success.
