Spouse / Civil Partner Visa
This visa allows individuals to join their British or settled partner in the UK.
Successful applicants are typically granted:
- 33 months leave if applying from outside the UK
- 30 months leave if applying from within the UK
After completing 5 years under this route, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
During this period, applicants must:
- Maintain a genuine and subsisting relationship
Continue to meet financial and accommodation requirements
There is no 180 day absence rule under this route.
Fiancé(e) Visa
The fiancé(e) visa is designed for individuals who intend to marry a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
This visa is normally granted for 6 months, during which the couple must legally marry in the UK.
An extension may be possible in limited circumstances where the marriage cannot take place within the initial period.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Both parties must be aged 18 or over
- The couple must have met in person
- The relationship must be genuine
- The couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK
- The applicant must meet the English language requirement (normally CEFR A1)
The English requirement must be met through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Dependent children may apply; however, in practice it is often advisable to apply after switching to a spouse visa.
After marriage, applicants can usually switch to a spouse visa from within the UK.
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsoring partner must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be a British citizen or settled in the UK
- Be living in the UK or intend to return with the applicant
- For EUSS cases:
- The sponsor must hold settled or pre settled status
Residence must have commenced before 1 January 2021
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Both parties are over 18
- The couple have met in person
- The relationship is genuine and subsisting
- The marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised
- The couple intend to live together permanently
- Additional requirements include:
Financial requirement
Accommodation requirement
English language requirement
Financial Requirement
The current minimum income threshold is generally:
- £29,000
Applicants under earlier rules may still rely on the £18,600 threshold.
This can be met through:
- Employment or self employment income
- Non employment income
- Pension income
- Cash savings (normally £62,500 held for at least 6 months)
Certain benefits may exempt the requirement.
Accommodation Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Adequate accommodation
- No overcrowding
- Legal and exclusive occupation
English Language Requirement
A1 for initial application
A2 for extension
B1 for settlement
Relationship Evidence
Applicants must provide evidence such as:
Photographs
Travel history
Communication records
Evidence of cohabitation
Online only relationships are not sufficient without in person meetings.
Supporting Documents
Applications must be supported by consistent and comprehensive documentation.
Refusals often arise due to insufficient evidence.
Switching
Applicants in the UK with valid long term leave may be able to switch into this route.
Visitors and short term visa holders are generally not eligible.
Settlement (ILR)
Applicants may apply for ILR after 5 years.
Requirements include:
- Genuine relationship
Financial requirement
Accommodation
English B1 and Life in the UK
EUSS Family Route
Spouses in relationships formed before 31 December 2020 may apply under the EUSS family route.
Typically:
Apply for EUSS Family Permit
Enter the UK
Apply for pre settled status
After 5 years, apply for settled status
Appeals
Applicants may have a right of appeal if refused.
Appeals must usually be lodged within 10 working days.
Legal advice is strongly recommended.
Our Services
- We provide:
- Fiancé(e) and spouse visa applications
- Document preparation and review
- Extensions and switching
- Settlement and citizenship planning
- Dependent visa applications
- Appeal support
We are committed to providing clear, practical, and effective legal support.