Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Join your British citizen or settled partner in the United Kingdom with full work rights and a clear pathway to permanent settlement (ILR) and British citizenship.
The minimum income requirement for partner visas has been £29,000 a year since 11 April 2024, up from £18,600. No later increase has taken effect, and gov.uk still states £29,000 as at 6 November 2026. Check the requirement on gov.uk before you apply.
Different visa options for spouses, partners, and fiances of British citizens.
Essential criteria to qualify for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa.
Different levels required at each stage of your journey.
The minimum income requirement (MIR) has been £29,000 a year since 11 April 2024.
The table below shows the current income requirement and the rate it replaced. Transitional extensions keep the £18,600 base plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child, capped at £29,000.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a UK Spouse Visa.
Verify income, relationship status, and accommodation requirements before starting.
Collect financial evidence, relationship proof, ID documents, and accommodation details.
Pass an approved English test at CEFR A1 in speaking and listening (unless exempt).
Complete form online and pay visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Attend appointment at visa application centre for fingerprints and photo.
Usually 12 weeks from outside the UK, or 8 weeks inside the UK if you meet the financial and English requirements.
Current visa fees and processing times.
Your route from Spouse Visa to British Citizenship.
Up to 2 years 9 months initial grant
2 years 6 months additional
After 5 years total on spouse route (British sponsor)
Once ILR is held (British spouse)
Additional visa routes for family members.
For a parent caring for a child under 18 who lives with them in the UK. The child must be a British or Irish citizen, settled, or have another qualifying status. You need sole or shared parental responsibility. There is no fixed income threshold.
For children under 18 joining parent(s) in the UK. Must not be living an independent life and must be financially supported by parent.
For adult relatives requiring long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age, where that care is not available or affordable in their own country. There is no fixed income threshold, but the UK relative must be able to house, maintain and care for them without public funds. The fee from outside the UK is £3,635. Very strict requirements apply.
The UK Spouse Visa (Partner Visa) allows spouses and partners of British citizens or those settled in the UK to join their partner and eventually settle in the UK.
The sponsor and applicant need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, with no extra amount for children. If income falls short, savings can make up the gap: £16,000 plus 2.5 times the shortfall (£88,500 if there is no income). Employment, self-employment, pension income and certain other specified income can count.
Evidence includes marriage certificate, photos together, communication records, joint finances, evidence of living together, and statements from family/friends.
The initial spouse visa from outside the UK is granted for up to 2 years 9 months, and each extension is for 2 years 6 months. After renewal, partners of British citizens can apply for settlement after 5 years in total, a pathway kept under the earned settlement model confirmed on 2 November 2026.
Yes, Spouse Visa holders have full work rights. You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or start a business without restrictions.
You must prove English at CEFR A1 (speaking and listening) for the initial application and A2 for the extension, with an approved Secure English Language Test unless an exemption applies. Exemptions apply for certain nationalities, age 65 or over, certain disabilities and some academic qualifications.
Yes, dependent children under 18 can be included in your application. They can study and access public education in the UK.
Partners of British citizens can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route; the earned settlement model confirmed by the Home Secretary on 2 November 2026 keeps the current pathway for family members of British citizens. The government response says family members who are not sponsored by a British citizen move to a longer pathway, and the detailed Immigration Rules for them have not yet been published. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement, which rises from B1 to B2 in speaking and listening for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
If relationship breaks down due to domestic violence, you may still be able to apply for ILR. Other separations may require leaving the UK or switching to another visa type.
A partner visa application from outside the UK usually takes 12 weeks. An application from inside the UK usually takes 8 weeks if you meet the financial and English requirements.
Our immigration experts can help you navigate the complex UK spouse visa requirements and maximize your chances of approval.
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