A spouse visa UK is a type of UK family visa that allows spouses (husbands or wives) of UK citizens or permanent residents to enter and remain in the UK for a period of time. Spouse visas are also known as UK marriage visas. This visa category allows spouses to join their partner in the UK to establish their married or civil partnership in the country.

The spouse visa can be granted for a period of 2.5 years or 5 years, during which the spouse is allowed to work or study in the UK, and can be extended or switched to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after meeting the eligibility criteria.

If you need legal advice or help with a UK visa application or any other immigration matter, get in touch with our highly experienced immigration solicitors in London on  0203 432 6006 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Eligibility requirements for a UK spouse visa

To be eligible to apply for a UK spouse visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements such as being in a genuine and subsisting relationship with their spouse, meeting the financial and accommodation requirements, and passing the English language test, among other things.

The applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

  • You and your spouse must be 18 years old or over.
  • You must have met each other and be legally married - this is to prevent arranged marriages.
  • You must intend to live together permanently.
  • You must have enough money to support yourselves (and any dependents) without claiming public funds.
  • Your sponsoring partner must earn more than £18,600 per year or have enough savings to be able to sponsor you. The minimum financial requirement is higher if they are also sponsoring dependent children.
  • You must have suitable accommodation for you, your spouse, and any dependents.
  • You must satisfy the English language requirements.

Switching to a 10-year spouse visa route

You can switch to a 10-year spouse visa if you don't meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules for a 5-year route spouse visa.

Why choose Western Solicitors

  • Expertise: Our solicitors are legal experts in the field of immigration law and have years of experience in handling immigration cases.
  • In-depth knowledge: Our immigration solicitors keep up to date with the latest changes and developments in immigration law. This means they can provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate advice on your specific immigration issue.
  • Support: We will provide you with the necessary support and guidance throughout the immigration process. We will advise you on any legal requirements or potential obstacles that may arise.
  • One-stop service: We will advise you about eligibility criteria, requirements, and required supporting documents. We will prepare your whole application and submit it to the Home Office.
  • Time-saving: Applying for any type of visa or citizenship can be a complex and time-consuming process. By using our service, you can rest assured that your application will be prepared and submitted correctly, saving you time and stress.
  • Better chance of success: We can help you to present your case effectively which can maximize your chances of success.