~Family Route
UK Spouse & Partner Visa
UK Spouse & Partner Visa services for joining a husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term partner settled in the UK. We manage overseas applications, in-country switches, extensions, and the 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — audited against updated 2026 Home Office financial and relationship requirements at every step.
UK Spouse & Partner Visa Options
Choose the route that aligns with your current relationship status and immigration goals.
UK Spouse Visa (Marriage)
For individuals legally married to a British citizen or settled person. Grants 2.5 years of leave with full work rights and leads directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
UK Fiancé Visa
Allows you to enter the UK for up to 6 months to marry your partner. Once married within the UK, you can switch directly into the 5-year Spouse Visa route without leaving the country.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa
For couples who are not married but have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years (or can demonstrate a durable relationship under updated Home Office rules).
UK Civil Partnership Visa
For partners in a legally recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or settled resident. Offers identical rights, visa duration, and settlement pathways as the standard Spouse Visa.
Entry Clearance
Applying for a UK spouse visa from outside the UK to join your partner here, before you travel.
Switching In-Country
Already in the UK on another valid visa and want to switch to a UK spouse visa route seamlessly.
Fiancé(e) Visa
A 6-month UK fiancé visa route for couples planning to marry in the UK, switching to the full partner route afterwards.
~Who Qualifies
Relationship types this covers.
Married or civil partnered
A valid, legally recognised marriage or civil partnership with your UK-based sponsor for a UK Spouse Visa application.
Unmarried partners
Living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years before applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa.
Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
Planning to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving on a UK Fiancé Visa.
Genuine and subsisting relationship
The legal test applied throughout — cohabitation proof and evidence must show an ongoing relationship, not just a certificate.
~Fees
What the full 5-year route costs.
Figures current from 8 April 2026. Costs are per adult applicant and don’t include English tests, TB certificates, or translations.
| STAGE | HOME OFFICE FEE | HEALTH SURCHARGE |
|---|---|---|
| Entry clearance (from abroad) | £2,064 | £3,105 |
| In-country switch (alternative to entry clearance) | £1,407 | £2,587.50 |
| Extension at 30 months (FLR M) | £1,407 | £2,587.50 |
| Settlement (ILR) at 5 years | £3,226 | — |
| Total, entry clearance route | — | ≈£12,389.50 |
The UK fiancé(e) visa charges the same £2,064 Home Office entry fee but no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), since the initial grant is for 6 months — the health surcharge applies once you switch in-country to the full partner route after marrying.
~English Requirement
The level required rises at each stage.
A certificate at a higher level than required can be reused at every later stage. Exemptions apply for nationals of majority English-speaking countries, degree holders (UK ENIC verified), those aged 65+, and certain medical circumstances.
~Documents
What you'll need to provide.
Passport
Valid passport, with at least one blank page for UK spouse visa entry clearance applications.
Relationship evidence
Marriage/civil partnership certificate, or 2 years of cohabitation proof, joint bills, tenancy agreements, and financial evidence for unmarried partner visas.
Financial evidence
Payslips and matching bank statements proving the £29,000 income requirement threshold (Category A — salaried, employed 6+ months), or relevant categories for self-employed or other income types.
English test certificate
A1 level Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate for initial UK partner visa applications, unless exempt.
Accommodation evidence
Proof of adequate, non-overcrowded UK spouse visa accommodation meeting Housing Act 1985 standards.
TB certificate
Tuberculosis test results required for UK spouse and partner visa applicants from listed countries applying for stay longer than 6 months.
~Our Process
Four steps, start to finish.
Case review
We confirm which route applies to you — entry clearance, switching, or fiancé(e) — and check eligibility first.
Evidence prepared
Financial and relationship evidence checked against the exact category and format the Home Office expects.
Application submitted
Your adviser submits and books your biometric appointment.
Decision and next steps
We explain your timeline towards extension and, eventually, settlement.
~Questions
Frequently asked.
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION | ANSWER & DETAILS |
|---|---|
| What is the financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa? | The minimum income threshold for a UK Spouse Visa is £29,000 gross per annum. This can be met through gross salaried income, self-employment, pensions, or cash savings exceeding £88,500. |
| How long does standard UK Spouse Visa processing take? | Standard out-of-country entry clearance applications take up to 24 weeks (6 months). In-country extensions or switches (FLR M) take approximately 8 weeks. Priority processing options are available for faster decisions. |
| Can I combine cash savings with income to meet the £29,000 requirement? | Yes, cash savings held for at least 6 months can be used to bridge a shortfall in employment income under Category O. Under current Home Office rules, savings below £16,000 cannot be counted. |
| What English language test level is required for initial partner visas? | First-time applicants must pass a CEFR A1 level SELT (Secure English Language Test) in speaking and listening. An A2 certificate is required for the 30-month extension, and a B1 certificate for ILR settlement. |
| Can I switch from a UK Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa in the UK? | Yes. Once you are legally married in the UK within your 6-month fiancé visa validity, you can apply for an in-country switch to the 5-year Spouse Visa route without leaving the UK. |
| How soon can I apply for British citizenship after getting ILR? | If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply for British citizenship immediately upon receiving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), bypassing the standard 12-month waiting period required for non-spouses. |
~Contact Us
Ready to start your application?
Call the team or start online — we'll confirm which route applies
to your situation first.