Applying as a Partner or Spouse

The partner/spouse visa, commonly referred to as the UK Spouse Visa, allows non-UK nationals to join their partner in the United Kingdom under the Family Visa entry route.

To apply for a UK visa as a partner or spouse, both you and your partner must be 18 or older. Your partner must meet one of the following criteria:

Be a British or Irish citizen
Hold settled status in the UK, such as indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence
Be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status (they must have lived in the UK before 1 January 2021)
Hold a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa
Have refugee status or humanitarian protection
Hold permission to stay as a stateless person

Both of you must intend to live together permanently in the UK after your application. If your partner holds settled or pre-settled status, you may also be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

What You Need to Prove

You must demonstrate one of the following:

You are in a legally recognized civil partnership or marriage
You’ve lived together for at least two years at the time of application
You are engaged and plan to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK
You’ve been in a relationship for at least two years but are unable to live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons

Additionally, you need to show that you:

If you cannot provide this proof, you may still be eligible if:

Need support with your visa application call us on 051-8485550 or enquire online to book your advice session with one of Ascent Immigration lawyers.

Partner/Spouse Application Support

Navigating the UK partner or spouse visa process can be complex, especially when it comes to gathering the right evidence to prove your relationship and meet the financial requirements. That’s where Ascent Immigration experts come in.

Our experienced immigration lawyers are well-versed in UK family immigration law and can guide you through every step of the process. From helping you gather the necessary documentation to preparing a strong application, we ensure that your case is presented effectively, reducing the likelihood of delays or rejections.

At Ascent Immigration, we understand how important it is for families to be together. We provide clear, professional advice and tailored solutions to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you’re applying from abroad or within the UK, our team is dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Trust Ascent Immigration to handle your partner or spouse’s visa application with care and expertise.

If You’re Applying as a Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner

You must provide evidence that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended and that you plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. While engaged, you will not be able to work or study, but once married, you can apply to extend your stay and gain the right to work or study.

Proving Your Relationship

You’ll need to submit documents that confirm your relationship, such as:

If you cannot live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons, you can provide evidence of regular communication, financial support, or time spent together as a couple.

Duration of Stay

You can stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months on this visa. If you’re applying as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, you can stay for 6 months. After that, you’ll need to apply for an extension.

Extending or Switching Visas

If you extend or switch to this visa, you can stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months.

How to Apply

Whether you are inside or outside the UK, you must apply online and provide the necessary information and evidence.

Financial Requirements for Partner or Spouse Visa Applications

When applying for a family visa as a partner or spouse, you and your partner typically need to demonstrate a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This is known as the ‘minimum income requirement.’

However, there are exceptions to this rule. The financial requirements may differ if:

Depending on the source of your income, you may also be able to use savings to meet the financial threshold. Check the specific documentation needed to prove your income.

Financial Requirements if Your Partner Receives Disability or Career’s Benefits

If your partner is receiving benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Career’s Allowance, or any other qualifying benefit, you do not need to meet the minimum income requirement. However, you must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourselves without relying on additional public funds, taking into account both your income and housing costs.

Extending a Visa Applied for Before 11 April 2024

If you are extending your stay with the same partner and originally applied before 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year. Additional funds must be proven if you have children applying with you or already in the UK as dependents, though no extra financial proof is needed for children who are British or Irish citizens, have pre-settled status, or are permanently settled in the UK.

If extra financial proof is needed for children, you must show an additional £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. However, the maximum income you need to prove is capped at £29,000, regardless of how many children you have.

If You Cannot Meet the Financial Requirements

If you cannot meet the financial threshold, you may still be eligible to apply for or extend your visa if:

In such cases, while you may still qualify for a visa, you would not be eligible to apply for settlement until you have lived in the UK for at least 10 years.

Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford the visa fee, you may apply for a fee waiver if you meet any of the following conditions:

You can apply for a fee waiver online from both inside and outside the UK.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Ascent Immigration before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers – Your UK Immigration Queries Simplified!

What is the UK Partner/Spouse Visa and who can apply?

The UK Partner or Spouse Visa (commonly known as the UK Spouse Visa) enables non-UK nationals to join their partner in the United Kingdom under the Family Visa route. To be eligible, both you and your partner must be 18 or older, and your partner must either be a British or Irish citizen, hold settled status (such as ILR), have pre-settled status (for EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein), hold a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have refugee or humanitarian protection. Additionally, both parties must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
What evidence do I need to prove my relationship for a Partner/Spouse Visa?
You must provide documentation that demonstrates the authenticity and durability of your relationship. Acceptable evidence includes:
- A legally recognized marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof that you have lived together for at least two years.
- For fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners, evidence that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended and that you plan to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- Supporting documents such as tenancy agreements, joint bank statements, utility bills, or letters confirming your shared address, as well as evidence of regular communication, financial support, or shared experiences if living apart due to work, study, or cultural reasons.
What are the financial requirements for a Partner/Spouse Visa?
Typically, you and your partner need to demonstrate a combined annual income of at least £29,000. However, there are exceptions:
- If your partner receives certain disability or career’s benefits, the minimum income requirement may be waived, provided you can show that you have sufficient funds to support yourselves without relying on public funds.
- For those extending a visa applied for before 11 April 2024, the threshold is lower at £18,600 per year (with additional funds required for each child, up to a maximum of £29,000 overall).
- Savings can sometimes be used to meet the financial threshold. If you cannot meet the income requirements, there are provisions available if you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years, or if denying your application would breach your human rights.
How can Ascent Immigration help with my Partner/Spouse Visa application?

Ascent Immigration specialize in UK family immigration law and provide comprehensive support for Partner/Spouse Visa applications. They assist with gathering the necessary documentation, preparing a strong application, and ensuring you meet both the relationship and financial requirements. Their expert guidance helps reduce delays or rejections by addressing complex issues, including cases where you need to apply as a fiancé(e) or for an extension. If you encounter difficulties, they can also advise on fee waivers and alternative application options tailored to your circumstances.
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