How To Apply for a Spouse Dependent Visa in the UK: A Complete Guide for Family Reunification

Understanding UK Spouse Visa Categories

The UK offers different partner visa routes depending on the immigration status of the person already in the UK (known as the sponsor).

Family Visa for Partners of British Citizens or Settled Persons

This route applies when the sponsor is a British citizen, has indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence), has settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. This visa typically grants initial permission for 33 months (2 years and 9 months), can be extended for an additional 30 months, and leads to indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) after five years of continuous residence, provided all requirements continue to be met.

Dependent Partner Visa for Those on Temporary Visas

If the sponsor holds a temporary UK visa in certain categories (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Minister of Religion, Sportsperson, or other qualifying categories), their spouse or partner can apply as a dependent. This visa is granted for the same duration as the sponsor’s visa, must be extended when the sponsor extends their visa, and does not directly lead to permanent residence but may eventually if the sponsor’s route leads to settlement.

The requirements and processes differ between these categories, with the Family visa for British citizens and settled persons having more stringent financial requirements but offering clearer pathways to permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements

To successfully apply for a UK spouse dependent visa, you must satisfy several core requirements across different areas.

Relationship Requirements

The relationship between you (the applicant) and your sponsor must meet specific criteria. You must be legally married to each other with a valid marriage certificate recognized under UK law, in a civil partnership that is valid under UK law, or unmarried partners who have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years continuously before the application date.

For unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation for the full two-year period is crucial. Acceptable evidence includes joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents, utility bills in both names at the same address, joint bank account statements, official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address, and statutory declarations or affidavits from third parties who can attest to your cohabitation.

Both partners must be 18 years or older, and if either was previously married or in a civil partnership, those relationships must be permanently dissolved through divorce, annulment, or death of the previous partner before the current relationship began.

Genuine Relationship Requirement

The Home Office scrutinizes whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting rather than entered into primarily for immigration purposes. You must demonstrate that you have met in person, your relationship is authentic and ongoing, you intend to live together permanently in the UK, and any previous immigration history is consistent with a genuine relationship.

Evidence supporting relationship genuineness includes photographs together spanning the relationship duration, correspondence (letters, emails, messages) throughout the relationship, evidence of time spent together including travel tickets, boarding passes, hotel bookings, documentation of significant relationship milestones (engagement, wedding, births of children), statements from friends and family who know you as a couple, and evidence of joint financial responsibilities or shared assets.

Financial Requirement

One of the most challenging aspects of UK spouse visa applications is meeting the financial requirement. The sponsor must demonstrate specified minimum income levels to show they can financially support the applicant without relying on public funds.

The minimum income thresholds are £29,000 annually for couples without children, plus £3,800 for the first child, and plus £2,400 for each additional child if the sponsor has dependent children who are not British citizens or settled in the UK.

This income can be demonstrated through employment income from the sponsor’s job in the UK (Category A: salaried employment for six months or more; Category B: salaried employment for less than six months; Category C: non-salaried employment or self-employment), non-employment income including property rental income, dividends, or pension income, cash savings above £16,000 (the amount above this threshold can substitute for income at the rate of £2.50 per year for each £1 of savings, meaning £88,500 in savings can fully meet the £29,000 requirement), or the applicant’s income from sources outside the UK or confirmed UK employment starting within three months of arrival.

Combining income sources is possible but involves complex calculations and documentation requirements. Professional immigration advice helps determine the optimal approach for demonstrating financial requirements based on individual circumstances.

Accommodation Requirement

You must show that adequate accommodation is available in the UK for you, your sponsor, and any dependents, without relying on public funds. The accommodation must not be overcrowded according to UK housing standards and must be where you and your sponsor intend to live together.

Evidence includes property ownership documents if the sponsor owns the property, tenancy agreements showing sufficient rooms and permission for additional occupants, mortgage statements, a letter from the property owner if living with family or friends confirming permission and adequate space, and property inspection reports if applicable.

The UK operates on a “room standard” that considers the number and age of occupants, their relationships, and their genders. Generally, children under 10 can share rooms regardless of gender, children aged 10-15 of the same gender can share, but children over 10 of different genders need separate rooms, and adults need separate rooms unless they’re partners.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency unless exempt. Acceptable proof includes passing an approved English language test at minimum A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for speaking and listening for initial applications (A2 for extensions), being a national of a majority English-speaking country, or having a degree taught in English from an approved country.

Approved English tests include IELTS Life Skills, Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English, Pearson PTE, or LanguageCert. Test results are typically valid for two years from the test date.

Exemptions apply if you’re aged 65 or over, or you have physical or mental conditions preventing you from meeting the requirement with medical evidence supporting this claim.

Knowledge of Life in the UK

This requirement only applies when extending the visa or applying for indefinite leave to remain, not for initial spouse visa applications. You’ll eventually need to pass the Life in the UK test, a computer-based test covering British traditions, history, and culture.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Successfully navigating the spouse visa application requires careful preparation and attention to detail across multiple stages.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Gather Evidence

Before starting your application, thoroughly review all requirements and begin gathering supporting documents. Create a checklist covering relationship evidence spanning your entire relationship, financial documents for the last six months to several years depending on income category, accommodation evidence, English language certificates or evidence of exemption, passport and travel history, tuberculosis test results if from a listed country, and criminal record certificates if applicable.

Starting this process 3-6 months before you intend to apply allows time to address any gaps in documentation or issues with meeting requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Applications are submitted online through the UK government’s visa application website at www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa. You’ll create an account, complete the detailed application form providing information about personal details, relationship history, employment and education history, travel history and previous immigration applications, details about your sponsor and your relationship, and your intended UK address.

The application must be completed accurately and consistently with supporting documents. Discrepancies between application information and evidence can raise red flags and lead to refusal.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Current spouse visa fees (as of 2026) are approximately £1,846 for applications made outside the UK and £1,048 for applications made inside the UK when switching from another visa category or extending an existing spouse visa.

Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which provides access to the National Health Service. The IHS is currently £1,035 per year of your visa validity, so £3,105 for a 33-month initial visa. This is paid upfront as part of the application.

Total upfront costs for a spouse visa application outside the UK are approximately £4,951 before any legal fees, travel costs for biometric appointments, English language tests, or other expenses.

Step 4: Book and Attend Biometric Appointment

After submitting your online application and paying fees, you’ll book an appointment at a visa application center (if applying from outside the UK) or a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center (if applying within the UK).

At this appointment, you’ll provide biometric information including fingerprints and a digital photograph, submit supporting documents (either physical documents or digital uploads depending on the service), and possibly have a brief credibility interview about your application.

Some locations offer premium services including document checking services, premium lounges for appointments, keep-your-passport services allowing you to retain your passport during processing, and priority or super-priority processing for faster decisions.

Step 5: Provide Supporting Documents

Supporting documents must be organized and clearly presented. Required documents typically include valid passports for you and your sponsor, marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (with certified English translations if not in English), proof of previous relationships ending (divorce decrees, death certificates), evidence of relationship genuineness (photographs, correspondence, evidence of time together), financial evidence meeting the specific category requirements (payslips, bank statements, employment letters, tax documents, savings account statements), accommodation evidence (tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, property ownership documents, letters from property owners), English language test certificate or evidence of exemption, tuberculosis test results if from listed countries, and criminal record certificates if required.

All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. Original documents or certified copies should be provided as specified in the guidance.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary by location and application type. Standard processing for applications outside the UK typically takes 12 weeks (approximately three months) from the biometric appointment date, though many are decided faster. Applications inside the UK generally take 8 weeks.

Priority services reduce processing to approximately 5 working days (priority) or 24 hours (super-priority) for additional fees of £500-£800 depending on the service level and application location.

During processing, you may be contacted for additional information, clarification, or evidence. Responding promptly and completely to such requests is crucial. Some applicants are called for interviews to discuss their relationship and application further.

Step 7: Receive Decision and Collect Visa

Successful applicants receive decision letters and, if applying from outside the UK, a vignette (sticker) in their passport valid for 90 days allowing entry to the UK. Upon arrival in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office within 10 days.

If applying within the UK, you receive a BRP card by mail or collect it from a specified location.

The BRP contains your photograph, biometric information, and details about your visa including the expiry date and conditions.

Common Reasons for Refusal and How to Avoid Them

Understanding why spouse visa applications are refused helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Insufficient Financial Evidence

The most common refusal reason is failing to demonstrate adequate income or providing incomplete financial documentation. Avoid this by using the correct financial evidence category for your circumstances, providing all required documents for the full required period (typically six months of payslips and bank statements), ensuring documents are originals or certified copies as required, showing income meets thresholds through proper calculations, and including employment contracts, letters from employers, and tax documents as specified.

Doubts About Relationship Genuineness

If the Home Office questions whether your relationship is genuine, your application will be refused. Strengthen relationship evidence by providing evidence spanning the entire relationship duration, including recent evidence showing the relationship is current and ongoing, explaining any gaps in contact or time together (such as due to work commitments or immigration restrictions), providing detailed statements about how you met, your relationship development, and future plans, and including supporting letters from people who know you as a couple.

Inadequate Accommodation Evidence

Vague or insufficient accommodation evidence leads to refusals. Provide clear documentation showing where you will live, that the accommodation meets space requirements for all occupants, that you have legal right to occupy the accommodation, and if staying with family or friends, clear confirmation of permission and adequate space.

English Language Requirement Not Met

Failing to provide valid English language evidence or using non-approved tests causes refusals. Ensure you take approved English language tests from recognized providers, that test results are within their validity period (typically two years), that you meet the minimum level required (A1 for initial applications), and if claiming exemption, you provide proper evidence supporting the exemption claim.

Application Errors and Inconsistencies

Mistakes on application forms or inconsistencies between your application and supporting documents raise concerns. Avoid this by carefully reviewing all forms before submission, ensuring consistency between your application, your sponsor’s information, and supporting documents, accurately reporting all previous immigration history, travel history, and relationship details, and being truthful about all aspects of your application.

After Visa Approval: Next Steps

Receiving your spouse visa is just the beginning of your journey toward permanent UK residence.

Entering and Settling in the UK

Upon arrival in the UK, collect your BRP within 10 days from the designated Post Office, register with a GP (doctor) for healthcare, open a UK bank account, register for a National Insurance number if you plan to work, and begin establishing your life in the UK together with your sponsor.

Understanding Visa Conditions

Your spouse visa includes conditions that you must comply with to maintain lawful status including no recourse to public funds (you cannot claim most benefits or public housing), permission to work in most jobs (with some exceptions for professional positions requiring additional authorization), permission to study, and requirement to notify the Home Office of significant changes like address changes, though this is typically done through updating your BRP details.

Violating visa conditions can result in visa curtailment (cancellation) and impact future applications.

Extending Your Visa

The initial 33-month spouse visa can be extended for an additional 30 months. The extension application, submitted before your current visa expires, requires continuing to meet relationship requirements (you’re still married/partnered and living together), financial requirements at the same thresholds, accommodation requirements, and English language requirements at A2 level (higher than the initial A1).

You must also pass the Life in the UK test before the extension application. Extension fees are similar to initial application fees (£1,048 application fee plus IHS) totaling approximately £4,153 for a 30-month extension.

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain

After five years of continuous residence on spouse visas (the initial 33 months plus the 30-month extension), you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), the UK’s permanent residence status.

ILR requirements include completing five years of continuous residence with limited absences (typically no more than 180 days in any 12-month period and 540 days total over five years), continuing to meet relationship, accommodation, and financial requirements, demonstrating English language proficiency at B1 level, passing the Life in the UK test (if not already done), and meeting good character requirements (no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations).

ILR application fees are currently £2,885. Successful ILR applicants gain permanent residence with no time limits, freedom to work in any job, access to public funds, and eligibility for British citizenship after 12 months.

Path to British Citizenship

After holding ILR for 12 months (and five years total UK residence, or three years if married to a British citizen), you can apply for British citizenship through naturalization. Requirements include holding ILR or equivalent status, meeting residence requirements with limited absences, demonstrating English language proficiency (B1 level), passing the Life in the UK test, being of good character, and intending to continue residing in the UK.

British citizenship provides full rights including voting, a British passport, and the ability to pass citizenship to children born abroad. The UK allows dual citizenship in most cases.

Tips for a Successful Application

Maximize your chances of approval by following these best practices.

Start Early: Begin gathering documents and preparing your application months before you need to travel. This allows time to address any issues that arise.

Seek Professional Advice: Immigration lawyers specializing in family visas can review your circumstances, identify potential issues, help compile evidence, and represent you if problems arise. While not mandatory, professional advice significantly improves success rates for complex cases.

Be Thorough and Organized: Provide comprehensive evidence covering all requirements, organize documents logically with clear labels and indices, include cover letters explaining your application and highlighting key evidence, and ensure all translations are certified and all copies are clear and legible.

Be Honest and Consistent: Never provide false information or fraudulent documents, ensure consistency across all forms and evidence, honestly disclose all previous immigration history, travel history, and relationship details, and explain any gaps or unusual circumstances rather than hiding them.

Prepare for Interviews: If called for an interview, review your application and evidence thoroughly, be prepared to discuss your relationship in detail, answer questions honestly and consistently, and stay calm and polite even if questions seem challenging or repetitive.

Monitor Your Application: Check your email and application account regularly for updates, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, track processing times and follow up if decisions exceed normal timeframes, and keep copies of all correspondence and submissions.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Spouse to the UK

Applying for a UK spouse dependent visa is a significant undertaking involving substantial costs, extensive documentation, and careful attention to complex requirements. However, for couples separated by immigration circumstances, successfully navigating this process enables reunification and the opportunity to build lives together in the UK.

The process has become more challenging in recent years with increased financial thresholds, stricter evidential requirements, and greater scrutiny of relationship genuineness. Despite these challenges, thousands of couples successfully obtain spouse visas annually, demonstrating that meeting the requirements, while demanding, is achievable with proper preparation and guidance.

Success requires understanding the specific requirements for your situation, gathering comprehensive evidence across all requirement areas, completing applications accurately and honestly, being patient through processing periods, and preparing for life in the UK together including planning for visa extensions and eventual permanent residence.

Whether you’re a British citizen seeking to bring your foreign spouse to the UK, a Skilled Worker visa holder wanting your partner to join you, or a couple navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, remember that professional immigration advice can be invaluable, thorough preparation is essential, and persistence through challenges pays off when you’re finally reunited in the UK.

Your spouse visa journey may span several years from initial application through extensions to permanent residence and possibly citizenship, but for couples committed to building their futures together, the opportunity to legally reside, work, and eventually settle permanently in the UK makes the investment of time, money, and effort worthwhile. With careful planning, comprehensive evidence, and determination, you can successfully navigate the UK spouse visa process and begin your shared life in Britain.