SPOUSE VISA

The UK Spouse Visa is for partners of British citizens, persons with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, refugee leave or humanitarian protection or limited leave to remain under Appendix EU or Appendix ECAA, who wish to join, or stay with, their husband or wife in the UK.  You can also apply for a UK Spouse Visa if your Spouse is outside the UK, but is intending to return to the UK with you.

The UK Spouse Visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after a period of 5 years.  

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

In order to qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• Your partner is British, holds indefinite leave to remain, refugee leave or humanitarian protection, limited leave to remain under Appendix EU or limited leave to remain under Appendix ECAA;
• You and your partner are both over the age of 18;
• You and your partner are not within a prohibited degree of relationship;
• You and your partner have met in person;
• You and your partner are legally married in a marriage that is recognised in the UK;
• Your relationship is genuine and subsisting;
• You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK;
• Any previous relationship has broken down permanently;
• You satisfy a financial requirement;
• There is adequate accommodation for you and any dependents;
• You speak and understand English to a required level.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your personal circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Minimum Age for a Spouse Visa

You and your partner must both be over the age of 18 on the date when you submit your Spouse Visa application.

UK Spouse Visa Relationship Requirement 

The UK Spouse Visa relationship requirement has various elements to it:

• You and your partner must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship;
• You and your partner must have met in person;
• You and your partner must be legally married;
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting;
• You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK;
• Any previous relationship must have broken down permanently.