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Spouse or Partner Visa Overview

The Spouse or Partner visa is a family-route UK Visa that allows the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to join them and live together permanently. Applicants must be married, in a civil partnership, or have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. Both partners must be at least 18 years old, and the relationship must be genuine and subsisting, not one of convenience. The sponsoring partner must meet a minimum income threshold, currently £29,000 per year (with different transitional thresholds for those who applied before 11 April 2024), which can be met through employment, savings, or a combination of both. This visa is typically granted for an initial period before the holder can extend or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Approval is decided solely by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Spouse or Partner Visa Fees

Fee TypeGovernment Fee (GBP)
Entry Clearance (applying from outside the UK)£2,064
Leave to Remain (applying from within the UK)£1,407
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), per year£1,035
Approx. Total, 33-Month Entry Clearance (Fee + IHS)Approx. £5,169

The visa application fee applies per applicant, including any dependent children. The Immigration Health Surcharge is charged upfront for the full length of leave granted, typically around 33 months for the initial grant. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at gov.uk before paying.

Spouse or Partner Visa Processing Time

Processing time for the UK Spouse or Partner Visa typically takes around 12 weeks for applications made from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks for applications made from within the UK, though these are estimates and can vary with application volume and case complexity. Optional expedited processing may be available in some locations for an additional fee. Because this visa requires extensive relationship, financial, and English language evidence, incomplete documentation is a leading cause of delay or refusal. Applicants should ensure all evidence is current, consistent, and clearly organised before submission.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid Passport
Marriage Certificate, Civil Partnership Certificate, or Evidence of 2 Years Living Together
Evidence of the Sponsor's British Citizenship or Settled Status
Evidence of the Sponsor's Income Meeting the Minimum Threshold (payslips, bank statements, employment letter)
Evidence of a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship (photos, correspondence, joint accounts)
English Language Test Results (unless exempt, such as by nationality or degree)
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (for applications from certain countries outside the UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge Payment Confirmation
Divorce or Death Certificates (if either partner was previously married)

Document requirements are extensive and vary depending on individual circumstances.

Spouse or Partner Visa Application Process

Confirm you meet the relationship, age, and income requirements.
Gather relationship, financial, and English language evidence.
Complete the online Spouse or Partner visa application on gov.uk.
Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Complete a Tuberculosis test, if required for your country.
Book and attend a biometrics appointment.
Wait for a decision, typically around 12 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks in-country.
If approved, plan to extend or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after the initial grant period.

Important Notes

Visa approval depends solely on the decision of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
The sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold, currently £29,000 per year.
Couples not married or in a civil partnership must show at least 2 years living together.
Spouse and Partner visa holders generally have the right to work in the UK without restriction.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is charged upfront for the full period of leave granted.
Incomplete relationship or financial evidence is a leading cause of refusal.
Government fees are reviewed periodically and are subject to change.
Information may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

A Spouse or Partner Visa application requires comprehensive evidence of your relationship, your sponsor’s income, and English language ability, all within specific evidential rules. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you organise financial evidence, relationship proof, and required certificates correctly. Our thorough application review and personalised guidance are tailored to your specific relationship history and sponsor’s income situation. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your UK Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UK Spouse or Partner Visa cost?
Entry clearance from outside the UK costs £2,064, while applications from within the UK cost £1,407. Both require the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of leave granted, in addition to the application fee.
How long does Spouse or Partner Visa processing take?
Processing typically takes around 12 weeks for entry clearance from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks for in-country applications, though this can vary by case complexity and volume.
What is the income requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
The sponsoring partner must currently meet a minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year, which can be shown through employment, savings, or a combination of both.
Can I work in the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa?
Yes. Spouse and Partner visa holders generally have the right to work in the UK without restriction once their visa is granted.
Is the Spouse or Partner Visa fee refundable if refused?
No. The visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are generally non-refundable, whether the application is approved or refused.