- The minimum income threshold is 29,000 pounds gross per year (raised from 18,600 pounds in April 2024).
- Applications must be made from outside the UK using the online Spouse Visa (Family Visa) form on GOV.UK.
- The application fee is 1,846 pounds for entry clearance from outside the UK; Immigration Health Surcharge applies on top.
- Processing time is typically 24 weeks from outside the UK; priority services are available in some countries.
- Successful applicants are granted 33 months initially, extendable, leading to settlement after 5 years.
Last reviewed: 13 May 2026
The UK Spouse Visa, officially the Family Visa for a spouse or civil partner, allows non-EEA nationals to join or remain with a British citizen or settled person in the UK. Since April 2024, the minimum income requirement has risen to 29,000 pounds per year, with a further planned increase to 34,500 pounds before a final threshold of 38,700 pounds is introduced. Understanding the current requirements, supporting documents and application process is essential before submitting.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa
A Spouse Visa application is open to the non-British or non-settled partner of a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), a person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or a recognised refugee or person with humanitarian protection.
Both parties must be aged 18 or over at the date of application. The relationship must be a legally recognised marriage or civil partnership. Couples in unmarried partnerships may be eligible under the Unmarried Partner route, which has separate rules.
The applicant must intend to live with their partner permanently in the UK and the marriage or civil partnership must be genuine, not one of convenience.
The 29,000 Pound Income Threshold Explained
From 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or partner on a Family Visa increased from 18,600 pounds to 29,000 pounds per year. This threshold applies to the sponsor, the person already in the UK.
The Home Office has confirmed a phased approach: 29,000 pounds from April 2024 (current), 34,500 pounds in a second phase (date to be confirmed), and 38,700 pounds as the final threshold (date to be confirmed).
Sources of income that count toward the threshold include employment income (salary, wages), self-employment income, pension income, and certain non-employment income such as rental income or dividends, subject to evidential requirements. Savings can supplement income in some cases, but the minimum income floor cannot be met by savings alone under standard rules.
If the couple has dependent children included in the application, an additional 3,800 pounds is required for the first child and 2,400 pounds for each subsequent child who is not British, settled, or an EEA national.
Required Supporting Documents
The Home Office requires documentary evidence across several categories. Gathering these before starting the online application reduces delays.
Identity and status documents: valid passport or travel document for both applicant and sponsor; evidence of the sponsor's immigration status (British passport, BRP, or share code).
Proof of relationship: original marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate; if previously married, decree absolute or dissolution certificate for both parties.
Financial evidence: P60 (most recent tax year) from the sponsor's employer; six months of payslips (if employed) or SA302 and tax year overview (if self-employed); six months of personal bank statements showing salary credits; employment letter confirming current salary, job title and employment type.
Accommodation evidence: tenancy agreement or mortgage statement confirming the UK address; evidence the property is adequate for the family (property does not need to be owned).
English language requirement: the applicant must demonstrate English language ability at A2 level or above, either through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) or by holding a degree taught in English from a recognised institution.
How to Apply for the UK Spouse Visa
Applications must be submitted online through GOV.UK. The main steps are: complete the online Family Visa application form on GOV.UK; pay the application fee (1,846 pounds for entry clearance as of May 2026) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (1,035 pounds per year of leave applied for, equating to approximately 3,414 pounds for a 33-month grant); book and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the applicant's country of residence; upload or submit supporting documents as directed by the application form; await a decision.
Processing times from outside the UK are currently stated at 24 weeks by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). A Priority Service (reducing to approximately 30 working days) is available in some locations for an additional fee; a Super Priority Service is available in limited countries.
Initial Grant and Route to Settlement
A successful Spouse Visa grants 33 months of leave to remain from outside the UK. The applicant can then apply to extend inside the UK for a further 30 months. After completing 5 years on the Spouse Visa route (or combined with leave in other qualifying categories), the applicant can apply for ILR (indefinite leave to remain).
The applicant's right to work in the UK is not restricted under the Spouse Visa; there is no condition preventing employment.
Common Reasons for Refusal
UKVI refusals on Spouse Visa applications most frequently cite failure to meet the financial threshold with adequate evidence, insufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine, English language requirement not met, failure to disclose a previous visa refusal or immigration breach, and accommodation deemed unsuitable.
Where an application is refused, a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) may be available. Refusal letters set out the grounds and whether an appeal right exists.
Switching to a Spouse Visa from Inside the UK
In limited circumstances, it is possible to switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK without leaving, for example if the applicant is currently on a Student Visa or Skilled Worker Visa. However, those on a Visitor Visa or short-stay leave cannot switch in-country and must apply from abroad. The same financial and relationship requirements apply to in-country switching applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current income threshold for a UK Spouse Visa?
The minimum income requirement is 29,000 pounds gross per year as of April 2024. This is assessed on the sponsor's income. A further increase to 34,500 pounds and eventually 38,700 pounds has been announced but implementation dates had not been confirmed as of May 2026.
How long does a UK Spouse Visa application take?
Outside the UK, standard processing is stated at 24 weeks by UKVI. Priority and Super Priority services are available in some countries for an additional fee, reducing processing to approximately 30 working days or 1 to 2 working days respectively.
Can a Spouse Visa holder work in the UK?
Yes. There is no restriction on employment for Spouse Visa holders. The visa does not limit the type of work or hours.
What happens after the initial 33-month Spouse Visa?
The applicant can extend for a further 30 months inside the UK. After 5 years in total on the route, an application for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) can be made, subject to meeting the requirements at that time including the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement.
Can the income threshold be met by savings?
Savings cannot be used to meet the minimum income threshold on their own under the standard financial requirement. Savings may be used to supplement income that falls below the threshold in certain circumstances. The Home Office publishes a financial requirement guide with full calculation tables.
How We Verified This Article
Information in this article was verified against the UK Home Office Family Visa guidance published on GOV.UK, the Immigration Rules (Appendix FM), and UKVI processing time data published in May 2026. Fee figures were cross-referenced against the UKVI fee schedule. No third-party commercial sources were used for regulatory data.
