What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa, governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, allows the overseas spouse or partner of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or someone with refugee or humanitarian protection status to live together in the UK.
Applicants must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet the financial requirement (currently £29,000), satisfy the English language requirement, and show that suitable accommodation is available. Kash Legal Services specialises in preparing strong, fully compliant applications under Appendix FM.
Why KLS for spouse visa UK ?
Kash Legal Services is a Sheffield-based UK immigration law firm providing expert UK Spouse Visa advice under Appendix FM, supporting couples across the UK and overseas. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains UK Spouse Visa requirements under Appendix FM, including eligibility, financial rules, documents, processing times, refusals, and the route to settlement helping you apply with confidence and clarity.
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements
When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, you normally pay two main costs: the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for spouse visa. Extra charges may apply for priority processing, biometrics, or document scanning, depending on where you apply.
In addition, most new spouse or partner visa applicants must meet the financial requirement of £29,000 gross per year. Some applicants may qualify under transitional rules, but new applications are assessed against the current income threshold.
Acceptable Financial Sources for a UK Spouse Visa
| Employment income (Category A) | Evidence of salaried or non-salaried employment for at least 6 months, including payslips, bank statements, and an employer confirmation letter. |
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| Self-employment income (Category B) | Evidence such as HMRC SA302, tax returns, and business accounts showing declared income. |
| Cash savings | Cash savings of at least £88,500, held for a minimum of 6 months, after the £16,000 disregard. |
| Pension income | State or private pension income, supported by official pension statements or payment evidence. |
| Maternity pay & benefits | Maternity pay and certain permitted benefits, where allowed under the Immigration Rules. |
Important: Financial evidence under Appendix FM-SE is highly technical. Kash Legal Services carefully assesses and calculates complex income combinations to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of refusal.
English Language Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa
The English language requirement for a UK Spouse Visa depends on the stage of the application. For an initial spouse visa application, applicants must meet A1 level in speaking and listening. When applying for a spouse visa extension, the requirement increases to A2 level, and for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants must meet B2 level English.
Accepted English language tests include Trinity College London GESE and IELTS SELT. Some applicants may be exempt from taking an English test, including nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those who hold a recognised English-taught degree that meets the English test requirements for a UK spouse visa extension.
UK Spouse Visa Required Documents
Core Documents
- Valid passports (all pages)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (legalised if required)
- TB test certificate (where applicable)
- Approved English language test certificate (A1 level)
- Sponsor’s status evidence (passport, BRP, or settlement letter)
Relationship Evidence
- WhatsApp messages, emails, and call logs
- Joint tenancy agreements or utility bills
- Travel records and photographs showing relationship progression
- Witness statements from family or friends
Financial Evidence
- Payslips, P60s, bank statements (6 months)
- Self-employment or savings evidence (where applicable)
Accommodation Evidence
- Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents
- Landlord or council confirmation that the property is not overcrowded
UK Spouse Visa Validity, Extension and Settlement (ILR Route)
A UK Spouse Visa is usually granted for an initial period of 33 months. Before this visa expires, applicants can apply for a spouse visa extension for a further 30 months, provided they continue to meet the Immigration Rules. After completing 5 years of continuous residence on the spouse or partner route, applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
To qualify for ILR on the UK Spouse Visa route, applicants must meet several requirements. These typically include passing the Life in the UK Test, meeting the English language requirement at B2 level, continuing to satisfy the financial requirement, and demonstrating good character, including compliance with UK immigration law.
Once ILR is granted, some applicants may become eligible to apply for British citizenship, usually after 12 months of residence with ILR, subject to nationality and other legal requirements.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Times
UK Spouse Visa processing times depend on whether you apply from outside the UK or inside the UK, and whether you choose a standard or priority service.
| Outside the UK – Standard | Up to 12 weeks |
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| Outside the UK – Priority | 30 working days (additional fee approx. £500) |
| Outside the UK – Super Priority | 5 working days (additional fee approx. £1,000) |
| Inside the UK – Standard | Up to 8 weeks |
| Inside the UK – Priority | 10 working days |
| Inside the UK – Super Priority | Next working day (additional fee approx. £1,000) |
Can UK Spouse Visa Holders Work or Study in the UK?
If you hold a UK Spouse Visa, you are generally free to work and study in the UK without restrictions. You can take paid employment, become self-employed, or enrol in education, and there are no limits on working hours or employers. However, most spouse visa holders do not have access to public funds. The rules on employment and study rights for UK Spouse Visa holders are set out in the Immigration Rules and apply throughout the visa period.
Common UK Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons
- Financial requirement not met or incorrectly evidenced
- Insufficient proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
- Incorrect or unapproved English language test
- Invalid or expired TB test certificate (where required)
- Criminality issues involving the sponsor or the applicant
- Failure to prove adequate accommodation in the UK
- Incomplete application forms or missing documents
Kash Legal Services reduces refusal risk through detailed pre-submission audits.
Can an Asylum Seeker Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
In most cases, a person who has claimed asylum in the UK cannot apply for a UK Spouse Visa while their asylum claim is still pending. Asylum seekers are normally expected to remain within the asylum process until a decision is made. However, if asylum has been granted (for example, refugee status or humanitarian protection), or if the asylum claim has been withdrawn or finally refused, it may be possible to for asylum to apply for a spouse or partner visa, depending on individual circumstances and Immigration Rules.
What to Do If a UK Spouse Visa Is Refused (Appeal, Review, or Reapply)?
| If you applied outside the UK |
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| If you applied inside the UK |
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Need Help With a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa application can be stressful, especially where the Home Office expects strict evidence under the Immigration Rules. Many refusals happen simply because documents are incomplete or poorly presented.
Kash Legal Services supports you at every stage, from checking eligibility to preparing evidence and submitting your application correctly the first time.
- Clear advice tailored to your personal circumstances
- Careful review and preparation of supporting documents
- Full management of your UK Spouse Visa application
A free eligibility assessment is available so you can understand your options before making any application.