UK Spouse Settlement Visa

Get Legal Assistance for UK Spouse Settlement Visa Application from UK Immigration Solicitor in India

The UK Spouse Visa, also known as the Marriage Visa, is a UK family visa required to live in the UK with your spouse/fiancé(e) for more than 6 months. If your partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK, you can apply through the UK Embassy or Visa & Immigration Department.

Eligibility for the UK Spouse Visa

To qualify, both you and your UK resident must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Be in a genuine relationship (married, civil partnership, or cohabiting for at least 2 years; or intending to marry/propose within 6 months)
• Your sponsor must:
• Be a British citizen, have settled status, or indefinite leave to remain
• Be an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with pre-settled status (resided in UK before 1 Jan 2021)
• Have a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
• Have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

Relationship Legitimacy

Your relationship must be genuine and legally recognized in the UK. UKVI actively checks for sham marriages, and any suspicion can lead to refusal.

Spouse Visa Document Checklist

Documents typically required include:

• Completed online Spouse Visa application
• Valid passport (current and previous)
• Two passport-sized colour photos
• Proof of English language requirement
• Proof of financial means
• Evidence of genuine relationship (photos, communications)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and photo appointment
• Proof of accommodation in the UK
• Evidence of divorce or death certificate if previously married
• Dependent child details, if applicable
• Receipt of spouse visa fee payment

Additional documents may be required depending on your case.

Minimum Financial Requirements

The current minimum income requirement (post‑11 April 2024) is £29,000 per year. If applying before that date, the threshold remains £18,600. Major government review ongoing (expected June 2025).

Additional Financial Requirements for Children

• +£3,800 for the first child
• +£2,400 for each additional child
• However, total requirement capped at £29,000 for those applying post‑April 2024.

Acceptable Proof of Financial Means

• Income from employment (must meet threshold for last 6 months) – Category A/B
• Non-employment income (rent/dividend) – Category C
• Pension income – Category E
• Cash savings above £16,000 (if needed to top up income) – Category D

Example: if relying solely on savings, you need £88,500 held for 6 months. Combined income plus savings are permitted.

Language Requirements

A CEFR A1 level of English is required, proven through:

• An approved test
• Or a qualification taught in English (e.g. UK bachelor’s degree recognised by UK ENIC)

Processing Times & Priority Services

Standard processing:

• Outside UK: typically 12 weeks
• Inside UK: up to 8 weeks

Expedite options:

• **Priority Service** (additional £500): decision usually within 30 working days if applying from abroad.
• **Super‑Priority Service** (£1,000): next working day decision inside UK (not always available abroad). You can expect a decision within 5 working days also mentioned by GOV.UK.

What If You Don’t Meet the Income Requirement?

If you fail to meet the requirements, you may still qualify under:

• Exceptional circumstances (human rights, child’s welfare)
• The 10‑year route to settlement instead of 5‑year route
• Your sponsor receives certain disability or carers benefits, which waives the financial requirement.

Next Steps after Spouse Visa

After 5 years on a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once you have ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. A BRP is usually issued within 7 working days of your visa decision.

If you have further questions or need advice or legal assistance, feel free to Contact Us Alternatively, you are welcome to book an Appointment or send us an online Legal Query.

Consultation fee is applicable.