UK Spouse Visa in 2025: Income, English Test & More

Charlie Spouses and Partners 11 May 2025 | Updated On May 13, 2025 | 0

A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a partner visa or marriage visa, allows eligible foreign nationals to live in the UK with their partner if that partner is a British citizen or someone settled in the UK (for example, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status).

Simply being married to a British citizen doesn’t automatically give you the right to live in the UK; you must apply for a spouse visa.

This visa is open to individuals who are:

Legally married
In a civil partnership
In a long-term, unmarried relationship (also known as a “durable partner”)

You must plan to live together in the UK after your arrival (if you're not already here), and you'll need to provide proof that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Once granted, a UK spouse visa allows you to:

Live, work, and study in the UK
Initially, stay for 2 years and 9 months (33 months if applying from outside the UK)
Extend your visa and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
Apply for British citizenship through naturalisation

Spouse Visa Requirements

To qualify, you and your partner must meet several key requirements:

✅ Both over 18 years old
✅ Legally married or in a genuine relationship (must have met in person)
✅ Intend to live together permanently in the UK
✅ Meet financial requirements – your UK-based partner must:

Earn at least £29,000 per year, OR
Have sufficient savings

💡 Note: If you have dependent children, the income threshold is higher.

✅ Have suitable accommodation for you and any dependants
✅ Meet the English language requirement

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate a basic understanding of English if:

You’re not from a majority English-speaking country
You don’t hold a degree taught in English

You’ll need to pass an approved English language test, unless you qualify for an exemption. If you’re applying from overseas, arrangements can be made to take the test in your home country.

Applying for a Spouse Visa

You can apply:

From outside the UK (known as entry clearance), or
From inside the UK, if you're already on a valid visa lasting over 6 months (e.g. work, student, or fiancé visa)

❌ You can’t switch to a spouse visa from a visitor visa or short-term stay visa.

The average processing time is between 2 to 12 weeks, depending on where you are applying from.

UK Spouse Visa Costs

As of 2025, the application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,258 if you apply from within the UK, and £1,846 if applying from outside the UK.

Additional costs include the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year, and a £19.20 biometric enrolment fee. If you need a faster decision, the Super Priority Service is available for applications within the UK for an extra £1,000, offering a response by the end of the next working day.

The initial visa is valid for 2 years and 9 months. You may apply to extend it for another 2 years and 6 months, provided you're still in a qualifying relationship with your UK-based partner and apply before your current visa expires.

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a spouse or partner visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This grants you permanent residency in the UK and removes immigration restrictions on your stay.

You can include your children under 18 as dependants on your spouse visa application. Your partner will need to meet a higher financial threshold depending on how many children are being sponsored.

man holding hand of woman standing near tree

Spouse Visa Refusals: Common Reasons

A UK Spouse Visa application may be refused for several reasons, such as:

The applicant is subject to a deportation order or deemed a threat to public order due to conduct or associations.
Failure to attend a required interview, medical exam, or provide requested information without a valid excuse.
Incomplete payment of mandatory fees like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Insufficient proof of financial support or suitable accommodation.
Concerns related to the applicant’s medical condition or immigration history.

Whether you’re just starting your application or need support with extensions or dependants, our experienced team is here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

Get in touch with us today for expert advice tailored to your situation and take the next step toward building your life together in the UK.

What Happens if the Relationship Ends?

If the relationship ends before you qualify for ILR, the UK Home Office should be informed.

This can affect your visa status, but each case is considered individually. You may be allowed to stay in the UK under a different immigration category, especially in cases involving children or compassionate circumstances.

To report a relationship breakdown, write to:

Evidence and Enquiry Unit
Lunar House, 12th Floor (Long Corridor)
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon, Surrey
CR9 2BY

Include your partner’s full name, date of birth, and UK visa reference number (if known).

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Spouse

If your UK Spouse Visa is approved, you’ll initially be granted permission to stay for 2.5 years (plus 3 months if applying from outside the UK). Before your visa expires, you must apply to extend it for another 2.5 years.

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which will allow you to settle permanently in the UK.

To qualify for ILR as a spouse, you must:

Have lived with your partner in the UK throughout your stay (or provide a valid reason for any temporary separation);
Meet the English language requirement;
Pass the Life in the UK Test (unless exempt).

If you don’t meet the ILR requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may consider granting you a further extension of your Spouse Visa instead.

Navigating the UK Spouse Visa process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you need assistance, contact IaM.

Have you submitted your UK visa application? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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