Updated immigration guidance – June 2026
For most new partner applications, the current minimum income requirement is £29,000. Transitional protection can apply in some extension cases where the partner route started before 11 April 2024.
Cash-savings-only cases generally require at least £88,500. The correct calculation depends on the route, timing and whether income, savings or specified benefits are being used.
We check the correct threshold, evidence period and permitted income sources before you apply.
For most new partner applications it is £29,000. Transitional rules may apply in some extension cases.
A cash-savings-only application generally requires at least £88,500. The money must normally have been held for the required period.
The answer depends on whether the applicant is outside the UK, whether the sponsor has UK employment, and the Appendix FM-SE category used.
Common causes include incorrect financial evidence, weak relationship evidence, accommodation gaps and inconsistent application answers.
The income requirement is now £29,000. We review your financial position and advise on all sources of income that can count.
Or call: 0203 524 5439
Before applying, confirm the relationship, financial, accommodation and evidence requirements with a solicitor.
Check Spouse Visa Eligibility
Call 0203 524 5439
Email the firm
Online consultations available. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA No. 645049.
For a faster spouse visa assessment, prepare details about relationship evidence, income, accommodation and immigration history before your consultation.
A UK Spouse visa is needed to enable your spouse or partner to stay in the UK for over 6 months. The initial visa is granted for 2 years and 9 months. After which, you will need to apply for a further visa extension of 2 years and 6 months. Thereafter, an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK can be applied for. A Spouse visa allows your spouse or partner to live in the UK, travel, study or work without any restrictions.
Contact our immigration experts today on 0203 5245439.
British citizens and their partner who wish to apply for a Spouse visa need to make sure they meet the eligibility criteria. The following requirements must be met:
Additional Eligibility
Your partner must also be/have one of the following:
Applicants must persuade the Home Office that they are in a genuine relationship by providing relationship evidence. Documents that the Spouse visa applicant can provide are:
It is usually the UK sponsor who has to meet the financial requirements in order to successfully apply for a Spouse visa. As a sponsor, your income can only be taken into consideration if you are a resident in the United Kingdom.
The minimum income required to sponsor your spouse or partner to come to the UK is £29,000 and the amount is higher if the sponsor is also sponsoring dependent children. However there are several sources of income which count towards the financial requirement and reduce the financial threshold required to be met, such as:
The Home Office must be assured that you will be adequately accommodated. The property must not be overcrowded as defined in the Housing Act 1985, and it can either be owned or rented. If rented, written permission from the landlord is required.
As a Spouse visa applicant, you must prove that you can speak and understand English at the required level of difficulty. If you are from a country outside of the EEA which is not primarily English speaking, you must pass an English Language test which is authorised by the Home Office. Some countries are exempt from having to pass the English language test, this list can be found in our FAQ section below.
Spouse visas have extremely high refusal rates mostly due to applicants’ failure to provide the right documents in the specified format. Refusal of a Spouse visa application can cause complications such as loss of money, time and frustration. At NA Law Solicitors, we understand the importance of being close to loved ones and we will do everything to make sure your chances of success in your Spouse visa application are maximised whilst you strengthen and enjoy your relationship.
We will do the following on your behalf:
Contact us now for a case assessment and to discuss how we can assist with the process of joining your loved one or bringing your loved one to the UK.
A visa for your partner lasts 33 months. Your partner can then renew their visa from the UK for another 2 years and 6 months.
If they meet the requirements of these visas, they can apply to settle in the UK after a total of 5 years.
If the application gets rejected, appealing will take between 6 and 9 months.
The application for a Spouse visa is as follows:
Home Office currently states that most applications are decided within 12 weeks.
A partner means:
Any partner can apply from outside the UK or they can apply from inside the UK as long as they:
The list of countries exempt from passing the English language test:
Yes. The minimum income threshold increased from £29,000 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. Transitional rules may apply in some extension cases, so take advice before applying.
Yes, cash savings may be used, either alone or in combination with income depending on the circumstances. A cash-savings-only application generally requires at least £88,500.
Evidence usually includes relationship evidence, financial evidence, accommodation evidence, English language evidence and proof that the applicant meets suitability requirements.
Processing times vary depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and whether priority service is available.
There may be alternative routes in limited human rights or exceptional circumstances cases. You should take advice before submitting.
Strict financial requirements and complex documentation can lead to refusals. We manage every step of the application.
Start Your Spouse Visa Application
Or call: 0203 524 5439
