The UK Spouse Visa application process requires applicants to meet strict eligibility criteria. These criteria are in place to ensure that only individuals in genuine relationships, with the ability to support themselves financially in the UK, are granted the visa.
Below, we delve into the specific UK Spouse Visa requirements in detail.
1. Relationship requirements:
Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate that is legally recognized in the UK.
- Photographs of you and your partner from throughout your relationship.
- Proof that you have met face-to-face at least once.
2. Financial requirements:
You and your partner must demonstrate that you can financially support yourselves without relying on public funds.
The current minimum income threshold for the sponsoring partner is £29,000 per year (for entry clearance applications after April 2024). If the sponsor is also sponsoring dependent children, the minimum financial requirement is higher. This can be proven through:
- Employment income, including salaried or non-salaried employment of the sponsor (and the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work).
- Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months.
- A combination of income and savings.
3. Accommodation requirements:
You need to have suitable accommodation in the UK for you and your partner to live in. The accommodation must meet UK living standards.
This means it should be:
- Owned or occupied exclusively by the applicant and their family members.
- Have sufficient living space.
- Meet any public health requirements.
4. English language requirements:
You must prove that you can speak and understand English to the required level. You will need to provide evidence of passing an approved English language test, such as IELTS.
However, you may be exempt from this requirement if:
- You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
- You have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from meeting this requirement.
- There are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from being able to meet the requirement.
- You are aged 65 or over.
