**UK Spouse Visa Overview**

The UK Spouse Visa allows married partners of British or Irish citizens, UK residents with settled or pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holders, and those with refugee or humanitarian protection status to join or stay with their spouse in the UK. Even if your spouse is currently outside the UK, you can apply for this visa with the intention of them returning to the UK with you.

**Path to Settlement**

After 5 years on a UK Spouse Visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or permanent settlement in the UK.

**Eligibility Requirements**

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

– Your partner is a British or Irish citizen, has settled or pre-settled status, holds a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or has refugee or humanitarian protection status.

– Both you and your partner are over 18 years old.

– You are not closely related in a way that would bar marriage in the UK.

– You have met each other in person and are legally married.

– Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

– You intend to live together permanently in the UK.

– Any previous relationships have ended permanently.

– You meet the financial requirement.

– You have suitable accommodation in the UK.

– You meet the English language proficiency requirement.

Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

**Minimum Age and Relationship Criteria**

Both partners must be over 18. The relationship must be legitimate, and you should not be within a prohibited degree of relationship. You must have met in person and be legally married.

**Financial and Accommodation Requirements**

To demonstrate adequate financial support without public funds, you must have a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This can include income from employment, self-employment, non-employment income, cash savings, and pensions. You also need to show that you have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents in the UK.

“Attention”: On 4 December 2023, the government announced that the financial threshold would rise to £38,700 by Spring 2024. However, a Home Office fact sheet on 21 December 2023 introduced a phased approach to this increase, aiming to provide families with more predictability. The threshold would begin at £29,000 in Spring 2024, increase to £34,500, and finally reach £38,700. Following a public petition on 10 January 2024, the government stated that the final phase of £38,700 would be implemented in early 2025.

**English Language Proficiency**

Applicants must meet the English language requirement, which can be satisfied by:

– Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

– Passing an approved English language test (A1).

– Holding an academic qualification taught in English.

Exemptions are available for those over 65, those with certain disabilities, or in exceptional circumstances.

**Application Process**

Applications for a UK Spouse Visa are made online, with different forms for applicants inside and outside the UK. Supporting documents must be carefully prepared and submitted to meet Home Office requirements.

**Visa Fees and Processing Times**

The application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,846 if applied from outside the UK, and £1,048 for applications made within the UK. Priority and Super Priority services are available for faster processing.

**Contact Us**

To discuss your UK Spouse Visa application with one of our immigration barristers, contact our UK Spouse Visa lawyers on 07492911112 or complete our enquiry form below.