Spouse / Partner Visa 2026
Join your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner who is settled or has permission to stay in the UK.
Application fee
£1,846
NHS surcharge
£1,035/year
Processing time
8–24 weeks
Who is eligible?
- Your UK-based partner (the "sponsor") must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or on a qualifying visa
- Sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (rising to £38,700 — check gov.uk for latest threshold)
- Genuine and subsisting relationship — married, civil partner, or cohabiting for 2+ years
- English language at A1 level (Speaking and Listening) — from an approved provider
- Both you and your partner must be 18 or over
How to apply — step by step
- 1Gather evidence of your relationship: marriage certificate, photos together, joint bank statements, correspondence, evidence of cohabitation
- 2Your sponsor gathers evidence of income: payslips, P60, employer letter, tax returns if self-employed
- 3Complete the English language requirement — take an A1 Speaking & Listening test from an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider
- 4Apply online at gov.uk/uk-family-visa — you apply from outside the UK (or from within on a different visa)
- 5Pay the £1,846 fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- 6Attend a biometrics appointment; processing takes 8–24 weeks (priority service available for ~£500)
Key requirements at a glance
- UK sponsor earns £29,000+
- Genuine relationship
- English language (A1)
- English and life in the UK test (for settlement)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income for a UK Spouse visa in 2026?▾
The sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year. This is rising to £38,700. Savings can be used to make up a shortfall — you need £16,000 in savings plus £2.50 for every £1 below the income threshold. Child maintenance payments and certain benefits can also count.
How long does a UK Spouse visa take to process?▾
Standard processing is 8–24 weeks (up to 6 months). Priority processing costs around £500 and typically takes 5 working days. Super Priority (around £1,000) gives a decision the next working day. Processing times vary by country — check the current times at gov.uk.
Can I work on a UK Spouse visa?▾
Yes — there are no restrictions on work. You can work full-time in any job, including self-employment.
How long does a UK Spouse visa last?▾
The initial visa lasts 2.5 years. You then extend for another 2.5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence on the family visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR/settlement).
What English language test do I need for a Spouse visa?▾
You need an A1 Speaking and Listening test from an approved SELT provider (such as Trinity College London or IELTS Life Skills). This is a lower level than most other visas. If you are from a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt.
Next steps
Official application
Apply for the Spouse / Partner Visa on GOV.UK
All visa applications are processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via the official gov.uk website.
Apply on GOV.UK