The UK Spouse and Partner Visa is one of the most common routes for family immigration. It allows U.S. citizens and other overseas applicants to join their partner in the UK if they are married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship with someone who is settled in the UK. This page explains the key requirements, financial rules, visa process, and settlement pathway so you can clearly understand how to apply.
To apply for a spouse or partner visa, your partner in the UK must either be a British or Irish citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or have settled status under EU or humanitarian schemes. If you are married or in a UK-recognized civil partnership, you will meet the basic relationship criteria. Unmarried partners can also apply, as long as you can prove that you have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years. Fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners may also apply if the wedding or civil partnership will take place within six months of arrival.
Both partners must be over 18, must have met in person, and need to show evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship. Any previous marriages or partnerships must have ended permanently. These requirements help the Home Office confirm that the relationship is real and not arranged for immigration purposes.
The financial requirement is often one of the biggest hurdles for applicants. Since April 11, 2024, the minimum income level is £29,000 per year. This means that the UK sponsor must earn at least this amount through employment, self-employment, pensions, or other permitted sources. If the application was started before April 2024, lower thresholds may apply — usually £18,600, plus extra amounts for dependent children.
If the income requirement cannot be met, applicants can rely on savings. For example, if income is not counted, savings of at least £88,500 are needed to meet the new threshold. Some applicants may also qualify for an exemption. If the UK sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits, the income requirement may be waived, but the couple still needs to prove they have adequate maintenance and housing without relying on public funds.
Because the financial rules are strict and heavily document-based, professional guidance is often needed to avoid refusals.
Applicants must also meet the English language requirement. If you are applying from outside the UK, you must show a basic level of English at A1 on the Common European Framework (CEFR). For visa extensions, the requirement rises to A2, and for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), you will need to reach B1 level and pass the Life in the UK Test. Exemptions are available if you already hold a degree taught in English or if you are from an English-speaking country.
In addition, you must show that you and your partner have access to adequate accommodation in the UK. This means that the housing must be safe, suitable, and not overcrowded. Importantly, it cannot involve the use of public funds.
A spouse or partner visa is normally granted for 33 months if you are applying from outside the UK. If you are switching into this category or applying for an extension from inside the UK, you will usually receive 30 months.
The process involves submitting an online application, providing detailed financial and relationship evidence, and attending a biometric appointment. Processing times vary, but standard applications can take up to 12 weeks from overseas or around 8 weeks within the UK. If your case is more complex, it may take longer.
There are faster options: the Priority Service aims to give a decision within five working days for an additional fee, and the Super Priority Service can sometimes provide a decision by the next working day. Availability of these services depends on the application location.
Applying for a spouse visa can be expensive, so planning ahead is important. The application fee is currently around £1,846 for entry clearance from outside the UK, and about £1,300 for extensions or switches within the UK.
On top of the visa fee, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently set at around £2,500 for a standard 2.5-year visa. This allows access to the National Health Service (NHS). Applicants who want a faster decision may also pay extra for Priority or Super Priority services.
A spouse visa is not permanent, but it can lead to settlement. After living in the UK for five years (60 months) under this visa, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step to permanent residency.
To qualify for ILR, you must:
Prove you have lived continuously in the UK, without spending more than 180 days per year outside the country
Meet the financial requirement again (currently £29,000)
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Show English language skills at B1 level
Once ILR is granted, you no longer need to renew your visa and you can live and work in the UK without restrictions.
Not all families can meet the strict financial requirements. In some cases, you may still apply on the basis of human rights (Article 8 ECHR) if refusal would cause serious hardship for your family life. This is particularly relevant if there are children in the UK or other compassionate circumstances. There is also a 10-year route to settlement for people who cannot meet the requirements but can show long-term residence or family ties.
The current income threshold of £29,000 has been widely debated, with critics calling it a barrier that separates families. The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has suggested lowering the requirement to around £24,000–£25,000, but for now, the £29,000 rule remains in place.
It is important to check for policy updates before applying, as immigration rules can change quickly.
Our firm works closely with U.S.-based sponsors and their partners to guide them through every step of the UK spouse visa process. From gathering financial evidence and preparing relationship documents, to completing extensions and planning for settlement, we ensure that your application is as strong as possible. We also assist with appeals and human rights-based claims where standard requirements cannot be met.
With our help, you can navigate the process confidently and keep your family together in the UK.
Contact Adam Bernard Attorneys today or call us at +1 346 3556 111