UK Spouse Visa
At Lexify Solicitors, we specialise in helping couples come together and stay together in the UK. Whether you are applying from overseas or switching visas within the UK, our immigration team provides clear, comprehensive legal support tailored to your relationship and circumstances.
From preparing your documents to managing complex refusals, we support clients worldwide with expert guidance, every step of the way.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
You can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if:
- Your partner is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or has refugee or humanitarian protection
- You are both aged 18 or over
- You are legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or applying as a fiancé(e) intending to marry within 6 months
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
- You can meet the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements
- Have completed a tuberculosis (TB) test (for applicants from certain countries)
Not sure if you qualify under the Fiancé(e), Partner, or Spouse route?
We’ll help you select the right option and explain each step clearly.
Relationship Requirements – Proving It’s Genuine and Ongoing
One of the most important elements of a successful application is showing your relationship is real, committed, and still ongoing. Evidence might include:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Written communication such as messages, emails, or call logs
- Joint finances like shared bank accounts, joint tenancy/mortgage, utility bills
We work closely with our clients to compile detailed, organised, and persuasive relationship evidence, no guesswork, no surprises.
Financial Requirement – What You Need to Earn or Save
As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year. This amount is set to rise further in future policy changes.
You can meet the requirement using:
Acceptable Income Types
| Income Source | Notes |
| Employment or self-employment | Payslips, contracts, tax returns, and bank statements required |
| Savings | Savings over £88,500 (held for 6+ months) can meet the requirement alone or top up an income shortfall |
| Rental income | Must show ownership and regular payments, along with tenancy agreements |
| Investment income | Stock dividends or regular investment payouts accepted with proof |
| Pension income | Valid if documented and consistent |
| Statutory pay | Maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick pay count as employment income if properly evidenced |
You can combine income types or use savings to cover any income shortfall. We’ll help calculate your eligibility and gather the necessary documents.
Financial Exemptions
If the UK partner is receiving certain public benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer’s Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the financial requirement changes.
In these cases, instead of meeting a fixed income threshold, you must show that your household can be maintained adequately without recourse to public funds. Our team can assess whether an exemption applies and help present strong supporting evidence.
Accommodation Requirement – Where Will You Live?
The UK Home Office requires proof that you and your partner have adequate housing once in the UK.
This includes:
- No overcrowding, in line with UK housing standards
- A private, secure address (not temporary housing or shelters)
- Availability for your exclusive use
You can provide:
- A tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from a landlord
- Property inspection reports (recommended in some cases)
- Evidence the space is big enough and safe for you and any children
English Language Requirement
You must show you can speak and understand English to a basic standard. This proves that you’ll be able to integrate into life in the UK.
What You Need:
- A1 level test pass for first-time applicants
- A2 level for visa extensions after 2.5 years
The test must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a provider approved by the UK Home Office. Approved providers include IELTS, LanguageCert, and Pearson PTE.
Exemptions:
You’re exempt if:
- You’re a national of an English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia)
- You hold a UK bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree
- You’ve completed a degree taught in English overseas and hold a Statement of Comparability from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC)
- You are over the age of 65, or have a medical condition that prevents testing
How to Apply – Inside or Outside the UK
Applying from Outside the UK
If you’re not in the UK, we will:
- Complete an online application
- You will need to pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Book an appointment for you to attend a biometric appointment at a visa centre in your country
- Submit evidence to prove your relationship, financial position, and accommodation
Processing time: Up to 12 weeks, with optional priority services in some locations.
Switching to a Spouse Visa Inside the UK
Already in the UK on another visa (like Student or Skilled Worker)? You may be able to switch to a Spouse Visa without leaving the UK.
Requirements:
- Apply before your current visa expires
- Meet all the standard Spouse Visa conditions
- Book a biometric appointment in the UK
Processing time: Usually within 8-12 weeks, or faster if using the super-priority service.
Spouse Visa Extensions and Next Steps
After your initial 2.5-year visa, you can apply to extend your Spouse Visa for another 30 months.
If you’ve spent 5 years in the UK on this route and still meet the requirements, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the first step toward full British citizenship.
Our team handles extensions and ILR applications as part of your long-term immigration journey.
Refused a Spouse Visa?
Visa refusals are often due to missing paperwork, unclear evidence, or misunderstandings about eligibility.
We can:
- Review your refusal letter in detail
- Prepare and submit an appeal or new application
- Strengthen your case with better documentation and legal arguments
Many clients approach us after a refusal. While success can’t be guaranteed, we provide honest advice, identify any weaknesses in previous applications, and work diligently to strengthen your case for the next step.
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors?
- Friendly, expert advice from qualified immigration solicitors
- Thorough application support from start to finish
- Clear updates and communication every step of the way
- Global support, wherever you are, we work remotely and securely
- Fixed-fee services with no hidden costs
Our experienced immigration solicitors have helped families in over 110 countries reunite and stay in the UK, and we’d be proud to help you too.
Start Your Spouse Visa Application Today
Get in touch with Lexify Solicitors now for expert legal support and a free, no-obligation assessment.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.