Spouse & Partner Visa
Expert UK immigration guidance for couples — clear advice, complete documentation, and timely submissions from start to finish.
Spouse & Partner Visa
Expert UK immigration guidance for couples — clear advice, complete documentation, and timely submissions from start to finish.
Immigration Status Requirement
If you’re applying from inside the UK (for permission to stay as a partner), you must already have valid immigration status on the date you apply, unless one of the limited exceptions below applies.
You normally must not be in the UK as a visitor, or with temporary admission, or without leave. Applications from those categories are usually refused.
Exception – 10-year route: If you have overstayed or have no leave but there are insurmountable obstacles or exceptional circumstances under Article 8 (family/private life), the Home Office may consider your case under the 10-year partner route.
Entry-clearance route: If you’re outside the UK, you apply directly for entry clearance as a partner – the status requirement only applies once you’re here.
Tip: Always apply before your current visa expires to protect your rights under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.
At-a-glance
Applied as a partner before 11 Apr 2024? You’ll usually keep the earlier £18,600 threshold on extensions under that route.
Eligibility (simple)
Your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Married, civil partners, or partners who have lived together for at least 2 years. Your partner is eligible to sponsor you. They’re British or Irish, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status (where eligible), or have refugee / humanitarian protection. You plan to live together in the UK and have adequate accommodation available. You meet the financial and English language rules for your stage of application. No suitability concerns, such as serious criminality or immigration breaches. Not sure if you qualify for the 5-year or 10-year route? We’ll confirm that during your consultation.
English language requirement
First visa: CEFR A1 (speaking & listening) — approved test or exemption.
Extension (after 30 months): CEFR A2.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): CEFR B1 plus Life in the UK Test.
Exemptions apply for applicants aged 65+, those with qualifying degrees taught in English, or medical conditions preventing testing.
Documents you’ll need
Core
Passports and recent photos (all applicants)
Marriage/civil partnership certificate, or 2+ years’ cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners
Relationship evidence (timeline, travel history, communications, joint commitments)
Adequate accommodation proof (tenancy/title, permission letters, overcrowding check)
We’ll organise your evidence into a clear, decision-ready bundle.
Financial evidence
Employment: recent payslips, matching bank statements, employer letter
Self-employment: SA302/tax year overviews, accounts, business bank statements
Other income: pension statements, rental statements, dividends (where relevant)
Cash savings (if used): statements covering at least the last 6 months
We align your documents with the exact evidential category and calculation rules.
English language
Approved test certificate at the required level (A1 for first grant, A2 for extension, B1 for ILR)
OR a qualifying degree taught in English
OR exemption evidence (e.g., age 65+ or medical condition)
We’ll confirm which proof is best for your stage and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the £29,000 threshold does not increase for children. (Different rules may apply if you are protected under the earlier regime.)