A spouse visa is a type of visa that permits a foreign national to reside and work in a country, alongside their spouse who is a citizen or permanent resident.  

While the specific requirements for a spouse visa differ by country, they commonly encompass evidence of a valid marriage to a citizen or permanent resident, financial support from the sponsoring spouse, and a clean criminal record.  

Additional conditions may include language proficiency tests or medical exams. A spouse visa allows cohabitation and employment in the host country, typically with a validity of one to two years, renewable.  

The advantages of holding a spouse visa include living and working in your spouse’s country, potential access to healthcare and education, and the possibility of applying for citizenship or permanent residency after a specific timeframe. 

In simple terms, Spouse Visa can be defined :

If you’re not from the UK and want to live with your married partner in the UK, you can apply for a UK Spouse Visa.  

• Your spouse must either be a British citizen or have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.  
• Same-sex couples in a legally recognized marriage can also apply for a UK Spouse Visa.  
• With a UK Spouse Visa, you can settle in the UK after 5 years.  
  

How to apply for a Spouse Visa in the UK?  

Step 1: Check Eligibility  

• You need to be married to a British citizen or permanent resident.  
• Ensure you can meet the financial requirements.  

Step 2: Gather Documents  

• Collect necessary documents like your passport, marriage certificate, and proof of your spouse’s income.  

Step 3: Complete Online Application  

• Fill out the online application form and pay the required fee.  

Step 4: Attend Biometric Appointment  

• Go to a biometric appointment where they will take your fingerprints and a photo.  

Step 5: Wait for the Decision  

• Be patient as the Home Office reviews your application and makes a decision within 8 weeks.  

If Approved:  

• You’ll receive a spouse visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK with your spouse.  
  

Additional Tips for a Smooth Spouse Visa Application Process

• Make sure you’re eligible for the spouse visa.  
• Gather all required documents well in advance.  
• Carefully complete the online application form.  
• Attended your biometric appointment on time.  
• Wait for the Home Office’s decision.  
  

How long does the Spouse Visa take in the UK to reach into your hands?  

As an applicant, you can almost guess a period of 2 to 12 weeks from the date of your submission of your application to the United Kingdom Border Agency i.e., UKBA. However, the processing time might vary depending on which country you have applied from. Curious about the processing timeline? Explore our guide on Understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship Process in the UK for valuable insights into the visa journey!

Some common questions you might’ve come across:

How long does the spouse visa last?  

It depends on where you are applying for your visa from. If you are applying from overseas, a spouse visa is initially issued for 33 months. If you are applying from within the UK a spouse visa will be issued to you for 30 months.  

Is there any possibility of a Visa extension beyond 30 to 33 months?  

You can extend your visa for 30 more months, making your stay in the UK up to five years if you’re married and living with your spouse in the UK and meet the financial requirements.  

After these five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which means you can stay in the UK without any time limits.  

Once you get ILR, you might be able to apply to become a British citizen.  

Do I need to Know the English Language?  

If you’re applying for a spouse visa in the UK and you’re not from a European or Swiss country, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to speak and understand English. This requirement applies if you’re in a relationship with a British citizen or a UK resident and plan to immigrate as their spouse. If you don’t come from an English-speaking country or haven’t earned a degree taught in English, you must pass an English language test from an approved provider to meet this requirement.  

What if we end our relationships?  

You should notify the UK Border Agency, or UKBA, in writing if your relationship ends while your spouse is still in the country on a temporary visa (before they are able to remain permanently). Provide the complete name, date of birth, and, if available, the UKBA reference number or visa of your partner.  

After that, the UKBA will choose whether to terminate your ex-partner’s visa. But if their circumstances change, it won’t be immediately cancelled. It’s possible that they have additional reasons to remain in the UK, or that there are humanitarian or exceptional circumstances that make cancelling their visa unsuitable.