Bringing your spouse to United Kingdom: marriage visa guide

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa (also called a marriage visa or family visa) allows the husband or wife of a UK citizen or settled person to move to and live in the United Kingdom. This visa is for people who are legally married. If you're in a civil partnership, similar rules usually apply.

To qualify, you must prove your relationship is genuine, you meet income requirements, and you have suitable accommodation. The visa typically allows you to work and study in the UK.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a spouse visa if:

• You are legally married to a UK citizen or someone with settled status
• Your marriage is recognized in the UK
• Your spouse is at least 18 years old
• You are at least 18 years old
• You both intend to live together permanently in the UK

You cannot apply if you are already separated, or if your marriage is not legally valid.

Key Requirements

Financial requirement: Your UK spouse usually needs to earn a minimum income or have savings to sponsor you. The exact threshold changes, so check the official UK government website for current amounts.

Accommodation: You must have suitable housing in the UK for you both.

English language: You may need to prove basic English ability through an approved test, or show you've studied English-medium education.

Good character: You cannot have serious criminal convictions.

Health screening: You may need to pass health checks, including tuberculosis screening depending on your country of origin.

Documents You'll Need

Gather these before applying:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Marriage certificate
• Proof of your spouse's UK citizenship or settled status
• Bank statements and payslips (financial proof)
• Proof of accommodation
• English language certificate (if required)
• Police clearance or criminal record check
• Medical reports (if requested)
• Photographs meeting UK photo rules

How to Apply

Applications are usually made online through the UK government's official immigration portal. You'll create an account, enter your details, upload documents, and pay the application fee and health surcharge. After submitting online, you may need to visit a visa application center to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Processing times vary. Check the official website for current timescales before you apply.

Next Steps

Once approved, you'll receive a visa vignette in your passport. You can then travel to the UK. After two years and six months, you may be eligible to apply for settled status, and later, British citizenship.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.