Spouse Visa

CAN SPOUSE VISA HOLDERS WORK IN THE UK?

Yes. Spouse Visa holders have full right to work in the UK without restrictions. They can work, change jobs, be self-employed, and study.

WHAT IS A UK SPOUSE VISA?

The UK Spouse Visa allows individuals to join or remain with their spouse or civil partner in the UK.

The sponsoring partner must be one of the following:
• A British or Irish citizen
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status
• A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection

SPOUSE VISA REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a Spouse Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Both partners must be aged 18 or over
  • You must be legally married or in a civil partnership
  • Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting
  • You must intend to live together permanently in the UK
  • Any previous relationships must have ended
  • You must meet the financial requirement (minimum £29,000 annual income)
  • You must have adequate accommodation
  • You must meet the English language requirement (minimum A1 level) 

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT (UPDATED)

The current financial requirement is:
• £29,000 gross annual income for new applications 

Important notes:
• This threshold does not increase with children
• Savings can be used as an alternative or in combination with income
• Some applicants may be exempt if the sponsor receives specific benefits 

VISA DURATION AND CONDITIONS

If applying from outside the UK:
• 33 months (2 years and 9 months)

If applying from inside the UK:
• 30 months

Visa holders can:
• Work freely
• Study
• Travel in and out of the UK
• Access NHS (subject to Immigration Health Surcharge)

CAN THE SPOUSE VISA BE EXTENDED?

Yes. You can extend your visa for another 30 months.

To qualify for extension, you must show:
• Your relationship is still genuine and ongoing
• You continue to meet the financial requirement
• Your English level has progressed to A2

CAN I APPLY FOR ILR AS A SPOUSE?

Yes. After completing 5 years on the spouse visa route, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

You must demonstrate:
• Continuous lawful residence
• Genuine and subsisting relationship
• Cohabitation with your partner
• English at B1 level
• Passing the Life in the UK Test

DOES A SPOUSE VISA LEAD TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIP?

Yes. After obtaining ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months, provided you meet all requirements.