How To Apply for a Spouse Dependent Visa in the UK

If your husband or wife is legally living in the United Kingdom and you want to join them, the UK spouse dependent visa may be the right option for you. This visa allows married or civil partners to live together in the UK, work, and eventually apply for permanent residency.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know—from eligibility rules to required documents, costs, and how to submit your application successfully.

What Is a Spouse Dependent Visa?

The spouse dependent visa is a type of UK family visa that lets you live in the UK with your legally married partner or civil partner. It is designed for people whose spouse or partner is either:

• A British citizen

• A person with settled or indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

• A person with refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK

With this visa, you are allowed to work, study, and access public healthcare in the UK.

Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

To qualify for this visa, the following conditions must be met:

• You and your partner must both be 18 years or older

• Your relationship must be genuine and legally recognized

• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK

• Your UK-based spouse must meet the financial income threshold

• You must prove that you can speak and understand English

This visa is also available to partners in a civil partnership or long-term relationship if they’ve lived together for at least 2 years.

How Long Does the Spouse Visa Last?

The spouse visa is usually granted for 2 years and 6 months. After that, you can apply to extend it for another 2.5 years. Once you’ve lived in the UK with your spouse for 5 continuous years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a form of permanent residency.

Required Documents for a Spouse Visa

To apply successfully, you’ll need to submit several supporting documents. These include:

• A valid passport or national ID

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate

• Evidence of your relationship (photos, messages, call logs, etc.)

• Proof of your accommodation in the UK

• Financial documents (such as payslips or bank statements)

• English language certificate

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a listed country

Any document not in English must be professionally translated.

Financial Requirement for the Sponsoring Partner

The UK-based partner must earn at least £18,600 annually to sponsor a spouse. If you are applying with dependent children, the requirement increases:

• Add £3,800 for the first child

• Add £2,400 for each additional child

If your partner’s income is below the required level, they may use savings to meet the financial requirement. You’ll need at least £62,500 in savings, held for a minimum of 6 months.

Meeting the English Language Requirement

Applicants must prove they can speak, read, and understand English. This can be shown by:

• Passing an approved test like IELTS Life Skills (Level A1 or A2)

• Showing a degree taught in English

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

This requirement is waived for applicants who are over 65 or have a long-term disability.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Dependent Visa

The application process involves several key steps:

1. Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government website (gov.uk) and select the family visa category. Choose the option for partners or spouses.

2. Pay the Application Fees

You will need to pay:

• £1,846 if applying from outside the UK

• £1,048 if applying from inside the UK

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year (approx. £1,560 for 2.5 years)

3. Submit Your Documents

After completing the form, upload your documents online or submit them at a visa application center.

4. Attend a Biometric Appointment

You’ll be asked to provide fingerprints and a photo. This is required to issue your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which you must collect after arriving in the UK.

5. Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary depending on your location:

• 8–12 weeks if applying from outside the UK

• 6–8 weeks if applying from inside the UK

Fast-track processing is available in some cases for an additional fee.

What You Can Do with a Spouse Visa

Once your visa is approved, you can:

• Work for any employer or start your own business

• Enroll in educational courses

• Access free healthcare through the NHS

• Travel in and out of the UK freely

• Extend your visa or apply for permanent residency later

Reasons Your Application Might Be Refused

Some common reasons for rejection include:

• Incomplete or missing documents

• Not meeting the financial requirement

• Weak evidence of a genuine relationship

• Failing the English language test

If your application is refused, you may appeal the decision, request a review, or reapply after fixing the issues.

Extending Your Spouse Visa

You should apply to extend your visa before it expires. You’ll need to:

• Show you’re still in a genuine relationship

• Prove you’re living together

• Meet the income and English language requirements again

After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay in the UK permanently.

Conclusion

Getting a UK spouse dependent visa is a big step toward building a life with your partner in the UK. The process involves several requirements, but with the right documents and preparation, many applicants are successful.

Make sure your relationship is well documented, your finances are in order, and your application is complete. Once approved, you’ll have the chance to live, work, and thrive with your loved one in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Am I allowed to work in the UK on a spouse visa?

Yes, you are. The spouse visa gives you the freedom to take up any kind of work in the UK. You can be employed, self-employed, or even set up your own business without needing a separate work permit.

2. What if my spouse’s income is below the required amount?

If your partner doesn’t meet the minimum earnings threshold, you may still be eligible by using savings or combining different sources of income. It’s a good idea to get professional advice to understand what financial evidence is acceptable.

3. Can I bring my children with me on this visa?

Yes, you can include your children in your application. But keep in mind that the income requirement will be higher for each child added. You’ll need to show you can afford to support your family in the UK.

4. Is it necessary to have lived together before applying?

If you’re legally married or in a civil partnership, it’s not required. However, if you’re applying as an unmarried partner, you’ll need to prove that you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least two years.