From our office in London, and subject to the regulation of the Immigration Advice Authority, we help people of all nationalities to apply for a UK visa from any country in the world. All entry clearance cases are now considered centrally by the officers based in the UK. We have helped partners from North or South America, Europe, Australia and almost every Asian and African country.
Fiancé/Fiancée (refers to man/woman)— 6 months to enter, cannot work, but can get married, then switch to Spouse.
Spouse/Civil Partner Visa— 33 months initial grant, can work.
Unmarried Partner Visa— for couples in a 2+ year relationship similar to marriage. 33 months initial grant, can work.
All have the same Financial Requirement and processing times. All lead to settlement, Indefinite Leave to Remain, after 5 years.
What is the difference between civil partner and unmarried partner?
Civil partnership is a legal process, with a ceremony and an official certificate, like a marriage certificate. It can be between heterosexual or same-sex couples.
Unmarried partnership is when a couple has a committed durable relationship, of at least 2 years. It has to be a relationship like a marriage, i.e. more than a relationship of a boyfriend and a girlfriend. It helps if you are living together, or have lived together some time in the past, but it is not a requirement to cohabit.
What is the difference between a civil partner and spouse?
For a UK visa, there is no difference between a civil partnership and a marriage, the differences are in family law.
Who is eligible for a UK Spouse/Partner visa?
You are eligible if your partner is British, has a settled status in the UK (Indefinite Leave) or a pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Your partner has to be either living in the UK or coming with you.
5-year route is a standard route to settlement, meaning you can qualify for permanent residency after 5 years in the UK. It is made up of 2 visas x 2.5 years. Following the announcement in November 2025, the UK Government so far confirmed it would remain 5 years as the standard route to Settlement and won’t change to 10 years.
10-year route is used when you have serious, exceptional circumstances why you cannot meet the requirements of the standard route. Usually financial or being in the UK without a valid visa. It takes twice longer to settlement, 4 visas x 2.5 years. You can also switch from 10 to 5-year route to qualify for it sooner.
Where to apply?
You can only apply in the country of your nationality or the country where you have a residency status (but not a visitor/tourist).
How long does a UK Spouse/Partner Visa take?
Standard processing: up to 12 weeks (3 months) after biometrics at the visa centre in your country. Priority service (GBP 500 extra): often 6 weeks.
Can I travel to the UK while my Spouse/Partner Visa application is pending or after decision?
Yes, you can travel while your application is being processed. Most visas are now digital as eVisa, so you may not need to leave your passport at the visa centre. You can travel to the UK if you have a valid ETA or valid Visitor visa. You will be entering as a visitor/tourist, so would have to exit the UK and re-enter after your Spouse/Partner visa has been approved. If you don’t, you’ll remain a tourist for the whole time until the next entry (even unbeknown to you, the system will “know”), meaning no right to work or using the NHS. We often see this scenario and explain it is important to re-enter as a Spouse/Parter to start your qualifying period of 5 years to permanent residency.
Do I need confirmed flight tickets before applying for a visa?
No, you can make travel arrangements after you have your visa approved. But be careful what estimated travel date you put on the application form. If you put it far in the future, but your visa is approved sooner, you’ll have to wait for the date you stated on the application (to enter as a Spouse/Partner, if you come earlier, it will be as a visitor).
The answer is you didn’t meet the requirements. Unbeknown to you, such as you did earn £29,000 but not in the way that ticks the right boxes in the 80-page policy guidance. Such as savings dropped before the balance for a few days (cannot drop even by £1 for 1 day). Or having savings in an account to buy shares (not allowed). Or working a pattern that doesn’t give the annualised figure of £29,000 etc.
The Home Office authorities won’t tell “you didn’t meet the rules, do you want to put it right?” They simply move you to the 10-year caseworking team, which has a service standard of 12-18 months. Note how many people in this group are waiting very long. Then you get a decision, here is your visa in the 10-year route.
In our opinion, it’s worse than refusal. You cannot appeal because it’s not a refusal. You can switch to 5-year route, but with a new fee. And you cannot switch “back”, instead you start 5 years all over again.
Can I come on ETA and convert to a Spouse/Partner Visa in the UK?
No, you cannot convert from ETA to Spouse/Partner or any other visa inside the UK. ETA is just a visitor/tourist status, and UK Immigration Rules do not allow such as change. You must leave the UK and apply from your country of nationality or from where you maintain a valid residency visa (but not visiting). However, we can help minimise the time you’re away: we prepare all documents and the full application in advance while you’re still in the UK, so you only need to return briefly for biometrics at the visa centre in your country. Many of our clients are out of the UK for just a few days.
How to minimise time spent outside the UK?
We prepare all documents and the full application in advance, so you only need to return briefly for biometrics at the visa centre in your country. The outcome is an eVisa, a digital status without a physical stamp in the passport.
If you are waiting outside the UK, when approved, you can register a UKVI account, link your eVisa and passport, and travel to the UK as a Spouse/Partner/Fiancée.
If you return to the UK while waiting for a visa, you’d have to leave the UK (for any country), register a UKVI account, link your eVisa and passport, and travel to the UK as a Spouse/Partner/Fiancée.
What is the difference between eVisa and ETA?
ETA is Electronic Travel Authorisation for visitors and tourists, which replaced the visa-free travel in 2025. Like American ESTA or Australian ETA, it’s just online pre-authorisation and a small fee of GBP 16. It only applies to non-visa nationals, like Europeans, American, Australian, Singaporean, Malaysian etc.
If your nationality isn’t eligible for ETA, you still have to apply for a “proper” Visitor/Tourist visa, called Standard Visitor visa, as in the past. With the usual documents, like bank statements, employment letter etc, with the biometrics and a fee of GBP 127 onwards. Examples: nationals of India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria etc.
eVisa is a digital status that replaced physical stickers in the passport, called vignette and normally had a heading Entry Clearance. From 2925-26 eVisa applies to almost all visas, so you could have eVisa as a Visitor, or eVisa as a Spouse/Partner, eVisa as a Skilled Worker etc.
I am in the UK on a Tourist visa, can I change to a Spouse visa?
No, or rather you shouldn’t. You cannot convert a Tourist visa to a standard Spouse/Partner inside the UK, even if it’s approved it will be in 10-year route.
You have to leave the UK and apply from your country of nationality or from where you maintain a valid residency visa. However, we can help minimise the time you’re away: we prepare all documents and the full application in advance while you’re still in the UK, so you only need to return briefly for biometrics at the visa centre in your country. After biometrics you can come back to the UK if your Visitor visa remains valid. But remember, when your Spouse visa has been approved, you’ll have to leave the UK and re-enter as a Spouse/Partner to “activate” your status.
We guide you step-by-step on the best option to avoid issues and keep separation as short as possible. Contact us for personalised advice!
Best options are a Spouse or Fiancée visa. Waiting time approximately 3 months; or 6 weeks on fast-track service. Financial Requirement: income of GBP 29,000 or savings of GBP 88,500. Often met with UK employment or self-employment, savings, pension or combinations, such as pension plus savings.
If you are both living or working outside the UK, and decide to come and live in the UK together, your options are Spouse or Unmarried Partner. If not, you can apply for a Fiancée visa. Waiting times as above. Financial Requirement is income GBP 29,000 or savings GBP 88,500. Commonly met with savings; non-UK employment with a UK job offer; property rental income; pension or combinations. You can also use income from your Limited (Ltd) company registered in the UK, salary and/or dividends. If you have Ltd company registered outside the UK, you can use dividends and you don’t need a job offer in the UK.
If your partner is already in the UK on a Student or Work visa, you can find the FAQs page for in-UK applications here.
What is the financial requirement for UK Spouse Visa in 2026?
If you are applying for the first time in this category, the minimum income is £29,000 per year or savings of £88,500, or a combination. Can be Sponsor’s employment in the UK, self-employment, income from Ltd company (salary/dividends),. Can be either or both partner’s property rental income, dividends, pension. Can also be acceptable combinations of sources.
What if my Sponsor is self-employed?
Depends. Self-employment in the UK as a sole trader (without a company) is Ok, if the last UK tax year’s income was minimum £29,000, before tax. For Ltd company owner, it is salary and/or dividends during the last financial year of the company.
What sources can and cannot be combined?
Savings can be combined with anything except self-employment. If you are using Category B, salary based on 12 months, you can combine savings with the 1 st part (current salary) but not with the 2 nd part (total salary 12 months). Also, cannot combine past employment with current self-employment and vice versa. If you are changing, please let your visa consultant know beforehand, so we could stop you if it doesn’t meet the visa requirement.
We are experts in the Financial Requirement, send us a message or WhatsApp now!
Can I use my pension pot of £88,500?
Depends on withdrawal conditions, usually OK if the fund allows immediate withdrawals. If it doesn’t, you can transfer money to a cash bank account and apply for a visa next day. Also, pension itself can be used as evidence of annual income of £29,000. And pension could have started just a month ago (don’t need to wait for a year).
Can I use property?
The value of a property can only be used if you sell it and put the proceeds to a bank account, don’t have to wait 6 months after that, assuming the property was in your name. That amount has to be £88,500 or equivalent, after all deductions, like mortgage, tax, legal. Alternatively, you can use rental income from property for annual income of £29,000 during last 12 months.
Can family give us money?
Yes, they can, but you have to wait for 6 months to produce bank statements with your name on them. This is because you can only use bank statements in your name, your partner’s name, or your joint names. But not joint with someone else, such as with a parent.
A popular option, especially for expats returning to the UK or when a family wishes to help. The logic is to maintain the balance of GBP 88,500 for 6 months, without falling below even by £1 for 1 day. Can be account of either partner, or both together, in any country, in any currency.
How much money do I need? It is £16,000?
Confusingly, UK Immigration official sources mention “savings over £16,000”. The real amount is £88,500, which is calculated as 29,000 x 2.5 (years of the visa), plus 16,000.
People working in high-income countries tend to have good salaries, especially if both spouses are working. People also tend to have “money”, just not in the way the UK Home Office requires “to tick a box”.
For example, holding savings in an investment account, some of which aren’t acceptable for a UK visa. Not because it is an investment account, but usually because the funds cannot be immediately withdrawn. If you have to give a notice, even on a cash or ISA account, you cannot use it for a visa (but can transfer to a simple Cash account and then apply for a visa next day). Generally, keeping money in an investment fund is OK, assuming immediate withdrawal is possible, but holding shares directly isn’t.
By far, the biggest mistake is submitting “everything I have”. A few payslips, a tax return, some savings and a property deed – surely, should work? The answer is No. You need to meet the MIR in specific ways and provide specific documents, called “specified evidence”. Less is more! By far, best to provide concise specific evidence, just to meet the threshold. There is no benefit in exceeding £29,000 (or £18,600 as applicable), your chances do not get better. For example, if one spouse earns enough, there is no need to provide double the documents for both.
There is an exemption if the Sponsor receives eligible disability benefits, like Personal Independent Payment (PIP), requiring to meet a low threshold of Adequate Maintenance. Expats returning to the UK with their spouses and families often face a challenge meeting the MIR if the foreign partner is a breadwinner or on a high salary while the British partner is a homemaker. This scenario doesn’t work, however unfair it is, it doesn’t tick boxes. The most common solution is for the British partner to come to the UK, find a job paying £29,000 (or several jobs), work for 6 months, then apply for a visa. They can quit that job a day after applying. The foreign spouse can come as a visitor in the meantime, on a valid ETA or Visitor visa.
If your family wishes to help, they can give you money (savings) and you have to wait for 6 months.
As a last resort, we would apply in the 10-year route, also known as “human rights”, although all partner cases already come under human rights. It is a discretional/compassionate option, your case has to be relatively strong. As above, it means twice longer and more expensive to settlement.
We provide a tailor-made checklist based on your circumstances and review everything.
During the first Spouse/Partner application it is the most basic A1 level in Speaking and Listening. During the next visa (extension), it is A2. During Indefinite Leave – B1 currently, but changing to B2 for ILR applications from 26 March 2027. If the test centre allows, you can take a higher level and use it for the 1st application, even if it’s above the required minimum (you won’t have to do it again at that level later).
Initial visa outside the UK is for 33 months, with the right to work, use the NHS. Accompanying children get the same, with the right to go to school in the UK. After that – extension for further 2.5 years, and settlement (permanent residency) after 5 years. The proposed new Rules, about 10 years to settlement, won’t affect families of UK citizens in the standard 5-year route.
If you are in the 10-year route, it takes 10 years, 30 months x 4, every time a separate application and fees.
Time spent on a Fiancée visa does not count towards settlement. Also, cannot combine with other categories, like Graduate, Skilled Worker etc.
How much time can I spend abroad?
There is no specified limit, like 180 days in 12 months. The 180-day rule is for those on work visas and their partners, but not for partners of UK citizens. You can travel abroad, but your main home has to remain in the UK. Caring for a family member abroad is OK, but working abroad isn’t.
When can a spouse obtain British citizenship and UK passport?
Spouses and civil partners of British citizens can apply as soon as they have Indefinite Leave (permanent residency). In practice, ILR takes 5 years, so it will be after at least 5 years in the UK. However, these rules may be changing (no details yet). Unmarried partners need to also with 12 months after ILR, making it minimum 6 years.
When you apply for a Spouse/Partner visa, you have to pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to the UK Government, so you’ll receive an IHS reference number. This covers use of the National Health Service (NHS), which will then be free at the point of use, for which you’ll receive an NHS number.
IHS is not a health insurance! It is a one-off payment (during each visa application) to UK Government, and your use of the NHS won’t be capped at that amount. Nor will you get a refund if you don’t use the NHS. You can still purchase a private health insurance, if you wish, but it won’t exempt you from paying IHS. IHS and NHS numbers aren’t connected, IHS reference is only for visa applicants and only for a one-off payment. NHS number is for everyone, both Brits and migrants.
National Insurance number (NINO) is like a social security number for the tax and pension purposes. It is not connected to IHS or NHS.
Can I include children on my UK Spouse Visa?
Yes – children under 18yo as dependants. If your children are coming with both parents, such as one parent is British (usually “by descent”) and the other parent isn’t. Children under 18 years of age can be included in a Spouse/Partner application.
However, if you are bringing a child from a previous relationship, you have to meet the Sole Responsibility rule, which is one of the most difficult rules to meet. We often handle family groups and can guide you.
What if my child is 17 years old now?
Not a problem, as long as you submit their application before their 18th birthday. Doesn’t matter if they turn 18 before the decision, they will be able to continue as “under 18” all the way to settlement to the UK, even after they turn 18. As long as they haven’t formed an independent life by then.
What if my UK Spouse Visa is refused?
The most common reason is financial. We see many couples who have money, but not in the way “to tick the right boxes” of the bureaucratic Immigration Rules. We review a refusal letter and advise on the course of action. Commonly, by changing savings to an acceptable type of account, or by getting a job in the UK and waiting for 6 months. Although it sounds like a long way away, our solution provides a clear path how you can meet the visa requirements and get an approval next time.
Unmarried partners often struggle with a proof of relationship, especially if they haven’t lived together for long. Or if they did live together but cannot provide official evidence, when living with family or when all bills are in one partner’s name only. The strongest evidence if living together at the same address, but proof can be challenging in some countries due to the limited use of bills with address, especially in predominantly cash economies.
At 1st 4Immigration, we will guide you on what to provide, whether you lived together or not, there is no requirement to have actually lived together (but makes a better case). We will honestly tell you if your case isn’t strong.
We also guide on the appeal process. Appeals do take a long time, could be a year, and are worth doing if it is genuinely the last resort or an obvious mistake by the authorities (which happens). In most cases, however, it is faster and cheaper to re-apply, having addressed the reasons.
Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?
Yes, a refund of Immigration Health Surcharge, but not the application fee or Priority fee.
Why choose 1st 4Immigration for services with a UK visa?
We are experts with almost 20 years of successful experience. As you can see above, we know what we are doing! We charge low fixed fees, we check your documents as fast as possible, and almost all our clients get an approval on the first try.
It is the same visa, the difference is how you qualify for it, with or without an official certificate. The visa is for 30 months (2.5 years) and lead to settlement after 5 years, i.e. after 2 visas in this category. The new rules won’t affect the duration; it will remain 5 years in these categories. If you are looking for a Fiancée visa, it can only be done from outside the UK.
Who can apply (“switch”) inside the UK?
You can switch from any visa category except visitor/ETA and some short-term visas that are valid for 6 months or less. You can switch from Student, Skilled Worker, Creative, Youth Mobility, Graduate etc. Also, from a Fiancée visa after getting married.
You cannot switch from a visitor/ETA status, even if you meet all the requirements, because you won’t meet the requirement of eligible immigration status. You have to return to your country and apply from there; however, we can help you to minimise the time you have to be there (and time apart from your partner/family in the UK). We can prepare your application in the UK, you only travel abroad for biometrics and decision.
Difference between a civil partner and unmarried partner
Civil partnership is a legal process, with a ceremony and an official certificate, like a marriage certificate. It can be between heterosexual or same-sex couples.
Unmarried partnership is when a couple has a committed durable relationship, of at least 2 years. It has to be a relationship like a marriage, i.e. more than a relationship of a boyfriend and a girlfriend. It helps if you are living together, or have lived together some time in the past, but it is not a requirement to cohabit.
Difference between a civil partner and spouse
For a UK visa, there is no difference between a civil partnership and a marriage, the differences are in family law.
Who is eligible for a UK Spouse/Partner visa?
You are eligible if your partner is British, has a settled status in the UK (Indefinite Leave) or a pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Your partner has to be either living in the UK or coming with you.
5-year route is a standard route to settlement, meaning you can qualify for permanent residency after 5 years in the UK. It is made up of 2 visas x 2.5 years. Following the announcement in November 2025, the UK Government so far confirmed it would remain 5 years as the standard route to Settlement and won’t change to 10 years.
10-year route is used when you have serious, exceptional circumstances why you cannot meet the requirements of the standard route. Usually financial or being in the UK without a valid visa. It takes twice longer to settlement, 4 visas x 2.5 years. You can also switch from 10 to 5-year route to qualify for it sooner.
When to apply?
You can apply anytime to switch from your current (eligible) visa. If you already have this visa and need to extend, the best time is last 28 days of the current visa.
How long does a UK Spouse/Partner Visa take in the UK?
5-year route: standard processing 8 weeks after biometrics. Super priority service – next working day after biometrics for extra £1,000 Government fee. Indefinite Leave can take 6 months on standard, next working day on Super priority.
All 10-year route cases can take 12-18 months and do not have fast-track options. Same for all Parent or Private Life visas.
Can I travel abroad while my Spouse/Partner visa application is pending?
No, you cannot travel abroad while waiting, even though you’ll have your passport. You can only travel within Common Travel Area, the UK, the whole of Ireland and the islands. It’s the law: if you leave CTA, your pending case gets cancelled, without a refund. The Home Office does not provide any interim updates and does not speed up or fast-track a case, unless for a very compassionate reason, like a family emergency.
If you expected to be in 5-year route, but waiting longer, it usually means a problem. Or had an email “cannot decide within standard times”. Almost always miscalculating financial requirement. Even if you have a good job or savings, there are boxes to tick. We can review your case and liaise with HO to “correct” it (hopefully on time).
What do we mean by “on time”?
We mean to prevent you from being put in the 10-year route, unbeknown to you.
Why do some people apply in the standard 5-year route but get a decision in the 10-year route?
The answer is you didn’t meet the requirements. Unbeknown to you, such as you did earn £29,000 (or £18,600 as applicable) but not in the way that ticks the right boxes in the 80-page policy guidance. Such as savings dropped before the balance for a few days (cannot drop even by £1 for 1 day). Or having savings in an account to buy shares (not allowed). Or working a pattern that doesn’t give the annualised figure of £29,000 etc.
To remind, if you started in the 5-year route before 4 April 2024, your threshold is still £18,600. If started later – it’s £29,000. If you were put to the 10-year route and want to switch back – it’s £29,000, unfortunately.
The UKVI won’t tell “you didn’t meet the rules, do you want to put it right?” They simply move you to the 10-year caseworking team, which has a service standard of 12-18 months. Note how many people in this group are waiting very long. Then you get a decision, here is your visa in the 10-year route.
In our opinion, it’s worse than a refusal. You cannot appeal because it’s not a refusal. You can switch to 5-year route, but with a new fee. And you cannot switch “back”, instead you start 5 years all over again.
If you submitted your application before your previous visa expired (even on its last day), your status automatically extends in the same category as before, all the way until decision.
This is known as a Section 3C leave. For as long as it takes, doesn’t matter if the decision comes after your visa expiry date.
Example #1: you had a Graduate visa, before it expired you applied for a Spouse visa. It can take 8 weeks, so your status would continue as Graduate during that time. Meaning you can work legally, rent, use the NHS etc. Your qualifying period for ILR will start from the date of approval.
Same goes for an appeal, if you are refused but appealed on time, your 3C leave continues and your legal status extends.
Example #2: you had a Spouse visa, before it expired you applied for extension. It took 8 weeks and was refused, during that time your status remained as “first Spouse visa” on a 3C Leave. Now you have 14 days to re-apply, addressing the problem, usually financial. You re-applied on day 10, from then and until the decision your status is “permitted overstaying” under what used to be p.39E of the Immigration Rules. It’s overstaying that is disregarded for the purpose of ILR, basically means you are OK to remain in the UK.
You can prove your Right to Work: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online. For a pending application, sometimes the system still shows an old expiry date (ie in the past), so your Employer can use the dedicated Employer’s Checking Service for pending cases and appeals: https://www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status
You can prove your Right to Rent: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent/get-a-share-code-online
What is the financial requirement for UK Spouse Visa in 2026?
If you are applying for the first time in this category, the minimum income is £29,000 per year or savings of £88,500, or a combination. If you are extending, depends on when your visa was issued. If your first Partner visa was issued on or after 11 April 2024, you need income of £29,000 per year or savings of £88,500. If your first Partner visa was issued before 11 April 2024, you continue under the old rules, so need income of £18,600 per year or savings of £62,500.
Can be employment in the UK, self-employment, income from Ltd company (salary/dividends), property rental income, dividends, pension. Can also be acceptable combinations of sources.
What if my Sponsor is self-employed?
Depends. Self-employment in the UK as a sole trader (without a company) is Ok, if the last UK tax year’s income was minimum £29,000, before tax. For Ltd company owner, it is salary and/or dividends during the last financial year of the company.
What sources can and cannot be combined?
Savings can be combined with anything except self-employment. If you are using Category B, salary based on 12 months, you can combine savings with the 1 st part (current salary) but not with the 2 nd part (total salary 12 months). Also, cannot combine past employment with current self-employment and vice versa. If you are changing, please let your visa consultant know beforehand, so we could stop you if it doesn’t meet the visa requirement.
We are experts in the Financial Requirement, send us a message or WhatsApp now!
Can I use my pension pot of £88,500?
Depends on withdrawal conditions, usually OK if the fund allows immediate withdrawals. If it doesn’t, you can transfer money to a cash bank account and apply for a visa next day. Also, pension itself can be used as evidence of annual income of £29,000 (or £18,600 if applicable). And pension could have started just a month ago (don’t need to wait for a year).
Can I use property?
The value of a property can only be used if you sell it and put the proceeds to a bank account, don’t have to wait 6 months after that, assuming the property was in your name. That amount has to be £88,500 or equivalent, after all deductions, like mortgage, tax, legal. Alternatively, you can use rental income from property for annual income of £29,000 during last 12 months.
Can family give us money?
Yes, they can, but you have to wait for 6 months to produce bank statements with your name on them. This is because you can only use bank statements in your name, your partner’s name, or your joint names. But not joint with someone else, such as with a parent.
A popular option, especially for expats returning to the UK or when a family wishes to help. The logic is to maintain the balance of GBP 88,500 for 6 months, without falling below even by £1 for 1 day. Can be account of either partner, or both together, in any country, in any currency.
How much money do I need? It is £16,000?
Confusingly, UK Immigration official sources mention “savings over £16,000”. The real amount is £88,500, which is calculated as 29,000 x 2.5 (years of the visa), plus 16,000.
People working in high-income countries tend to have good salaries, especially if both spouses are working. People also tend to have “money”, just not in the way the UK Home Office requires “to tick a box”.
For example, holding savings in an investment account, some of which aren’t acceptable for a UK visa. Not because it is an investment account, but usually because the funds cannot be immediately withdrawn. If you have to give a notice, even on a cash or ISA account, you cannot use it for a visa (but can transfer to a simple Cash account and then apply for a visa next day). Generally, keeping money in an investment fund is OK, assuming immediate withdrawal is possible, but holding shares directly isn’t.
By far, the biggest mistake is submitting “everything I have”. A few payslips, a tax return, some savings and a property deed – surely, should work? The answer is No. You need to meet the MIR in specific ways and provide specific documents, called “specified evidence”. Less is more! By far, best to provide concise specific evidence, just to meet the threshold. There is no benefit in exceeding £29,000 (or £18,600 as applicable), your chances do not get better. For example, if one spouse earns enough, there is no need to provide double the documents for both.
There is an exemption if the Sponsor receives eligible disability benefits, like Personal Independent Payment (PIP), requiring to meet a low threshold of Adequate Maintenance. Expats returning to the UK with their spouses and families often face a challenge meeting the MIR if the foreign partner is a breadwinner or on a high salary while the British partner is a homemaker. This scenario doesn’t work, however unfair it is, it doesn’t tick boxes. The most common solution is for the British partner to come to the UK, find a job paying £29,000 (or several jobs), work for 6 months, then apply for a visa. They can quit that job a day after applying. The foreign spouse can come as a visitor in the meantime, on a valid ETA or Visitor visa.
If your family wishes to help, they can give you money (savings) and you have to wait for 6 months.
As a last resort, we would apply in the 10-year route, also known as “human rights”, although all partner cases already come under human rights. It is a discretional/compassionate option, your case has to be relatively strong. As above, it means twice longer and more expensive to settlement.
We provide a tailor-made checklist based on your circumstances and review everything.
During the first Spouse/Partner application it is the most basic A1 level in Speaking and Listening. During the next visa (extension), it is A2. During Indefinite Leave – B1 currently, but may change to B2 in March 2027.
Initial visa inside the UK is for 30 months (33 months is from outside the UK), with the right to work, use the NHS. Accompanying children get the same, with the right to go to school in the UK. After that – extension for further 2.5 years, and settlement (permanent residency) after 5 years. The proposed new Rules, about 10 years to settlement, won’t affect families of UK citizens in the standard 5-year route.
If you are in the 10-year route, it takes 10 years, 30 months x 4, every time a separate application and fees.
Time spent on a Fiancée visa does not count towards settlement. Also, cannot combine with other categories, like Graduate, Skilled Worker etc.
How much time can I spend abroad?
There is no specified limit, like 180 days in 12 months. The 180-day rule is for those on work visas and their partners, but not for partners of UK citizens. You can travel abroad, but your main home has to remain in the UK. Caring for a family member abroad is OK, but working abroad isn’t.
When can a spouse obtain British citizenship and UK passport?
Spouses and civil partners of British citizens can apply as soon as they have Indefinite Leave (permanent residency). In practice, ILR takes 5 years, so it will be after at least 5 years in the UK. However, these rules may be changing (no details yet). Unmarried partners need to also with 12 months after ILR, making it minimum 6 years.
When you apply for a Spouse/Partner visa, you have to pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to the UK Government, so you’ll receive an IHS reference number. This covers use of the National Health Service (NHS), which will then be free at the point of use, for which you’ll receive an NHS number.
IHS is not a health insurance! It is a one-off payment (during each visa application) to UK Government, and your use of the NHS won’t be capped at that amount. Nor will you get a refund if you don’t use the NHS. You can still purchase a private health insurance, if you wish, but it won’t exempt you from paying IHS. IHS and NHS numbers aren’t connected, IHS reference is only for visa applicants and only for a one-off payment. NHS number is for everyone, both Brits and migrants.
National Insurance number (NINO) is like a social security number for the tax and pension purposes. It is not connected to IHS or NHS.
Can I include children on my UK Spouse Visa?
Yes – children under 18yo as dependants. If your children are coming with both parents, such as one parent is British (usually “by descent”) and the other parent isn’t. Children under 18 years of age can be included in a Spouse/Partner application.
However, if you are bringing a child from a previous relationship, you have to meet the Sole Responsibility rule, which is one of the most difficult rules to meet. We often handle family groups and can guide you.
What if my child is 17 years old now?
Not a problem, as long as you submit their application before their 18th birthday. Doesn’t matter if they turn 18 before the decision, they will be able to continue as “under 18” all the way to settlement to the UK, even after they turn 18. As long as they haven’t formed an independent life by then.
What if my UK Spouse Visa is refused?
The most common reason is financial. We see many couples who have money, but not in the way “to tick the right boxes” of the bureaucratic Immigration Rules. We review a refusal letter and advise on the course of action. Commonly, by changing savings to an acceptable type of account, or by getting a job in the UK and waiting for 6 months. Although it sounds like a long way away, our solution provides a clear path how you can meet the visa requirements and get an approval next time.
Unmarried partners often struggle with a proof of relationship, especially if they haven’t lived together for long. Or if they did live together but cannot provide official evidence, when living with family or when all bills are in one partner’s name only. The strongest evidence if living together at the same address, but proof can be challenging in some countries due to the limited use of bills with address, especially in predominantly cash economies.
At 1st 4Immigration, we will guide you on what to provide, whether you lived together or not, there is no requirement to have actually lived together (but makes a better case). We will honestly tell you if your case isn’t strong.
We also guide on the appeal process. Appeals do take a long time, could be a year, and are worth doing if it is genuinely the last resort or an obvious mistake by the authorities (which happens). In most cases, however, it is faster and cheaper to re-apply, having addressed the reasons.
Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?
Yes, a refund of Immigration Health Surcharge, but not the application fee or Priority fee.
Why choose 1st 4Immigration for services with a UK visa?
We are experts with almost 20 years of successful experience. As you can see above, we know what we are doing! We charge low fixed fees, we check your documents as fast as possible, and almost all our clients get an approval on the first try.