SPOUSE / PARTNER VISA

To qualify for a UK Spouse or Partner visa under the Immigration Rules in 2026, applicants must satisfy relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.

This comprehensive guide explains UK spouse visa requirements, eligibility, costs, processing time, financial rules, refusal solutions, and professional legal help in London, whether you’re looking for the top UK spouse visa solicitors in London, knowledgeable UK partner visa lawyers, or reliable immigration solicitors for spouse visa applications.

People in London know that Adam Bernard Solicitors is one of the best UK spouse visa and partner visa solicitors. They offer expert representation, tailored legal strategies, and an excellent rate of approval.

To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa or UK Partner Visa  in 2026

Applicants must meet important requirements in four main areas:

✔ Requirements for relationships 

✔ Requirements for money and income 

✔ Requirements for housing

✔ Requirements for speaking English

Who Can Sponsor a UK Spouse Visa or Partner Visa?

To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa or UK Partner Visa, your UK sponsor must be one of the following:

Both the applicant and UK sponsor must be aged 18 or over.

The UK sponsor must be:

• A British citizen
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• A holder of settled or pre-settled status (EU Settlement Scheme)
• A refugee or humanitarian protection holder
• A Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa holder

Relationship Requirements 

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa or Partner Visa, you must prove your relationship is true and genuine.

You can apply if you are:

The Home Office checks to see if your relationship is real, ongoing, and not just for the sake of getting into the country.

You can apply if:

• You are married or in a civil partnership.
• You are unmarried partners who have been living together for more than two years.
• You are engaged or have proposed to be civil partners.

Evidence Required:

• WhatsApp & call logs
• Photos together over time
• Travel history
• Joint tenancy agreements
• Joint bank accounts or bills
• Letters from family & friends
• Marriage ceremony photos

Our UK spouse visa lawyers in London carefully prepare strong relationship evidence bundles to ensure approval.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply As A Partner Or Spouse?

Costs may change, but generally include:

• Visa application fee (varies depending on location)
• Priority service (if available – additional cost)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
  The IHS is payable for the full visa duration (30 months)

Our team provides a clear cost breakdown before proceeding.

What Is The English Language Requirements For Entry On Spouse Visa?

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability in speaking and listening.

• Initial application: CEFR Level A1
• Extension after 2.5 years: CEFR Level A2
• Settlement (ILR): CEFR Level B1

Tests must be taken with a Home Office-approved provider.

Is There Any Exemption For English Language Requirement For UK Spouse Visa?

You may be exempt if:

• You hold a UK-awarded degree
• You hold an overseas degree confirmed by UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK degree
• The degree was taught in English (confirmation may be required)
• You are aged 65 or over

You have a long-term medical condition preventing you from meeting the requirement

What Is The Required Financial Threshold?

In order to make a successful application as a partner or spouse, the couple must provide specified evidence to show that they have sufficient income or means to support themselves in the UK.

This requirement applies if the partner is joining the UK sponsor from overseas, if the couple are already living together in the UK or if the couple are returning to the UK, from overseas.

Evidence required depends on the couple’s individual circumstances, but generally speaking the financial requirement for a partner visa is £18,600 and this will increase to £29,000 from the 11th of April 2024.

So, for example, if the sponsor has been in permanent paid employment for more than 6 months, earning a fixed salary of over £29,000 from the 11th of April 2024 per annum, the couple could use evidence of the sponsor’s income to meet the financial requirement.

Evidence of savings can also be used or combined with employment income evidence to meet the financial requirement. Extensive additional evidence would be required for self-employed individuals who are relying on their self-employed income to meet the financial requirement.

If the couple have children who would be sponsored as dependents of the main applicant partner, the financial threshold is increased for each child included in the application.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time – 2026

How to renew my spouse visa

To renew your visa, you will need to submit an online form (also known as an FLR(M) form). Having paid the relevant application fees you would need to upload scanned copies of your supporting documents to an online portal managed by the Home Office’s commercial partner, Sopra Steria.

0207 100 2525

What is the Adequate Accommodation In The UK?

You must show that your accommodation:

• Will not be overcrowded
• Meets UK housing standards
• Is legally occupied

We provide professional housing assessment reports where required.

When Can I extend my spouse visa?

Yes, provided you meet the requirements you should be able to extend your visa for 30 months (2.5 years) at a time. You will need to extend your visa at least once to complete your 60 month (5 year) qualifying period for settlement as a partner or spouse. You might also need to extend if you don’t fully meet the requirements for settlement after 5 years, for example, if you cannot yet speak English to the required level for settlement or if you fail the Life in the UK test.