This guide is for people who want to live in the UK with a partner who is a British citizen, has settled status or another qualifying status. It gives a high-level overview of the family visa for partners, sometimes called a spouse or partner visa. It is not a full list of the rules, which are long and detailed, but it should help you understand what the Home Office will look at.
Who can apply as a partner
According to GOV.UK, your partner must usually be a British or Irish citizen, have settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), or hold certain other types of UK status. Both of you must be 18 or over.
The application is assessed under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. The main areas are:
your relationship;
money;
accommodation; and
English language.
Your relationship
You must show that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to live together in the UK. GOV.UK says you can apply as a partner if you are:
married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK;
living together in a relationship for at least two years when you apply, or in a relationship for at least two years where you cannot live together;
a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, and will marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arriving.
A recent change for unmarried partners
The rules used to require unmarried partners to have lived together for two years. The current Appendix FM defines an unmarried partner as being in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. GOV.UK now also covers couples who have been in a relationship for two years but cannot live together, or where living together is not accepted in their culture. This is a recent change, so read the current wording on GOV.UK carefully.
Evidence of your relationship
Useful evidence often shows your relationship over time, for example:
your marriage or civil partnership certificate, if you have one;
evidence of time spent together, such as travel records and photographs;
evidence of contact while apart, such as messages and call history;
evidence of living together, if you have, such as shared tenancy agreements or bills.
The financial requirement
You must usually show that you and your partner meet a minimum income requirement, or have enough savings, or a combination. The rules on what counts as income, how long you must have had it and which documents prove it are some of the most detailed in the immigration system.
We do not quote the figure here. The financial requirement was raised in April 2024 and has since been reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee, so it may change again. Check the current amount on the GOV.UK page on proof of income for a partner when you prepare your application.
If your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits, a different financial test may apply. GOV.UK explains this on the same page.
Accommodation
You must show that you will have adequate accommodation for your family without help from public funds. In plain terms, the home must be one your family owns or occupies only for itself, and it must not be overcrowded. Useful evidence includes a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement, and sometimes a property inspection report. If you will stay with family, you will usually need a letter from the owner agreeing to this.
English language
For your first partner visa, you usually need to show English at level A1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), through an approved test or a qualification such as a degree taught in English. When you extend your visa after two and a half years, you usually need level A2 in speaking and listening. Some people are exempt, for example because of age, a disability or nationality. See the GOV.UK knowledge of English page.
Other things to plan for
Tuberculosis test. If you have lived in certain countries, you may need a TB test from an approved clinic.
Health charge. Most applicants pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the application. See the current amount on GOV.UK.
Children. If children are coming too, they apply as your dependants and need their own evidence.
Your immigration history. Previous refusals, overstays or breaches must be declared. They can affect the decision under the suitability rules.
Proposed changes to settlement and English
The UK government has consulted on changes to how people qualify for settlement, known as "earned settlement". It has also announced a higher English level for settlement, expected to apply from 2027. At the time of writing, GOV.UK still shows the current route to settlement for partners. These changes may affect your long-term plans, so check the latest position on GOV.UK before you rely on any timeline.
A short checklist before you apply
Confirm your partner's status qualifies.
Check which relationship category you fit, using the current GOV.UK wording.
Check the current financial requirement and which of your income sources count.
Gather accommodation evidence for the home where you will live.
Book an approved English test or confirm your exemption.
Check whether you need a TB test.
List every previous visa application and refusal, for any country.
If an application is refused
Partner applications are generally treated as human rights claims, so a refusal often comes with a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal rather than administrative review. Your refusal letter will say which applies and the deadline. Appeals are legal proceedings, and we recommend a solicitor.
Where to check the current rules
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always check the official pages before you apply.
Family applications are personal, and the evidence can feel overwhelming. If you would like help working out what applies to you, you can book a consultation with one of our advisers. We will talk it through with you in plain language and agree any fees in writing first.
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