UK Partner Visa: Updated Guide for 2025

Applying for a UK Partner Visa is a significant step for couples who want to live together in the UK. Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship, understanding the application process is crucial. This guide covers the latest requirements, step-by-step application details, common mistakes, and expert tips to improve your chances of approval.

1. What is a UK Partner Visa?

A Partner Visa UK, also known as a Spouse Visa or Unmarried Partner Visa, allows non-UK nationals to live in the UK with their British or settled partner. This visa is valid for an initial period of 30–33 months and can be extended. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.

Who Can Apply?

Your partner must be:

• A British or Irish citizen
• A person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status, or permanent residence
• A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection in the UK

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a UK Partner Visa from outside or inside the UK. If you’re switching from a different visa category (such as a student or work visa), you must ensure you meet all requirements.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a spouse Visa UK, both you and your partner must meet the following criteria:

a) Relationship Requirement

• You must be legally married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least two years.
• If you’re engaged, you must marry within six months of arriving in the UK.
• Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, which must be supported by evidence such as:
  • Photos together (covering different periods)
  • Joint bank statements
  • Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills in both names
  • Communication records (messages, emails, call logs)
  • Travel history together

Failure to provide adequate proof may result in a visa refusal.

b) Financial Requirement

The UK government requires applicants to meet a minimum financial threshold to ensure they can support themselves without relying on public funds.

Income Threshold (2024 Update)

• The sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 per year (as of April 2024).
• If you have children, the financial requirement increases:
  • First child: +£3,800
  • Each additional child: +£2,400

How Can You Meet the Financial Requirement?

You can use:

• Salary from employment (UK-based or overseas if transferring employment)
• Self-employment earnings
• Savings (minimum of £88,500 held for at least six months)
• Pension income
• Rental income
• Dividends from shares or investments

If you do not meet the financial requirement through salary alone, combining different income sources is allowed.

c) English Language Requirement

To prove your English proficiency, you must:

• Pass an approved English language test at A1 level (for first-time applicants)
• Hold a degree taught in English
• Be from an English-speaking country (such as the USA, Canada, or Australia)

You must take the Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.

d) Accommodation Requirement

You must show that you have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets UK housing standards. Acceptable proof includes:

• A tenancy agreement
• A mortgage statement
• A letter from your landlord confirming permission for your partner to live there

Your home should not be overcrowded or breach any UK Housing Act regulations.

3. Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

• Apply via the UK government website.
• Fill out the correct form and provide accurate details.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather essential documents, including:

• Valid passports
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
• Payslips, bank statements, and employment letters
• English language test results
• Accommodation proof

Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment

• Book an appointment at a visa application center.
• Provide fingerprints and a digital photo.

Step 4: Pay Fees

• Visa application fee: £1,846 (outside UK) or £1,258 (inside UK)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Upload documents and pay fees.
• Await a decision (see processing times below).

4. Processing Time & Decision

Standard Processing Times

• Outside the UK: 12 weeks
• Inside the UK: 8 weeks (for extensions or switching visas)

Priority Services (Optional)

• Fast track service: 5 working days (additional £500)
• Super priority service: 24 hours (additional £800)

5. What Happens After Approval?

a) Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Once in the UK, collect your BRP within 10 days from the post office.

b) Start Working in the UK

You can work without restrictions in any job sector.

c) Access to NHS Healthcare

Having paid the IHS, you can use the National Health Service (NHS).

6. Extending Your Partner Visa

Before your visa expires, apply for an extension if:

• You are still in a genuine relationship.
• You meet financial and accommodation requirements.
• You pass an A2-level English test.

Extension validity: Another 30 months

7. Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years in the UK on a Partner Visa, you can apply for ILR. Requirements include:

• Proof of continuous residence
• Meeting financial and language requirements
• Passing the Life in the UK Test

ILR grants permanent settlement with no restrictions.

8. British Citizenship

After 12 months on ILR, you can apply for British citizenship, allowing you to:

• Get a UK passport
• Vote in elections
• Travel freely

9. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Not meeting financial requirements: Use savings or additional income sources if needed.
• Insufficient proof of relationship: Provide a variety of evidence (e.g., photos, bills, messages).
• English test mistakes: Take an approved SELT test at an official center.
• Missing deadlines: Apply at least 3 months before your visa expires.

10. Final Tips

• Ensure your relationship meets UK visa criteria.
• Meet financial and English language requirements.
• Apply with complete and accurate documentation.
• Use priority services if you need a faster decision.
• Plan for future extensions and ILR applications.

By following these steps, you can successfully obtain a UK Partner Visa and start your journey toward living together in the UK.