Spouse and Civil Partner Visa

Marrying or forming a partnership with an eligible spouse of partner does not automatically give you a right to live in the UK. A Spouse or Civil Partner visa allows foreign nationals to live with their spouse or partner in the UK if they are married or form a partnership with a British or Irish citizen, a person with a settled or pre-settled status in the UK, a holder of a Turkish Business Person or Turkish worker visas, or a person with a refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. Spouse or Civil Partner visa holders are permitted to work in the UK.  

A Spouse and Civil Partner visa is initially granted for 2 years and 6 months (plus additional 3 months if you are applying for entry clearance) and can be extended further for 2 years and 6 months. After a period of 5 years, this visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settlement in the UK.  

Our solicitors can help with advising on the relevant visa requirements, completing the application form, reviewing necessary documents and other supporting evidence, and accompanying the process until your Spouse or Civil Partner visa is issued.  

If your Spouse or Partner visa has been refused, you should have a right to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) as this type of application is considered to be a human rights claim. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to pursue further the decision maker’s refusal of your visa via Judicial Review (to challenge the lawfulness of the decision) or via Administrative Review (if a mistake was made by the decision maker when issuing your visa refusal).  

You will also have the option to make a new visa application. If you decide to reapply, you shall address in the new visa application all reasons for your refusal, providing all missing information and relevant supporting evidence. 

A Spouse or Civil Partner Visa allows you to join or remain with your partner in the UK if they are a British citizen, settled person, or on certain qualifying immigration routes.

To be granted this visa, both applicants must be aged 18 or over, have met in person, and be in a genuine and subsisting relationship. You must also intend to live together as a couple in the UK.

The financial requirement is one of the most important elements of this application. The UK sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold, which has increased significantly in recent years under changes made by the Home Office. Your sponsor must currently earn at least £29,000 gross per year, with further increases planned. Cash savings can also be used to meet or supplement the income requirement.

You will need to demonstrate English language ability to at least A2 level when making your initial application, and A2-B1 level for extensions. This can be evidenced through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

You must also provide a genuine and comprehensive body of evidence — including photographs together, communication records, and financial ties — to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship.

A successful application grants 30 months’ leave to remain, which can be extended by a further 30 months before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. A fee is payable at each stage, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Terence Ray Solicitors has guided numerous clients through Spouse Visa applications. We will help you understand the requirements and present your case in the strongest possible way.

Contact us on 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.