Family Immigration

If you are a non-UK national wishing to live in the UK with your British or settled partner, you may be eligible to apply for a Family Visa as a Spouse or Partner. Below is a summary of the key requirements:

You can apply if your partner is one of the following:

• A British or Irish citizen.
• Settled in the UK (with Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence).
• From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and holds pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• With refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

You must prove that:

• You are married or in a civil partnership that is legally recognised in the UK; or
• You have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years; or
• You are engaged and will marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK (if applying from abroad).

• You and/or your partner must have a combined annual income of at least £29,000 (as of April 2024), unless exempt.
• If you are applying with dependent children, the threshold is higher.
• Income can come from employment, self-employment, pension, or certain savings.

• You must prove your knowledge of English, either through a recognised English test (e.g. IELTS Life Skills A1 or higher), or by holding a degree taught in English, or if you are from an English-speaking country.

• You must show that you have adequate accommodation for you and your partner (and any children) without relying on public funds.

• Applications can be made from outside or inside the UK.
• You will need to attend a biometric appointment and provide supporting documents.

• If successful, the visa is usually granted for 2 years and 9 months (or 6 months if you’re engaged).
• You can then extend your visa, and after 5 years on the spouse route, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.