UK Spouse Visa (Appendix FM)
Official guidelines and evidentiary requirements for joining your British or settled spouse in the United Kingdom.
Checked against official Immigration Rules & GOV.UK guidance on 2026-10-30
The UK Spouse Visa allows the foreign spouse of a British citizen, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or a qualifying EU Settled Status holder to live and work in the United Kingdom. Regulated under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules, it provides initial leave of 33 months (if applying overseas) or 30 months (if applying in the UK), leading to permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
The 4 Core Legal Requirements
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, the applicant and sponsor must satisfy four mandatory criteria:
- Genuine and Subsisting Marriage: You must be in a legally recognised marriage (conducted under UK law or recognized overseas) and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Minimum Financial Requirement: The sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 gross per year, or hold qualifying cash savings (£88,500 under standard Category D), or combine permitted income sources.
- Adequate Accommodation: You must have suitable housing in the UK without overcrowding or recourse to public funds (evidenced via property deeds, tenancy agreements, and property inspection reports where necessary).
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove English ability at CEFR level A1 for an initial application, A2 for extension, and B1 for settlement, via a Home Office-approved SELT test or qualifying degree.
Financial Requirement Categories Explained
Appendix FM-SE sets out strict rules regarding financial evidence. Sponsors can meet the £29,000 requirement through:
- Category A: Salaried or non-salaried employment with the same employer for at least 6 months.
- Category B: Employment with the current employer for less than 6 months, or variable income, backed by proof of 12 months' historical earnings exceeding the threshold.
- Category C & D: Non-employment income (e.g. property rental) or cash savings held untouched for 6 consecutive months.
- Category F & G: Self-employment or directorship of a UK specified limited company, requiring full audited accounts, CT600 tax returns, and SA302 tax calculations.
Key Requirements & Highlights
- Financial requirement: Standard gross income threshold is £29,000 per year (or £88,500 in cash savings).
- Initial visa length: 33 months (from abroad) or 30 months (in-country switch), extendable for a further 30 months.
- Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years on the spouse route.
- Full working rights in the UK without employer sponsorship or salary minimums.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
- Preparation & EvidenceGather 6 months of consecutive payslips, corresponding bank statements, marriage certificate, accommodation evidence, and applicant English test.
- Online ApplicationSubmit application on GOV.UK, pay statutory visa application fee (£1,846 outside UK / £1,048 inside UK) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year).
- Biometrics & UploadBook and attend biometric appointment at a VFS Global / TLScontact / UKVCAS centre. Upload supporting documents before the appointment.
- Decision & EntryStandard overseas processing is typically 12 to 24 weeks (priority service reduces this to approximately 30 working days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an applicant's overseas employment income count towards the £29,000 threshold?
No. For out-of-country applications, only the UK sponsor's income can be counted towards the £29,000 threshold. However, if the applicant is already in the UK on a lawful visa with working rights (such as a Skilled Worker or Graduate visa), the applicant's UK earnings can be combined with the sponsor's income.
What happens if our marriage took place abroad?
Marriages conducted overseas are recognized by the Home Office provided they complied with the legal marriage laws of that country, both parties had legal capacity, and neither party was previously married without a legal divorce or death certificate.
Need Guidance on Your Application?
Priyanshu Decodes provides clear route explanations, document planning, and consultation calls. For regulated legal advice or formal Home Office representation, always consult an IAA-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.