Family Visa (Spouse / Partner)
Join a partner, parent or child who is British or settled in the UK.
Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026For partners, children, parents or adult dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons. Minimum income requirement remained at £29,000 pending the 2026 Migration Advisory Committee review.
Who can apply
- UK-based partner is British, Irish, settled, pre-settled, or has refugee/humanitarian protection
- Genuine and subsisting relationship (married/civil partners, or 2+ years cohabitation)
- Minimum income £29,000 gross OR cash savings ≥ £88,500
- Adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds
- English language: A1 initial application, A2 extension, B1 for settlement
- TB test results where required
How to apply
- Check financial requirementConfirm £29,000 annual income or £88,500 cash savings held for 6 months.
- Gather relationship evidenceJoint accounts, shared tenancy, photos across years, travel, messages.
- Pass English testA1 approved SELT unless exempt (national of majority-English country or degree taught in English).
- Apply onlineComplete the form and pay visa fee + IHS (5-year total upfront).
- Biometrics & decisionAttend VAC; decisions outside the UK typically 12 weeks.
Documents you’ll need
- Valid passports for applicant and sponsor
- Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of 2+ years cohabitation
- Sponsor payslips and bank statements (6 months) OR evidence of savings
- Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement or property deeds
- Approved English language test certificate
- Relationship evidence: photos, joint accounts, communication history, travel records
Good to know
Sub-routes
Partner / Spouse
£2,064 · 5 yrs to ILR · £29,000 income
ViewParent of British / settled child
£2,064 · 5 yrs to ILR · no income test
ViewChild of partner / parent
£2,064 · joins parent's route
ViewAdult Dependent Relative
£3,672 · ILR on entry · high bar
ViewFiancé(e) / Proposed civil partner
£2,064 · 6 months to marry · switch to partner
ViewCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
In 2026 the minimum is £29,000 per year for the UK-based sponsor. This applies to spouse, partner, fiancé(e) and unmarried partner applications. It does not apply to parent-of-British-child applications or sponsors receiving certain disability benefits — those use the adequate maintenance test instead.
Yes. Cash savings of £88,500+ held for 6+ months by the sponsor, applicant, or jointly meets the threshold without any income. You can also combine: if you earn £20,000, the required savings drop to £38,500. Locked-in pensions, property equity, and gifts received within 6 months do not count.
Most applicants reach Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years on the Family visa route: 30 months initial + 30 months extension + ILR application. You must meet income, accommodation, English (A1 then A2 then B1) and Life in the UK Test requirements throughout.
Application fee: £1,938 (out of UK) or £1,321 (in-UK extension). IHS: £1,035/year. For a 30-month initial visa: £1,938 + £3,105 IHS = £5,043. Plus optional priority service £573–£1,000. Family route total to ILR (initial + extension + ILR) is around £15,000 over 5 years for a single applicant.
Generally no for fresh entry — the sponsor must be in the UK or returning to the UK with the applicant. If returning, you need evidence of the sponsor's firm plans to live in the UK plus a job offer or business plan meeting the income test once back. Returning Resident applications are a separate scheme.
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