Family Visa (Spouse / Partner)
Join a partner, parent or child who is British or settled in the UK.
Fee
£1,938 (outside UK) / £1,321 (inside UK)
IHS
£1,035 / year
Duration
2 years 9 months, extendable; settlement after 5 years
Processing
12 weeks
Overview
For 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.
Eligibility
- 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
Required documents
- 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
How to apply
- 1Check financial requirementConfirm £29,000 annual income or £88,500 cash savings held for 6 months.
- 2Gather relationship evidenceJoint accounts, shared tenancy, photos across years, travel, messages.
- 3Pass English testA1 approved SELT unless exempt (national of majority-English country or degree taught in English).
- 4Apply onlineComplete the form and pay visa fee + IHS (5-year total upfront).
- 5Biometrics & decisionAttend VAC; decisions outside the UK typically 12 weeks.
Key notes
- Partner route leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
- Fiancé(e) visa: 6 months to marry, then switch to partner visa.
- Parent/child routes and adult dependent relative routes use different tests.