A Summary of the Requirements, Process and Application guide to ILR.
When applying for a spouse visa in the UK it can be an immensely overwhelming process, especially with the regular changes to the income threshold and documentation requirements. Whether you are just starting your journey or preparing to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), this summary will go through the steps that you will need to know.
Who can apply for Spouse Visa in the UK?
You can apply for a spouse visa in the UK if you are married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen or with an individual who holds a settled status. They key requirement here is that you must intend to live with you partner permanently in the UK.
Spouse Visa in UK Requirements in 2025
To make a successful spouse visa application there are a number of areas you will need to cover in your application:
- Relationship Requirement: You must be able to demonstrate that your relationship is both genuine and subsisting.
- Accommodation Requirement: Evidence must be provided should that you have suitable housing for you and your partner without access to public funds
- Financial Requirements: You or your partner must need the minimum income threshold which is currently set at £29,000 (as of 2025) unless you are exempt.
- English Language Requirements: You will need to pass an approved English Language test, unless you can provide evidence that you are exempt.
What documents are needed for a Spouse Visa Application?
To submit a successful spouse visa application in the UK you will need to submit the below documents. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and you will need to provide additional documents in order to meet the home offices requirements.
- English Language Test Certificate
- Proof of income (payslips, employment letter and bank statements)
- Evidence of Accommodation
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- TB test certificate ( if required)
How long does it take to get a spouse visa decision?
Official processing times are usually up to 12 weeks. You can also apply for the priority and super priority services but only certain locations offer this based on demand and eligibility.
Spouse Visa to ILR: Your Route to Settlement
Here at Valoris Legal Services Ltd, our legal team will guide you through your spouse visa application, from gathering evidence to preparing your ILR route.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.