To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, the following requirements must be met:

Relationship Eligibility:

• The applicant and their partner must be legally married in a marriage recognised in the UK.
• The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, and the couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• The partners must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship, and any previous relationship must have permanently broken down.
• Both partners must be over 18 years old and have met in person.

Proof of Genuine Relationship

• Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of unmarried status.
• Photographs of the couple together.
• Communications between the couple, such as emails, letters, and social media messages.
• Birth certificates of any children together.
• Travel documents of holidays taken together and visits to each other’s home countries.
• Proof of any gifts bought for each other.
• Letters from friends and family confirming the relationship and supporting the application

Status of Sponsoring Partner:

• The sponsoring partner must be a British or Irish citizen in the UK, or have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK.
• Suitable accommodation

Financial Requirement:

• The sponsoring partner must earn a gross annual income of at least £18,600 before spring 2024. Dependents this increases by £3,800 for the first dependent child and £2,400 for each additional child.
• Evidence of meeting the financial requirements, such as bank statements, payslips, self employment or proof of savings.
• Proof of income earned by the sponsoring partner.

Exemptions from the financial requirements 

•  Personal Independence Payment
•  Disability Living Allowance
•  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
•  Carer’s Allowance
•  Severe Disablement Allowance
•  Attendance Allowance
•  Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation

Sponsors are not required to demonstrate an income of £18,600 or more. However, applicants qualifying for exemption must still show they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK and adequate accommodation without access to public funds. For further assistance, please consult one of our immigration solicitors for advice.