A simplified step-by-step guide for couples and families applying to stay together in the UK.
Presented by:
Stay UK Immigration Services
www.stay-uk.co.uk
Welcome & Introduction
Love Knows No Borders — But the Home Office Has Rules.
This guide helps you understand the UK Spouse Visa process so you can:
- Prove your relationship is genuine
- Meet the financial requirements
- Submit the correct documents
- Avoid common mistakes that cause refusals
Whether you’re applying from abroad or switching visas inside the UK, this is your starting point.
Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?
You must:
- Be married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK
- Be a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
- Or have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years before the date of application
- Both partners must be over 18
- Your partner must be:
- A British citizen, or
- A person settled in the UK, or
- Someone with protection status as a refugee or under humanitarian protection, or
- Someone with limited leave to remain under Appendix EU, or
- A person with limited leave as a worker or business person under Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay, or
- a person in the UK with permission as a Stateless person.
Financial Requirement Breakdown
To sponsor your partner, you (the UK resident) must show an income of:
- £29,000 per annum
Accepted financial evidence includes evidence of employment or self-employment in the UK.
You can also rely on Property rental, dividends and other investments, non-employment income or cash savings.
For cash savings, except in a situation where you combine your cash savings with other sources, the minimum amount held for the past 6 months in your savings account must be a minimum of £88,500.
Application Process (outside of the UK)
- Apply online at: gov.uk/uk-family-visa
- Pay:
- Visa fee: £1938 (outside UK)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £3105
- Book and attend biometric appointment
- Upload required documents or pay an extra fee for submission at the application centre.
- Wait for a decision (can take up to 12 weeks unless paying for priority service)
- If approved, receive E visa
Common Mistakes That Cause Refusals
🚫 Not providing enough relationship proof
🚫 Not disclosing full immigration history
🚫 Using incorrect financial evidence
🚫 Missing translations for non-English documents
🚫 Rushing the application without support
Tip: Every relationship is different. Focus on genuine connection, consistency, and clarity in your application.
Need help with your application?