Family visa

Partner and Spouse Visa: The Complete Guide

The family (partner) visa is for the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. It is a five-year route to settlement, with a relationship test, a financial requirement and a rising English requirement.

Who can apply

A genuine, subsisting relationship with a British or settled partner
Meeting the minimum income requirement, or the savings alternative
Suitable accommodation and English at the required level

The five-year route

You usually get permission in two stages of around 2.5 to 3 years each. After five years, and once the English and Life in the UK requirements are met, you can apply for settlement. Some applicants are placed on a longer ten-year route.

Always check the official rules

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice, and the rules change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Partner / Spouse page on GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser before applying.

At a glance

Sponsor needed: No, your partner is your sponsor
Typical length: About 2.5 to 3 years per grant
Leads to settlement: Yes, after 5 years (or 10 in some cases)
Financial requirement: Minimum income or savings must be met
English level: A1 to start, rising to B1 for settlement

Partner and Spouse Visa: The Complete Guide

Who can apply

The five-year route

At a glance

Tools for this route

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