United Kingdom

UK Family Visa (Partner/Spouse)

Join your partner in the UK. Relationship evidence, English, financial requirement.

About this visa

The Family visa (partner/spouse) route is for joining a partner in the UK. You must prove your relationship (marriage/civil partnership, or other qualifying relationship evidence), plus meet the English and financial requirements.

This is an evidence-heavy category. Your best strategy is organization: clear timeline, consistent addresses/names, and strong, recent, third‑party documents (bank, landlord, utilities, government) where possible.

Processing time: GOV.UK states you usually get a decision in 12 weeks if you apply outside the UK.

Comparison: Family routes vary widely across destinations. If you’re also considering family options in Canada or USA, plan a separate evidence set per country, but keep facts consistent (dates, names, family history).

Usually ~12 weeks (outside UK)

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport

Completed online application (UKVI)

Biometrics appointment and submission

English language evidence (as required)

💰Financial Documents

Financial requirement evidence

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Relationship evidence (marriage/civil partnership or qualifying proof)

📋Other Documents

Translations to English (if documents are not in English)

optional

Accommodation evidence in the UK

optional

Application Process

Map eligibility

Confirm sponsor status and the correct relationship basis.

Build relationship file

Prepare a clear timeline and strong relationship evidence.

Financial & accommodation

Prepare financial requirement evidence and accommodation proof.

Apply online & pay

Apply online and pay fee + IHS (based on visa length).

Biometrics & submission

Attend biometrics appointment and submit documents as instructed.

Decision & next steps

After approval, plan travel and next-stage extensions if needed.

Important Tips & Advice

Create a clear relationship timeline with dated evidence.

Use strong third-party proof (tenancy, bills, bank letters).

Keep names/addresses consistent across all documents.

Prepare financial requirement evidence early.

Explain complexities briefly (name changes, prior refusals) with proof.

Processing Fees

Application fee

Official UK Home Office fee category for settlement route applications made outside the UK. Confirm exact product fee before applying.

£1,938 (route to settlement, outside UK)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

IHS is paid as part of the application depending on visa length.

£1,035/year (most applicants)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take if applying outside the UK?

GOV.UK states you usually get a decision within 12 weeks if you apply outside the UK.

What relationship evidence is most useful?

Official and third-party documents (marriage certificate, tenancy, utilities, joint finances) with consistent names, addresses, and dates.

Do I need English language proof?

Yes, in many partner routes you must meet an English requirement (level depends on your stage).

Will I pay IHS?

In most long-stay routes you pay IHS as part of the application, based on visa length.

What are the main refusal risks?

Weak or inconsistent relationship evidence, missing financial requirement proof, and inconsistent addresses/dates across documents.

United Kingdom Visa Types

Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

UK Standard Visitor Visa

UK Long-Term Visitor Visa

UK Student Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa

UK Transit Visa (DATV / Visitor in Transit)