UK Spousal Visa: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining the UK Spousal Visa
Planning a life together in the UK with your spouse is an exciting journey—but applying for a UK marriage visa can seem daunting, especially for couples from Africa. This visa category is designed to allow your partner to join you in the UK and build a life locally. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step roadmap, practical tips, relatable examples, and reliable resources to support a smooth and successful application process.
Whether you’re a dual-national couple living abroad or your partner is already a UK citizen, understanding the UK marriage visa process is essential. We’ll explain eligibility requirements, financial thresholds, necessary documentation, and how to avoid common pitfalls. If you follow a clear plan and prepare carefully, securing your UK marriage visa can become an achievable milestone on your journey together.
Let’s embark on this path with confidence and clarity. With the right knowledge and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to uniting with your spouse in the UK.
Understanding the UK Marriage Visa
The UK marriage visa, often known as the spouse or partner visa, is a family settlement route that enables a non-UK spouse to live, work, and study in the UK. It applies to couples where one partner is either a British citizen, holds settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or has pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
There are two main stages to the UK marriage visa process:
- Initial 30-month visa, extendable by another 30 months.
- After 5 years’ continuous residence, eligibility to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This visa route allows indefinite entry to the UK based on your genuine relationship and your ability to meet financial and English-language requirements.
Benefits of the UK Marriage Visa
- Live together in the UK: Enjoy family unity under one roof.
- Work and study rights: You are permitted to work full-time or enroll in courses.
- Access NHS services: After paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Pathway to permanent residence: After 5 years, you can apply for ILR and eventually UK citizenship.
- Stability for children: Children born in the UK during your stay may be eligible for citizenship.
These advantages make the UK marriage visa an ideal route for couples wanting to build a future in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements for the UK Marriage Visa
To apply successfully, you must meet the following criteria:
Genuine Relationship
- Must be married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK.
- Must live together and share financial responsibilities.
Include supporting documents such as marriage certificates, joint bank account details, utility bills, photos, and travel records to demonstrate a real and ongoing relationship.
Sponsor’s Immigration Status
- Your sponsor must be a British citizen, have ILR, or have pre-settled/settled status in the UK under the EU scheme.
Financial Requirement
- Minimum annual income of £18,600 for a couple.
- Additional £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.
If you don’t meet the threshold, other options include:
- Savings routes: Cash savings over £62,500 can be used.
- Pension or non-employment income: Things like pensions, maternity pay, or disability allowances.
English Language
- You must prove B1 level proficiency in speaking and listening (Common European Framework).
- Approved tests include IELTS or Trinity College London ESOL.
- Exceptions: Nationals from English-speaking countries or holders of UK degrees.
Accommodation
- Must have adequate UK accommodation, meaning it’s not overcrowded and doesn’t rely on public funds.
- Include tenancy agreements, property ownership documents, or detailed letter from host property owner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the UK Marriage Visa
1. Prepare Documents
Gather:
- Valid passports
- Full marriage certificate or Civil Partnership certificate
- English test certificate
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
- Proof of accommodation
- Relationship proof (emails, photos, chat logs, joint travel).
2. Complete the Online Application
Apply via the UKVI website under “Family visas” → “Join partner or parent”. Provide personal details, upload documents, and pay fees:
- Visa costs approximately £1,538.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): ~£1,560 for a two-year period.
3. Book Biometric Appointment
Attend a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric data. VAC presence is available in most African countries.
4. Attend Interview (if needed)
Interview is rare for spousal visas, but it’s wise to prepare relationship evidence. You may be asked about how you met, your wedding day, finances, living plans, etc.
5. Await Decision
Typical processing takes 12 weeks. Applications from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya average around 10–12 weeks.
6. Entry and BRP Collection
Once visa is granted, you’ll receive a 30-day vignette in your passport. Travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
Relatable Example: Chidera & James from Nigeria
Chidera, a Nigerian national, married James, a UK citizen, and followed a step-by-step plan for the UK marriage visa.
- Took a B1-level IELTS.
- Provided a joint bank account and payslips as financial proof.
- Uploaded WhatsApp chats, wedding photos, and flight tickets as relationship evidence.
- Booked and attended a biometric appointment in Lagos.
- Visited the UK two weeks after approval—and days later, picked up the BRP.
They are now thrilled to be building a home in Manchester.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Relationship Evidence
Provide justifications—statement alone isn’t enough. Photos, joint finances, and shared responsibilities matter.
Financial Threshold Confusion
Make sure all evidence is up to date and well-documented; an underdeveloped case is a common cause of refusal.
Neglected English Language
Avoid late language test booking—book early to secure your slot and results.
Forgetting Home Visit
Don’t forget to collect your BRP or make your first trip count within the 30-day vignette period.
Poor Application Presentation
Upload clear, organized documents and name files clearly (e.g., “Chidera_James_BankStatement.pdf”).
Extending and Settling After the Initial Visa
- First Extension
Apply for the second 30-month period before current visa expires. Evidence must be updated (employment, finances, relationship). - Eligibility for ILR
After completing 5 continuous years on the spousal visa, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. - English and Life in the UK Test
At extension and ILR stages, you must pass the “Life in the UK Test” and provide updated English proofs. - After ILR
You may qualify for British citizenship after 12 months with limited travel restrictions and a stable record.
Unique Tips for African Couples
Process in Country of Origin
In Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya, UKVCAS VACs are available. Book early to avoid delays.
Prepare Relationship Evidence During Visits
Document every trip with tickets, hotel bookings, and photos. These are critical for proving authenticity.
Understand UK Public Fund Rules
Your accommodation cannot rely on public funds. A letter from a host landlord can help.
Using OISC-Regulated Advisors
If your English is limited or finances are complicated, consider a UK immigration adviser approved by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
UK Resources for Reference
- UKVI official guidance: Apply to join your partner
- Visa cost calculator and fees: UK Immigration Health Surcharge
These sources provide up-to-date fee schedules, forms, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can my fiancée apply before marriage?
→ Yes—a K‑1 Fiancé visa allows entry but must lead to marriage within 6 months. - Will my spouse be allowed to work?
→ Yes—spouses on the UK marriage visa can work full-time. - Can I bring children?
→ Yes—list children on the application and adjust your financial requirement accordingly. - What happens if we haven’t been married long?
→ A minimum 6-month relationship proof is required. - Is public assistance allowed?
→ No—the UK marriage visa prohibits relying on public benefits.
Conclusion
Navigating your UK marriage visa can be straightforward and stress-free when you understand the requirements, gather the correct documentation, and avoid common pitfalls. This visa route offers couples the chance to live together, pursue work and education, and build a future in the UK.
Remember, the key to a successful UK marriage visa application is preparation, authenticity, and attention to detail. Whether you’re in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, or Johannesburg, careful planning and reliable guidance will smooth your journey toward reuniting with your spouse.
