Skip to content 
Family connection across countries is more important than ever in today’s globalised world. One important thing that helps keep families together in the UK is the spouse visa. Though the UK Home Office recently made big changes to the cash requirements for the UK spouse visa 2024 and all other UK family visas,. This means that it will be much harder to apply in 2024.
Understanding The UK Spouse Visa 2024
This visa lets the married partner of a British citizen or someone who already has permission to stay in the UK indefinitely live, work, and go to school in the UK. This visa is very important for bringing families back together because it helps spouses and partners get into the UK and live there as a spouse.
UK Spouse Visa Requirements
To get a spouse visa, you have to meet a number of conditions, such as being financially stable, being able to speak and write English well, having a place to stay, and more.
Here is a full description of each part, along with the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a spouse visa in 2024.
Age Requirement and Sponsor Status
When applying for a UK spouse visa, the position of the support is very important. One of the sponsors must be a citizen of the UK or Ireland, or they must have settled status in the UK, such as ILR. In addition, the candidate must also meet the following requirements:
To get a UK partner visa, both the applicant and the sponsor must be at least 18 years old. This makes sure that it matches the legal age to get married in the UK. Sponsor status is an important part of applying for a UK Spouse Visa, and you need to know about it along with other conditions.
Requirements for Relationships
To apply for a UK spouse visa, you must demonstrate that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship. This requirement verifies the validity of the sponsor-applicant relationship. The UK Spouse Visa is only available to serious couples who plan to settle down in the UK permanently, and the relationship criteria are in place to prevent fakes.
Financial Requirement for UK Spouse Visa 2024
It is essential to meet the financial requirements for a UK spouse visa in order to apply for one. Both the applicant and the sponsor need to demonstrate that they are financially capable of supporting themselves and any dependents without relying on assistance from the government. A thorough examination of the financial requirements is presented here:
The UK Home Office announced on December 4th, 2023, that the basic financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa, as well as other family visas like the Fiance, Civil Partner, and Unmarried Partner visas, will increase to £38,700 in 2024 from the current minimum of £18,600. The threshold rises for couples with dependents, such as children:
- an extra £3,800 for the first kid
- More than £2,400 for each new child.
Legal Ways To Make Money
A number of sources may contribute to the revenue, such as:
- This includes both the sponsor’s and the applicant’s legitimate jobs outside of the UK.
- You may meet your present income criteria (currently £62,500) with a certain amount of savings. This may rise to £112,750 in 2024 if the same formula is used for the revised income threshold.
- State and private pensions are both included in the pension system.
- If you’re self-employed and keep detailed records, you may claim your company’s profits.
- All properties held by the couple, not including their primary house.
- If investment dividends are constant and verifiable, then yes.
Recently, there were changes to the financial thresholds that will have a big impact on the UK Spouse Visa Route in the coming months. If you want to apply for a spouse visa, spouse visa lawyers say you should do it as soon as possible so you don’t have to deal with the higher financial thresholds that will start to apply in spring 2024.
Feel free to get in touch with us at any time to chat with a spouse visa specialist or to begin the application process right now.
English Language Requirements
The spouse visa for the United Kingdom requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. For spouses seeking entrance clearance, the applicant’s English proficiency must be at least at the A1 CEFR level.
A recognised provider must administer the exam to the applicants. Examples of common tests are:
- IELTS for the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is an adaptation of the original IELTS test.
- Trinity College London is in charge of administering the ISE tests, which take place all over the United Kingdom.
- It is important to follow the provider’s instructions for the necessary test results.
A few candidates may be exempt from the requirement, including
- Those who are 65 years of age or older.
- People who are applying but are unable to complete the process due to health reasons.
- People who were born in a country where English is the native tongue
Accommodation Requirement for the UK Spouse Visa 2024
As part of the UK Spouse Visa application process, the applicant must arrange housing for their spouse. The Housing Act requires the applicant and sponsor to present proof of adequate, non-overcrowded housing for themselves and any dependents. There are no risks to the general population from it.
As long as there isn’t excessive congestion and everyone has their own sleeping space, it’s feasible to live with others. But short-term accommodation, like hotels, usually cannot be used as proof of staying.
List of Required 2024 Spouse Visa Documents
Some of the documents you’ll need to submit with your spouse’s visa application in the UK are:
- Passport: A valid passport or other papers that let you travel.
- UK Visa Relationship Proof: Documentation of a committed partnership, such as a marriage certificate, is required for a UK visa.
- Financial Support: Pay receipts, bank statements, savings certificates, and other documentation that satisfies the financial criteria.
- Results of an English Language Test (if relevant) from a recognised institution.
- Evidence of Accommodation: As said before,.
- Results of Tuberculosis (TB) Tests: For applicants from certain countries, results of Tuberculosis (TB) tests are required.
- Prior Immigration History: Your entire immigration history, including visa applications, rejections, and any communication related to immigration.
- Details of the Sponsor: This includes their passport, job information, etc.
- Documents for Children: Include children’s birth certificates and any other relevant documentation.
- Images: pictures that are passport-size and agree to UK regulations.
- Online Application: Completed and sent in the correct way.
To apply for a UK Spouse Visa 2024 successfully, you must be familiar with the necessary paperwork, have all of the necessary papers in the correct order, and provide information that is both clear and accurate.
Procedures for Applying for a UK Spouse Visa 2024
Anyone hoping to settle permanently in the UK with their partner or spouse must follow the steps outlined in the UK Spouse Visa application procedure. Applying for a UK Spouse Visa could seem difficult at first, but you can increase your chances of approval by familiarising yourself with the procedure and making sure you match all of the criteria.
1. The First Steps
Before starting the process of applying for a UK spouse visa 2024, you need to be well-versed in the type of visa you are seeking. Go over all the requirements that we went over before.
2. Picking the Right Application
The application for a UK spouse visa is normally filled out online, regardless of whether you are already residing in the UK or not. We accept spouse visa applications from anywhere in the world, not just the UK.
3. Fill Out the Application
The UK Spouse Visa application form must be filled out accurately.
Private Data: Please be as specific as possible when describing your spouse and yourself.
Meeting the Requirements: Carefully answer questions about the amount of money needed, your English language skills, your relationship situation, and where you will be staying.
4. Gather the Required Documents
The success of the spouse visa application depends on the supporting documentation, as mentioned before. The required documentation could change from one application to the next. So, gather all the necessary papers and make sure you have them all before you submit.
5. Schedule for Biometric Services
In order to apply for a spouse visa, you must first schedule a biometrics session. Your picture and biometric data will be taken here.
6. Submission
Send in your application when you’ve paid the cost. If you apply for a spouse visa from outside the UK, you’ll typically send your application and any related documents to a UK visa application centre in your home country. In the UK, just follow the online instructions.
Time and Cost of Processing
When applying for a UK spouse visa from outside the UK, the usual processing time is about twelve weeks. It might take up to eight weeks if you’re applying from the UK. For an extra fee, you may choose to have your order processed faster.
Fee for Application: For spouse visa applications submitted from outside the UK, the normal charge is £1,846 as of 2024, whereas applications submitted from inside the UK cost £1,048.
Medical Fee: National Health Service (NHS) access costs £1,035 per year.
Extra Premium Services: like faster processing or help at a Visa Application Centre, which are optional.
A trouble-free adjustment to living in the UK is possible if you prepare ahead to cover these expenses and submit your application when the processing times are right.
What Happens If My Spouse’s Visa Is Denied?
The rejection of your application for a UK Spouse Visa may be devastating, but it does not mean you are unable to visit or remain in the UK. Knowing what to do after receiving a rejection and understanding why can help you handle the issue better.
Typically, there are two main types of UK spouse visa denials:
Lack of Necessary Proof: Not presenting sufficient evidence of connection or financial means to get a UK Spouse Visa.
Application Errors: submitting the wrong paperwork or filling out the application form incorrectly.
Requirement for English Proficiency Not being able to achieve the necessary degree of proficiency in the English language.
If the authorities suspect that the couple is not being completely honest with each other, they may express their concerns.
You may be able to seek an administrative review or file an appeal if your application for a UK spouse visa is rejected. The basic procedures are as follows:
Read the refusal letter thoroughly: To find out why something was denied, read the letter thoroughly.
Think About Seeking Legal Counsel: Seek the advice of an attorney who focuses in immigration and visas to the United Kingdom.
Get ready for the appeal: Collect the proof you’ll need to refute the rejection grounds.
Appeal Submission: When filing an appeal or administrative review, be sure to refer to the rejection letter for specific instructions.
You must patiently wait for a decision: The appeal process may take many months to decide.
It could be wise to consider other options, like:
- One must apply for a fiancé visa in order to wed in the United Kingdom.
- You may apply for an unmarried partner visa if you and your partner have lived together in the United Kingdom for two years.
- Submitting a fresh application for a UK spouse visa is an option once you have addressed the grounds for denial.
- Gaining insight into the reasons behind the rejection and acting quickly may greatly influence the result. You should consult a lawyer since dealing with a denial is not an easy procedure.
Final Thoughts
Though it may seem difficult at first, couples may successfully apply for a UK spouse visa 2024 by following the paperwork checklist and preparing ahead of time.
It is critical to know exactly what you need to fulfil the criteria, regardless of whether you are already in the UK or applying from outside the UK. Finding an appropriate place to live in the UK is dependent on fulfilling all of the criteria, including those related to finances and English proficiency.
