Spouse & partner visas

A clear starting point

Build your life together in the UK with a clearer understanding of the partner route. This page sets out the questions to consider before choosing an application and paying any charges.

Married couples, civil partners and eligible unmarried partners seeking to live together, rather than make a short visit. The correct approach depends on the exact permission, application location and immigration history involved. A similar-looking case may be subject to a different rule or transitional arrangement.

Who is this for?

Married couples, civil partners and eligible unmarried partners seeking to live together, rather than make a short visit.

General eligibility and requirements

The sponsoring partner’s status, the relationship, financial evidence, accommodation and English requirements all need to be assessed. Transitional rules can affect the financial test.

Check the current official guidance for the intended submission date. If you have a previous refusal, an approaching expiry date or a change in circumstances, include that in your initial enquiry. These details may affect what is possible and how urgently you need advice.

Supporting documents

A useful evidence file addresses the specific requirements, with clear dates and consistent personal details. Depending on your circumstances, the following may be relevant:

• Marriage or civil partnership evidence where relevant
• a relationship timeline
• sponsor status
• income and bank evidence
• accommodation
• English evidence

This is a preparation list, not an exhaustive submission checklist. Check required formats, relevant evidence periods and translation requirements. Keep an exact copy of the final application and evidence. See our document preparation guide for a practical way to organise your records.

The application process

1. Establish which partner provisions apply by checking the sponsor’s status, relationship history and any previous family permission. Separate entry clearance, switching and extension questions.
2. Choose the correct financial evidence category before collecting records. Reconcile employment, self-employment or other eligible income evidence with the applicable period and supporting bank records.
3. Build a relationship and residence timeline. Check accommodation and English evidence, complete the appropriate partner application and retain the final submitted bundle.

For appeals, protection and employer compliance matters, the relevant procedure may be a review, tribunal process or ongoing duty rather than a visa application. The official source below identifies the appropriate starting point.

Government fees & processing times

Professional fees are separate from government charges. Ask for a written quote confirming scope, any VAT, exclusions and additional costs. Our fees information explains what to clarify. Paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or a decision by a particular date.

Common issues to consider

Using the wrong financial evidence period, unexplained time apart, inconsistent addresses and assuming that marriage alone establishes eligibility.

Where a record is missing or inconsistent, explain the issue honestly and establish which evidence can address it. Do not amend a document to make it appear to meet a requirement. For help preparing for a discussion, read our consultation preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions