Family & partners

Spouse & Partner Visa

Join your British or settled partner and build your life in the UK.

1,000+ applications handled, and none refused to date
Former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete & Priority application
Free appeal guarantee on Complete & Priority
Full service £699, £399 to start

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot Expert check £349 · Full service from £699

The spouse or partner visa lets you live in the UK with your husband, wife, civil partner or long-term unmarried partner who is British, Irish or settled here. You'll usually need to show a genuine relationship, a combined income of at least £29,000 a year (or enough savings) and basic English. It is granted in stages and normally leads to settlement after 5 years.

Home Office fee from: £1,407
Typical decision: Usually 12 weeks
Leads to settlement: Yes, after 5 years
Rules last checked: September 2026

From our Trustpilot reviews

18 Sep 2026

Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support

Graham W. · Trustpilot
21 Aug 2026

Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.

Rohan U. · Trustpilot

Excellent 4.9/5 · read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Read this before you apply

Why applications
get refused.

The Home Office doesn't refund fees for refused applications. These are among the most common reasons Spouse & Partner Visa applications fail, and exactly what our former-judge review is designed to catch.

A refusal would cost you £2,064 in Home Office application fees, which aren't refunded (the health surcharge is). And you'd lose months starting again, with a refusal to declare on future applications.

Financial evidence in the wrong form
The evidence rules are strict: missing payslips, bank statements that don't match the payslips, an employer letter without the required details or documents dated too early can all lead to refusal – even when the income is genuinely there.
Counting income that isn't allowed
Common mistakes include relying on the applicant's overseas salary, adding savings to self-employed income, or using savings that haven't been held for the full 6 months.
Doubts about the relationship
Thin or inconsistent evidence of contact, time spent together or living together – or conflicting answers at interview – can lead a caseworker to decide the relationship isn't genuine and subsisting.
The wrong English test
The test must be an approved SELT at the right level, taken at an approved test centre and still valid. A standard IELTS or a test from an unapproved provider won't be accepted.
Accommodation not shown to be adequate
You need to show where you'll live, that you have the right to live there (for example with the owner's permission) and that it won't be overcrowded. Leaving this out is a surprisingly common reason for refusal.
Previous marriages or an unrecognised marriage
If either of you was married before, you need the final divorce or dissolution document. A marriage that isn't legally recognised in the UK, such as some religious-only ceremonies, can also lead to refusal.
Undisclosed immigration or criminal history
Failing to declare a past refusal, overstay or conviction can be treated as deception, leading to refusal and possibly a bar on future applications. It is always better to disclose and explain.

Where AI chatbots go wrong on this routeMistakes AI tools commonly make on this route. Any one of them can mean a refusal, and a £2,064 application fee you won't get back.

Using the wrong income thresholdNew spouse applications need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year. Chatbots trained on older material still quote £18,600, which now only applies to couples extending on the route they first applied under before 11 April 2024. Apply on the wrong figure and the application fails on the money alone.
Getting the savings calculation wrongOnly cash savings above £16,000 count, they must have been held for at least 6 months, and any income shortfall is multiplied by 2.5. On an income of £20,000 you'd need £38,500 in savings, and relying on savings alone needs £88,500. Chatbots regularly skip a step or ignore the 6-month rule.
Choosing the wrong evidence route for your incomeIf your partner has been with their employer for less than 6 months, the Home Office also looks at what they earned over the previous 12 months, and the documents required change. Payslips, bank statements and the employer's letter must all match. A generic AI checklist doesn't know which route applies to you.
Counting income the rules don't allowFrom outside the UK your own overseas salary usually can't be counted. Self-employed income is assessed on the last full financial year and can't be combined with savings. Certain disability and carer's benefits change the requirement altogether. Chatbots often add up the wrong numbers.
Booking an English test that isn't acceptedYou need a pass at A1 or above from an approved Secure English Language Test provider, or a degree taught in English confirmed by Ecctis. Chatbots often suggest well-known tests or test versions that aren't on the approved list, and those results can't be used.
Relationship evidence without a strategyCaseworkers decide whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting by looking at your whole history: how you met, time spent together, how you've stayed in touch, any previous refusal. A chatbot produces a generic list of photos and messages. It can't spot the gaps a caseworker will question in your case.

Refused before? Or simply can't afford to be?

A former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete and Priority application we prepare before it's submitted. If it's refused anyway, our free appeal guarantee applies.

0203 468 4741

In their words

What our clients say

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot

18 Sep 2026

Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support

Graham W.Spouse / Partner
21 Aug 2026
Spouse Visa Extension
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.

Rohan U.Spouse / Partner
30 Jun 2026

John has supported me and my husband with spousal visa on point of entry and the 2 1/2 year renewal. Both times he has shown us patience and grace. Will definitely be using them in the 2 1/2 years which I look forward to. Thank you John!

DiamondSpouse / Partner
29 Jun 2026

John made applying for my wife’s spousal visa feel seamless, he was happy to take my calls and answer any questions I had and took all the stress out of the application process.

Josh S.Spouse / Partner
29 May 2026
If your looking for help with your UK immigration visa application
If your looking for help with your UK Immigration needs, i fully recommend Mayfair Immigration Solicitors. This is my wife's second round of Immigration application and we have used Mayfair both times. Excellent service and totally reliable. May I say a special Thank You to John he went above and beyond to help me and always took my calls, if not, rang back as soon as he was free. Kept me informed and up to date on progress and always available to help with any questions and the endless paperwork for this process. My heartfelt thanks to John and Mayfair, no need to look anywhere else if you are appliying for a UK Visa. Thanks 😀

David B.Spouse / Partner
22 Jan 2026
Best Immigration Solicitors.
I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.

NoriaSpouse / Partner
28 Oct 2025
Excellent and top quality service by Mayfair and John
John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.

Leonard J.Spouse / Partner
26 Sep 2025

We have used Mayfair on two occasions for my wife’s visa extensions, and on both instances their service has been outstanding. I would like to extend particular thanks to Mohsin for his professionalism and support throughout the process. The preparation of documents was thorough and clearly explained step by step, which gave us confidence and ensured a successful outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Mayfair to anyone seeking reliable immigration services.

Trustpilot reviewer ✓ VerifiedSpouse / Partner
26 Sep 2025

Thanks again to mister Mohsin for his professional assistance with our spouse visa journey! Amazing job!🙏

Trustpilot reviewerSpouse / Partner
31 Jul 2025

Honestly just the best experience working with this firm! Would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mohsin for being patient and talking my husband & I through the steps, collecting all the documents, and getting our UK spousal visa approved. Every step was straightforward and communication was excellent! Highly recommend this firm!

Yohita M.Spouse / Partner
24 Jul 2025
Mayfair Immigration were excellent
Mayfair Immigration were excellent throughout the whole process. John was excellent at communication with us and providing us with clear information. Often they made themselves available even over the weekend period to assist with some queries. Thanks to their support and assistance myself and wife had a successful first spousal visa after 20 working days. I would definitely recommend them with both complex and straightforward applications and will be using them again for future visa applications. Huge shoutout to John for all his help.

Sophia J.Spouse / Partner
10 Mar 2026
Excellent service
Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.

Shahidah M.

Read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Who it's for

You can apply if one statement from each group below describes you, and you meet all the eligibility requirements further down.

Your relationshipOne of these

You're married, or in a civil partnership, that's recognised in the UK
or
You're not married but have lived together in a relationship like a marriage for at least 2 years

Your partnerOne of these

Is a British or Irish citizen
or
Is settled in the UK, for example with indefinite leave to remain or settled status
or
Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
or
Has EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021

Where you're applying fromOne of these

Outside the UK, for your first partner visa
or
Inside the UK, switching from another visa where the rules allow it
or
Inside the UK, extending the partner visa you already hold

Eligibility requirements

You'll need to meet every one of these. Each has its own evidence rules, and that's where applications most often go wrong.

01
Your partner's status

Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen, be settled in the UK (for example with indefinite leave to remain), have pre-settled status having started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status. source
02
Age

You and your partner must both be 18 or over on the date you apply. source
03
A genuine relationship

You must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years. You must have met in person, and your relationship must be genuine and continuing. source
04
Previous relationships ended

Any previous marriage or civil partnership either of you had must have permanently broken down, and you must both intend to live together permanently in the UK. source
05
Financial requirement

You usually need a combined gross income of at least £29,000 a year, cash savings, or a mix of the two. This does not apply if your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits, but you must then show you can support yourselves without public funds. source
06
Suitable accommodation

You must have adequate accommodation for your family, which you own or occupy exclusively, which won't be overcrowded and which you can live in without claiming public funds. source
07
English language

You must pass an approved English test in speaking and listening at level A1 or above, hold a degree taught in English, or be exempt – for example as a national of a majority English-speaking country or if you're aged 65 or over. source
08
Immigration history and character

Your application can be refused under the suitability rules, for example because of certain criminal convictions, previous breaches of immigration law or giving false information. source

Financial requirement

You and your partner usually need a combined gross income of at least £29,000 a year. Cash savings above £16,000 can make up a shortfall, or you can rely on savings alone. source

The £29,000 threshold is the same whether or not you have children.
If you first applied as a partner or fiancé(e) before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, the old threshold of £18,600 applies, plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child who isn't British or settled (capped at £29,000).
Savings above £16,000 are divided by 2.5 and counted towards the target. For example, with an income of £20,000 you would need £38,500 in savings (£16,000 + 2.5 × £9,000). To rely on savings alone you need £88,500.
Savings must be held in cash, in an account you can access, in your name, your partner's name or jointly, for at least 6 months before you apply.
Employment income must usually be earned in the UK. If you're applying from abroad, your own overseas salary doesn't count. If your partner is moving back to the UK with you, they can use their overseas job but will usually also need a UK job offer starting within 3 months of their return, and both salaries must meet the requirement.
If your partner has worked for their current employer for less than 6 months, they must also show they earned the required amount over the previous 12 months. Self-employed income is assessed on the last full financial year (or an average of the last two) and cannot be combined with savings.
If your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits (such as Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance or Attendance Allowance), you only need to show you can maintain and accommodate yourselves adequately without public funds.

English language

For your first partner visa you need English speaking and listening at CEFR level A1 or above from an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider, or a degree taught in English (an overseas degree needs confirmation from Ecctis). When you extend after 2 years and 6 months you need at least A2, and when you apply to settle you need B1 – rising to B2 for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027. You're exempt if you're a national of a listed majority English-speaking country, aged 65 or over, or have a physical or mental condition that prevents you meeting the requirement. source

How to apply, step by step

1
Check which route fits
Confirm your partner's status, your relationship evidence and whether you meet the financial and English requirements – or whether you'll need to rely on an exception.
2
Gather the specified evidence
Collect financial documents in the exact format the rules require. Evidence covering a period up to the date you apply should be dated no earlier than 28 days before you apply.
3
Book any tests
Take an approved English test if you need one and, if you're applying from a listed country, a TB test at an approved clinic.
4
Apply online and pay
Complete the online form from outside or inside the UK, then pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge.
5
Prove your identity and upload documents
Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre (outside the UK) or a UKVCAS appointment (in the UK), or use the ID Check app if you're told you can.
6
Get your decision
If you're approved you'll get an eVisa. You'll later need to extend your visa and then apply to settle once you've completed 5 years.

Processing times

Applying from outside the UKUsually 12 weekssource

Priority service from outside the UK (where available)Usually up to 30 working dayssource

Extending or switching in the UK (meeting the income and English rules)Usually 8 weekssource

Applying in the UK without meeting the income and English rulesCurrently about 12 monthssource

Super priority service in the UKUsually by the end of the next working daysource

Costs

Home Office fee	Amount
Application fee – outside the UK (per person) source	£2,064
Application fee – extending or switching in the UK (per person) source	£1,407
Priority service – outside the UK (optional) (per person) source	£500
Super priority service – in the UK (optional) (per person) source	£1,000
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year of visa) source	£1,035

Home Office fees only, paid directly to the Home Office. Our own fixed fees are separate and set out in the packages on this page.

Paid up front for the length of the visa. A 2 year 9 month visa from outside the UK is charged as 3 years: £3,105 per adult (£2,328 per child at £776 a year). A 2 year 6 month extension in the UK costs £2,587.50 per adult (£1,940 per child).

Fixed-fee representation

One fixed fee, agreed before we start, for your Spouse / Partner application. No hourly billing, never paid all up front, and Complete and Priority carry our free appeal guarantee.

Application Check

You prepare it. A solicitor checks it and tells you exactly what to fix.

£349 Fixed fee · Written report in 48 hours

Best for: You've prepared the application yourself, perhaps with an AI tool, and want an expert check before you pay the Home Office.

Prepared by: You, reviewed by a solicitor
Evidence reviewed document by document: With written fix suggestions
Consultation calls: 1 call to go through your report
Turnaround: Report in 48 hours
Income and savings calculation checked against the £29,000 rule

Not a full case: no former-judge review and no appeal guarantee. You submit the application yourself.

How you pay

£349One payment when you instruct us

You submit the application yourself

Recommended

Complete

Your own dedicated solicitor, from first call to decision

£699 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 72 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Most people. Especially if anything about your case is less than simple.

Prepared by: Your dedicated solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Consultation calls: Unlimited
Turnaround: Ready in 72 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Free appeal guarantee
Financial evidence checked against the specified-evidence rules

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£150When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£150Before we submit your application

Includes our free appeal guarantee

Priority

A senior solicitor, every extra piece of evidence, fastest turnaround

£999 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 48 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Complex histories, previous refusals, tight deadlines, or when you simply want the most thorough case.

Prepared by: Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Supporting statements drafted for you
Consultation calls: Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround: Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Free appeal guarantee
Relationship history and sponsor statements drafted for you
Property inspection report for your accommodation evidence

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£300When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£300Before we submit your application

Includes our free appeal guarantee

How payment works

You never pay the whole fee up front. For Complete and Priority you pay £399 to start, then the balance in two equal stages as your case moves forward.

1£399When you instruct us
2Stage 2When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
3Stage 3Before we submit your application

Complete and Priority both include

Every form completed and checked against the current rules
A tailored document checklist for your circumstances
Legal representation letter setting out how you meet each rule
A former UK immigration judge's review before submission
Help booking your biometrics appointment
Progress tracking and updates until a decision
Free appeal if we're refused, under our guarantee

Compare the packages side by side

Feature	Application Check£349	Complete£699	Priority£999
Prepared by	You, reviewed by a solicitor	Your dedicated solicitor	Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you	–	✓	✓
Evidence reviewed document by document	With written fix suggestions	✓	✓
Former immigration judge review before submission	–	✓	✓
Supporting statements drafted for you	–	–	✓
Consultation calls	1 call to go through your report	Unlimited	Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround	Report in 48 hours	Ready in 72 hours	Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone	–	✓	✓
Free appeal guarantee	–	✓	✓
How you pay	£349 up front	£399 to start£150 after your questionnaire£150 before submission	£399 to start£300 after your questionnaire£300 before submission
Extras for this visa	Income and savings calculation checked against the £29,000 rule	Financial evidence checked against the specified-evidence rules	Relationship history and sponsor statements drafted for youProperty inspection report for your accommodation evidence

Fixed professional fees. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately, straight to the Home Office. For this visa, Home Office fees start from £1,407; see the full breakdown in costs & timings.

Duration & settlement

How long it lasts

From outside the UK you get up to 2 years and 9 months; an extension or switch in the UK gives a further 2 years and 6 months.

Route to settlement

You can usually apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 continuous years as a partner (time as a fiancé(e) or on other visas doesn't count). If you were granted under an exception rather than meeting the full requirements, the earliest you can settle is after 10 years.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work on a spouse visa?

Yes. You can work and study in the UK. You cannot usually claim benefits or other public funds.

Can I switch to a spouse visa from inside the UK?

Usually, yes, if you're here on another visa. You'll normally have to leave and apply from abroad if you're a visitor or your visa is for 6 months or less – unless you're here on a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa.

Does my own income count?

If you're applying from outside the UK, your overseas earnings don't count towards the £29,000. Your partner's UK income, certain other income and savings held by either of you can. Once you're in the UK with permission to work, your UK earnings can be combined with your partner's when you extend.

How much savings do we need if we have no income?

£88,500 – that is £16,000 plus 2.5 times the £29,000 requirement – held in cash for at least 6 months before you apply.

What if we can't meet the financial requirement?

If your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits, a different 'adequate maintenance' test applies. Otherwise you may still qualify if refusal would breach your human rights or you have a British child who couldn't reasonably leave the UK – but you'd then be on a 10-year route to settlement.

My partner is in the UK on a work or student visa. Can I use this route?

No. Family visas are for partners of British, Irish or settled people and certain other groups. You would need to apply as a dependant on your partner's visa instead.

Can I get a faster decision?

From outside the UK, a priority service (usually up to 30 working days) is available in many countries for £500. In the UK you may be able to pay £1,000 for super priority, with a decision usually by the end of the next working day.

Will the English requirement go up before I settle?

For many people, yes. Settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027 will need English at B2 rather than B1. If you expect to apply to settle after that date, plan for the higher level early.

How we help with your Spouse / Partner application

01
Test your income, savings and employment history against Appendix FM and FM-SE before you apply, and identify the strongest way to meet the £29,000 requirement.
02
Build a clear, well-organised bundle of relationship evidence that anticipates the caseworker's questions.
03
Prepare your partner's financial documents, employer letters and savings declarations in the exact format the rules require.
04
Advise on switching from inside the UK, the 10-year route and human rights exceptions where the standard rules can't be met.
05
Draft legal representations explaining anything unusual, such as time apart, previous refusals, self-employment or complex income.
06
Deal with a refusal through an appeal or a stronger fresh application that fixes what went wrong.

Free consultation

Talk it through with a specialist.

No obligation, and a clear quote before any work starts. Every Complete and Priority application we prepare is reviewed by a former UK immigration judge before it's submitted.

or call 0203 468 4741

Why not just ask a chatbot?

An AI chatbot

Out-of-date thresholds, fees and English levels
Confident answers that are simply wrong
No view of your actual evidence
No accountability when it goes wrong
Your sensitive data pasted into a public tool

A Mayfair Immigration specialist

Current rules, checked against official guidance and the Immigration Rules
Every document reviewed against the evidence requirements
A former immigration judge's review before submission (Complete and Priority)
One named solicitor who is accountable for your case
A free appeal if we're refused, on routes with a right of appeal

Spouse & Partner Visa

Free consultation

From our Trustpilot reviews

Why applicationsget refused.

Financial evidence in the wrong form

Counting income that isn't allowed

Doubts about the relationship

The wrong English test

Accommodation not shown to be adequate

Previous marriages or an unrecognised marriage

Undisclosed immigration or criminal history

What our clients say

Who it's for

Eligibility requirements

Your partner's status

Age

A genuine relationship

Previous relationships ended

Financial requirement

Suitable accommodation

English language

Immigration history and character

Financial requirement

English language

Documents checklist

How to apply, step by step

Check which route fits

Gather the specified evidence

Book any tests

Apply online and pay

Prove your identity and upload documents

Get your decision

Processing times

Costs

Fixed-fee representation

Duration & settlement

Frequently asked questions

How we help with your Spouse / Partner application

Why not just ask a chatbot?

Sources

Where this leads next.

Why applications
get refused.