Requirements Overview

Explore the official UK spouse visa requirements from gov.uk. Click through to read the full official guidance.

This is information, not advice. The summaries below are based on gov.uk content. Click through to read the official guidance. You decide what applies to your situation.

For advice on whether you meet the requirements, please consult a regulated immigration adviser.

Official Government Guidance

All requirements are published on gov.uk

Visit gov.uk

Financial Requirement

The published minimum income requirement is currently £29,000 per year.

View on gov.uk

Document Requirements

Various documents are required including passport, marriage certificate, and financial evidence.

View on gov.uk

Relationship Requirements

The relationship must be genuine and subsisting. Evidence of your relationship is required.

View on gov.uk

Accommodation

Adequate accommodation must be available in the UK for the family.

View on gov.uk

English Language Requirements

Most applicants must prove their English language ability at a specific level. The required level depends on which stage of the visa process you are at. This is based on the official gov.uk guidance.

Initial Entry (Entry Clearance)

CEFR A1 — Speaking & Listening

Spouse visa, fiancé(e) visa, or unmarried partner visa — first application from outside the UK

Accepted Tests for A1

IELTS Life Skills— IELTS SELT Consortium

A1 and B1 tests available. Most widely recognised SELT for family visas.

GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English)— Trinity College London

Grade 2 for A1, Grade 4 for A2, Grade 5 for B1. Face-to-face speaking and listening exam.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT— LanguageCert

Speaking and listening test available at A1, A2, and B1. Can be taken online.

PSI Skills for English (UKVI)— PSI Services

Computer-based speaking and listening test at approved test centres.

Exemptions

You may not need to take a test if any of the following apply:

▶Majority English-speaking country

Nationals of certain countries are exempt, including: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA.

▶Academic qualification taught in English

A degree-level qualification or above that was taught or researched in English. Must be recognised by UK NARIC (Ecctis) as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or above.

▶Age exemption (65 or over)

Applicants aged 65 or over at the date of application are exempt from the English language requirement.

▶Age exemption (under 18)

Applicants under 18 at the date of application are exempt from the English language requirement.

▶Disability or illness

Applicants with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement may be exempt. Medical evidence is required.

Approved SELT list English language guidance Family visa English knowledge

Source: gov.uk/english-language. Requirements may change — always check the official guidance.

TB Test Checker

Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate based on your country of residence. This is based on the official Home Office list.

Source: gov.uk/tb-test-visa. Requirements may change — always check the official list.

Additional Official Resources

This page summarises publicly available information from gov.uk. It is not immigration advice. Requirements may change. Always check gov.uk for the latest official information. You are responsible for understanding and meeting the requirements for your application.