The UK Spouse Visa (officially a partner visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules) allows the foreign national spouse or civil partner of a UK citizen or settled person to live in the UK. It is one of the most applied-for visas and also one of the most commonly refused.
There are two main routes: an initial entry clearance visa from abroad, and a Further Leave to Remain application (FLR(M)) for those already in the UK. Both require meeting the same core financial and relationship requirements.
| Requirement | Current position (2026) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) | £29,000 per year gross |
| Effective from | April 2024 (increased from £18,600) |
| Proposed further increases | Further proposed increases to £34,500 and then £38,700 were paused in June 2025 — no changes enacted |
| Who can count income | The UK sponsor's income. Some applicant income may be counted in FLR(M) cases. |
| Savings alternative | Savings of at least £88,500 can substitute for shortfalls in income (complex rules apply) |
Key point: The MIR is calculated on the sponsor's income alone for initial entry clearance. The income must be genuine, verifiable, and sustained — casual or zero-hours work without a consistent earnings history is scrutinised carefully.
Current application fees: FLR(M) — £1,258 (in-country). Entry clearance — varies by country. ILR fee: £3,226 from 8 April 2026.
UK spouse visa refusals are common — the refusal rate has increased significantly since the income threshold rise. If your application is refused:
Refusal appeal letter: A well-drafted appeal or Administrative Review letter addressing the specific refusal reasons is critical. Generic letters are rarely successful. The letter must engage directly with the Presenting Officer's reasons and provide evidence to rebut each point.
| Stage | When | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Initial spouse visa | Day 1 | Meet MIR, genuine relationship, suitable accommodation |
| FLR(M) extension | After 30 months | Same requirements, continuous cohabitation with sponsor |
| ILR | After 5 years total | Life in the UK test, English language B1, absence limit (180 days per rolling 12 months) |
| British citizenship | After 1 year with ILR | Life in the UK test, good character, 12 months with ILR |
DocPilot's immigration templates cover every stage — spouse visa declaration letters, FLR(M) cover letters, ILR support letters, and refusal appeal letters. All updated April 2026.
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