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) — £1,407 (in-country). Entry clearance from outside the UK — £2,064. ILR fee: £3,226 from 8 April 2026.
UK spouse visa refusals are common. 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 decision-maker'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 | Straight after ILR if married to a British citizen (otherwise 12 months after ILR) | Good character, residence requirements, Life in the UK test and English (already met if used for ILR) |
DocPilot's immigration templates cover every stage — spouse visa declaration letters, FLR(M) cover letters, ILR support letters, and refusal appeal letters. Check each product page for its last review date.
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