At First Migration, we appreciate that applying for a UK Partner Visa is a significant and often emotional step. Whether you’re joining your spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner, understanding the necessary legal criteria is crucial. This comprehensive 2025 guide provides clear explanations of every requirement, ensuring you approach your application with complete confidence.
The UK Partner Visa, also known as a Spouse Visa/Civil Partner Visa/Unmarried Partner Visa, allows non-UK nationals to live in the UK with their British/Irish or settled partner (including Europeans living in the UK on EU Pre-Settled and Settled Status). It falls within the Family Migration category under Appendix FMof the Immigration Rules.
You can apply as a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner, provided you have been living together in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least two years. Initially granted for 2.5 years, this visa can be extended for a further 2.5 years, potentially leading to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and even British Citizenship.
Eligibility for a UK Partner Visa requires meeting specific criteria. Your sponsoring partner in the UK must either be a British citizen, possess Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or have Refugee status or Humanitarian Protection.
As the visa applicant, you must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsor, and clearly intend to establish your life together permanently in the UK. The sponsor (and applicant if permitted) must also show they can satisfy the Appendix FM minimum income requirement of £29,000 per annum (or minimum daily savings for 6 months of £88,500).
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) closely examines the authenticity and durability of your relationship. You must clearly evidence your marital status through legal documentation if married or in a civil partnership. Unmarried partners need to show a minimum of two years of cohabitation, akin to a marital relationship.
Providing extensive evidence, such as marriage certificates, joint financial documents, tenancy agreements, utility bills, personal photographs, communication history, and supportive letters from family and friends, is essential. Detailed, well-presented evidence significantly reduces the risk of refusal, a common issue when documentation is insufficient or incomplete.
From April 2024, applicants must meet an annual financial requirement of £29,000 gross income (before tax). This can be demonstrated through employment or self-employment income from the sponsor, joint household income (if both partners reside in the UK and can work legally), pensions, or certain eligible welfare benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Alternatively, substantial cash savings of at least £88,500, maintained for six months or more, can satisfy the financial criteria. If your annual income is below the required threshold, your cash savings can help bridge the gap through a defined calculation method. Clear and current financial documentation, including payslips, bank statements, employer references, and annual income statements (P60s), must support your financial claims.
Suitable accommodation is an important component of your visa application. You must demonstrate access to secure, adequate housing in the UK that doesn’t rely on public funds. This means you or your sponsor must legally own or rent the property, which must be safe, habitable, and compliant with space standards outlined in the Housing Act 1985. Documentation supporting your accommodation claim typically includes tenancy agreements, Land Registry documents/mortgage statements, landlord letters, utility and council tax bills, and property inspection reports (highly recommended).
An essential part of your visa application is proving your English language proficiency. You can fulfil this requirement by passing a recognised English language test at level A1 (for your initial visa), holding an academic degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis), or being a national of a majority English-speaking country (USA/Australia/Canada/Jamaica, etc.). Ensure your language test is conducted at an officially approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) centre.
Applicants from countries specified on the UKVI’s TB testing list must undergo a tuberculosis screening at an approved medical centre. Including a valid TB test certificate with your visa application is mandatory if you come from a country on the UKVI’s TB list.
Applying for a UK Partner Visa involves several straightforward but critical steps. Begin by researching the rules and requirements and gathering the required supporting documents. Next, you will need to complete the online application form, pay the required visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and book your biometric appointment.
The current fees for a UK Partner Visa in 2025 are £1,938 for applications outside the UK and £1,321 for those within. The Immigration Health Surcharge stands at £1,035 annually. In some locations, priority services are available to expedite the process costing between £500 – £1,000.
Your application must be supported by key documents, including your online visa form, valid passports, relationship proof, financial records, accommodation evidence, English language proficiency documentation, and TB test certificate(s) if required. All documents should be carefully scanned, and the files perfectly named for online submission.
Applications are often refused due to insufficient relationship evidence, outdated or incomplete financial records, failure to meet English language standards, inadequate proof of cohabitation (for unmarried couples), or simple mistakes on the application form. Working with a qualified immigration consultant significantly enhances your chances of success by mitigating these common pitfalls.
Since our founding in 2007, First Migration has successfully supported over 45,000 clients through their UK visa journeys. Our experienced IAA-regulated consultants provide personalised, thorough guidance, maintaining a 5-star Trustpilot rating. We offer transparent, fixed fees without hidden costs and fully support our clients from initial application to post-decision.
If you’re ready to start your UK Partner Visa application or simply wish to assess your eligibility, contact First Migration using the call-back request form on this page. Our dedicated team will offer a complimentary initial eligibility assessment to guide you confidently through every step of your application journey.
