If you’re thinking about living in the UK with your loved one, understanding the visa process can seem complicated. There are a lot of rules and a mountain of paperwork to handle. But don’t worry, this guide is here to make it simple for you. Tham will explain everything you need to know about the 2025 family visa application. That’ll cover who can apply, what documents you need, and the steps to follow. This article is a simple, easy to read resource. It gives you clear up to date information to help you apply for or extend your UK partner visa. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of the requirements. You’ll have a clear path to begin your new life in the UK.
A UK Partner or Spouse Visa allows you to live in the UK with your partner. To apply you and your partner must both be 18 or older. Your partner, who will sponsor your visa, must be a British or Irish citizen or have certain types of settled status or visas in the UK.
Who is an Eligible UK Partner
Your partner must have one of these immigration statuses
- They are a British or Irish citizen.
- They have settled status in the UK, such as indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
- They have pre settled status from the EU Switzerland, Norway Iceland or Liechtenstein and have been living in the UK since before January 1, 2021.
- They hold a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa.
- They have a protection status like refugee status or humanitarian protection.
You and your partner must genuinely plan to live together permanently in the UK. If your partner has a settled or pre-settled status you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.
Proving Your Relationship What Documents Do You Need?
- The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires clear evidence of your relationship. You’ll need to prove one of the following.
- You are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognized in the UK.
- You have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years at the time of your application.
- You are a fiance fiancee or proposed civil partner and plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
- You have been in a relationship for at least 2 years but cannot live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons.
- You are in a marriage or civil partnership that is officially recognized in the UK.
- You have been living together in a committed relationship for at least two years.
- You are a fiancé or fiancée and plan to marry or become civil partners in the UK within six months of your arrival.
- You have been in a relationship for at least two years but have not been able to live together. This could be due to your job, studies, or cultural reasons.
How to Prove Your Relationship
To prove your relationship is genuine, you’ll need to send clear, official documents. These documents should be from the government, a bank, a landlord, or a medical professional, and they must be less than four years old.
- Here are some examples of what you can use.
- A marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate.
- Joint tenancy agreements or bills (like utility or Council Tax) that show you both live at the same address.
- Bank statements from a joint bank account.
- A letter from your doctor or dentist confirming that you live at the same address.
If you cannot live together because of work or cultural reasons, you must show you are still committed to each other. You can do this by providing evidence of:
- Regular communication (for example, phone records or messages).
- Financial support for each other.
- Time you have spent together, like on holidays.
Meeting the Financial and English Language Requirements
- You must also prove you can support yourselves in the UK without relying on public funds. This is known as the financial requirement. You’ll need to demonstrate a certain level of income, which can be met through employment, savings, or other sources.
- Additionally, you’ll need to prove you have a good knowledge of English. This is usually done by passing an approved English language test or holding a degree taught in English.
- Tip: If you cannot meet these requirements, you may still be able to apply under special circumstances, such as if you have a child in the UK who is a British citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years.
How to Apply Extend or Switch
The way you apply depends on where you are right now. If you are not in the UK, you have to apply online from outside the UK. They usually decide within 12 weeks.If you are already in the UK, you have to apply online from inside the UK. They usually decide in about 8 weeks if you have enough money and can speak English well. If you don’t, it could take up to 12 months for them to decide.This visa lets you stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months. However, if you come to the UK to get married or form a civil partnership, your initial visa is only valid for 6 months. After that, you’ll need to apply to stay longer.
Your Path to Permanent Residency
The earliest you can apply to settle permanently in the UK (known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) is after living in the UK for 5 years continuously on a family visa as a partner. Any time spent in the UK on a different type of visa, or as a fiancé, does not count toward these 5 years.
Applying for a UK family visa
Applying for a UK family visa involves a few key steps. First, you’ll complete an online application form, carefully preparing all your supporting documents like proof of relationship and finances. You can find the official application portal and detailed guidance at https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse. After submitting your online application, you’ll attend an appointment to provide