UK spouse/partner visa 2026: length, income and the route to settlement

The UK family visa on the partner route (often called a spouse visa) lets you live in the UK with a spouse or long-term partner. The sponsoring partner must be a British or Irish citizen, or hold settled/pre-settled or another qualifying status. Both of you must be 18 or over.

How long is the visa for?

Applying from outside the UK, the visa is granted for 2 years 9 months. It can then be extended: each extension, or a switch onto this route from inside the UK, gives a further 2 years 6 months. You can extend more than once.

When can you apply for settlement?

The earliest is after 5 years living continuously in the UK on a family visa as a partner. Time on other visas, and time as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, does not count towards those five years. After settlement (indefinite leave to remain) a route to citizenship opens.

What are the relationship requirements?

You must prove one of: a UK-recognised marriage or civil partnership; living together for at least 2 years when you apply; that you are a fiancé(e) who will marry within 6 months of arriving; or that you have been in a relationship for at least 2 years but could not live together for good reasons (work, study, culture). Evidence must come from a government body, bank, landlord, utility provider or medical professional, and be less than 4 years old.

Income and English

There is a minimum income requirement — the amount is set by the Home Office, so check the current figure on GOV.UK before you apply. You must also prove a good knowledge of English (a separate page sets out the levels and exemptions).

How long does a decision take?

Applications from outside the UK usually get a decision in about 12 weeks. Applications inside the UK that meet the financial and English requirements take about 8 weeks; otherwise it can be up to 12 months. Plan ahead and do not buy non-refundable tickets before a decision.