Applying for a UK Spousal Visa is now fully online. This change happened because of the UKVI eVisa system in 2026. You no longer get a physical card. Everything is digital. The process starts on the official UK government website. You must show that your relationship is real and true. You also need to meet the money rules. First, go to the GOV.UK website. Create an account if you do not have one. Fill in the online form with your details. Upload all your papers. Pay the fees online. Then, book an appointment at a visa centre to give your fingerprints and photo if you apply from outside the UK.
The Home Office checks two main things. These are suitability and eligibility. Suitability means no bad history or fraud. Eligibility means you meet the rules for relationship, money, and English. The whole process takes time. Be patient and send true information.
Navigating the UKVI eVisa 2026 Transition
In the past, people got a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This was a plastic card. Now, in 2026, all new visas are eVisas. No more physical cards for new applications. An eVisa is your online immigration status. You get access to it through a UKVI account. After your visa is approved, you set up this account. You use it to prove your right to live and work in the UK.
To set up your account, go to the GOV.UK site. Follow the steps to create a UKVI account. Link it to your application. You can share your status with employers or landlords easily. They check it online with your permission.
If you had an old BRP, you may need to switch to eVisa. But for new spouse visa in 2026, it is all digital from the start. This makes things faster and safer. No lost cards. Always keep your login details safe.
UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2026: What You Need to Qualify
To get a UK Settlement Visa for your partner, you must meet clear rules. The Home Office wants to stop fake applications. So, they check everything carefully. You need to show you are suitable. This means no criminal record or past visa problems. You also need to meet eligibility rules. These include relationship proof, English skills, money, and accommodation.
Gather all your evidence early. Make copies. Send clear scans. Wrong or missing papers can lead to refusal.
Proving a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
Your marriage or partnership must be real. You cannot fake it. The Home Office looks for proof that you live like a true couple. Good evidence includes joint bank accounts or bills. Show you share money. Photos from trips together help. Messages and call logs show you talk often. Letters from family and friends can support your story.
If you met online, explain how. Show travel history if you visited each other. For unmarried partners, prove you lived together for two years.
Be honest. If something looks fake, they may refuse. Many people get refused because proof is weak.
Meeting the English Language Requirement A1/A2/B1
You must show English skills. This is for speaking and listening. The level depends on your application. For first-time applicants, you need A1 level. This is basic English. Take a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Approved tests include IELTS Life Skills or Pearson PTE Home. If you extend after 2.5 years, you may need A2. If you pass higher like B1, you can use it later for settlement.
Some people do not need the test. If you are from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English, you may skip it.
Prepare well. Practice the test. Book early at an approved centre.
Spouse Visa UK Financial Requirements 2026: The £38,700 Threshold
Money is very important for spouse visa. The sponsor (the UK partner) must show enough income. This stops the family from needing public help. The minimum income is £29,000 per year now in 2026. Earlier plans said £38,700, but the government kept it at £29,000 after review. This is gross income before tax.
The sponsor can use salary from work. Self-employment income counts too if you show accounts. Pension or other allowed income works. If there are children, the threshold stays £29,000 for new applicants after April 2024. No extra for kids in most cases.
Show proof like payslips for six months. Or tax returns if self-employed.
Utilizing the Cash Savings Route 2026
If income is low, use savings. This is called the cash savings route. You need savings over £16,000. Only the amount above £16,000 counts. To meet £29,000 without income, you need £88,500 in savings. The rule is (income needed x 2.5) + £16,000. Savings must be in a bank account. Held for at least six months. Show bank statements.
You can mix income and savings. For example, if income is £20,000, calculate how much savings to add. Savings must be from allowed sources. No loans or gifts in some cases.
Understanding the Adequate Maintenance Test
Some sponsors get certain benefits like PIP or DLA. They do not use the £29,000 rule. Instead, they use the Adequate Maintenance Test. This checks if the family has enough money after rent and bills. No public funds needed.
Calculate income minus housing costs. Then see if it covers living needs. Show evidence of benefits and costs. This is for disabled sponsors or specific cases.
Moving to the UK as a Spouse 2026: Costs and Timelines
Moving costs money. Plan your budget. The visa fee is around £1,938 from outside the UK. Inside the UK, it is £1,321. You pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is about £1,035 per year. For 2.5 years, it is over £2,500. It gives NHS access.
Other costs include English test, translations, and travel to visa centre. Processing time is usually 12 weeks for standard from outside. Inside UK, about 8 weeks.
Calculating the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) 2026
- Everyone pays IHS upfront. It is for health care.
- In 2026, it is £1,035 per year for adults. For kids under 18, it is £776 per year.
- For a 33-month visa (2.75 years), calculate full years plus part. Pay exact amount online.
- This fee is separate from visa fee. No refund if refused.
Standard vs. Priority Service 2026 Processing Times
- Standard service takes normal time. About 12 weeks outside UK.
- Priority service is faster. Super Priority can give decision in 24 hours or next day. But it costs extra.
- Check if available in your country. Book early for fast options.
The 5-Year Route to Settlement and Beyond
The spouse visa is for 2.5 years first. Then extend for another 2.5 years. After 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is permanent stay.
- You must meet rules each time. Same relationship and money proof.
- After 5 years, pass Life in the UK Test. This is about British life and history.
- Also show English at B1 level or higher.
Then you get permanent residency.
Switching Status: Leave to Enter vs. Leave to Remain
- If you apply from outside the UK, it is Leave to Enter. You get entry clearance.
- If you are already in UK on another visa like work or study, you switch inside. This is Leave to Remain.
- Choose the right form. Outside is entry clearance. Inside is FLR(M) extension.
- Rules are similar but forms differ.
Life in the UK Test 2026 and Final Residency
For ILR after 5 years, take the Life in the UK Test. Study the book. It has questions on history, government, and daily life.
- Pass the test. Then apply for settlement.
- You need good character. No big crimes.
- After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship later.
- This is the full path to stay forever.
Would you like me to create a “Checklist for Appendix FM Financial Evidence” to help you organize your bank statements and payslips correctly?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources before making decisions.