Family reunion visa in the UK
British nationals or those holding permanent residence in the United Kingdom are entitled to apply to bring their partner or spouse to the UK. Partner visas are available to those married to (or in a relationship with) a British citizen, an EU citizen or even a non-EU citizen.
These visas are officially referred to as the "family reunion visa with a person with indefinite leave to remain in the UK", and this makes it relatively easy for partners or spouses of British citizens to join them in the UK.
Who can apply for a spouse visa in the United Kingdom?
You can apply for this visa if you are married to a British citizen or to someone who has the right to live and work in the UK or who has settled status in the UK (i.e. someone who holds a valid visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)).
Work in the United Kingdom without restrictions.
The visa to join your partner or spouse allows you to live and work in the UK for an initial period of two and a half years, and you may also leave and re-enter the country several times. At the end of two and a half years, you can apply to extend your stay in the UK for a further two and a half years.
Once you have lived in the United Kingdom for a total of five years, you may be entitled to apply for Permanent Residence.
You can also apply for a spouse or partner visa in any of the following circumstances:
- If you are married to, or in a long-term relationship with, someone in the UK who has been granted a student visa.
- If you are married to, or in a long-term relationship with, someone who has a skilled worker visa in the UK.
- If you are married to, or in a long-term relationship with, someone who holds a business or investor visa (with permission to stay in the UK)
General criteria for the spouse visa:
- To be married or to be able to show that you have lived with a qualified person for two years.
- To meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year or cash savings of £62,500.
- If you intend to get married within six months.