Building Your Foundation: Expert Guidance for a UK Spouse Visa
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I'm Marc Gibson, and I understand that UK immigration rules for Spouse Visa application is more than just paperwork—it’s the first step toward building your life together. With over 20 years of dedicated experience as a regulated immigration adviser, I’m here to provide the expert, one-on-one guidance you need ensuring when you apply for marriage visa in UK it has a strong foundation outlining your future together.
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Your Spouse Visa is a Jigsaw Puzzle. Let's Complete It Together.
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The Home Office has strict criteria, and a successful application means every single piece of the puzzle must be in place. If one piece is missing i.e. a document, a piece of evidence, or a small error—your application could be refused. I believe in getting it right first time. I will work with you to ensure every part of your application is perfect, so you can build your future with confidence.
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Section Bar:
Section 1: The Core Requirements
Section 2: The Financial Requirements
Proving Your Genuine and subsisting Relationship:
At the heart of every visa submission for a married couple, is demonstrating your legal relationship is at the foundation of your application. However, the Home Office wants to see more than just a wedding certificate. They want a compelling picture of your life together. If you appoint me as your legal representative I’ll guide you on how to present your shared experiences, from demonstrating joint responsibilities to communication records between you, creating a compelling and undeniable case. Visa submissions are about transforming your shared history into a powerful narrative that proves your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
For more information about "proving your genuine and subsisting relationship" read our post.
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Prohibited relationship:
This means that you and your partner can not be directly related:
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Required to have met in person
You must have met face-to-face in person which developed into a mutual acquaintance and from their developed into a meaningful relationship.
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Previous Relationships are Permanently dissolved
To meet the requirements for marriage visa UK Visas & Immigration require proof that neither you nor your partner are married to another person at the date of your visa application. If either of you has been previously married, you will need to provide evidence that any prior marriage has ended. Divorce certificates are the most straightforward way to demonstrate the end of a marriage, but other documentation can also be used. A divorce in the UK is generally evidenced by a decree absolute from a civil court. Overseas divorces must be evidenced using an equivalent document that is lawfully valid in the relevant country.
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Marriage in the United Kingdom
To qualify for a wife visa you and your partner will need to be in a legally recognised marriage in the UK. In the United Kingdom you are required to give your intention to marry and complete the notice period required. Your marriage must have taken place at an authorised place of marriage and your marriage must have been conducted by a person authorised to register marriages. A marriage in the UK is evidenced using a marriage certificate.
Marriage outside the United Kingdom
Overseas marriage will only be recognised in the UK if it is formally recognised in the country where it took place and the marriage correctly followed the legal requirements of that country. Additionally, there must be no legal impediments to the marriage under the laws of either person’s country of domicile at the time of the marriage, and any previous marriages must have permanently broken down. Overseas marriages must be evidenced by a reasonable equivalent to a UK marriage certificate, valid under the law in force within the relevant country the marriage took place in.
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Intention to live permanently in the UK
Home Office wants clear evidence that you and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK immediately after successful issue of your visa or as soon as your circumstances allow.
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For more information about Indefinite Leave to Remain check out our ILR webpage.
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​UK Accommodation Requirement
Whether you apply for a visa spouse UK from outside or within the UK, you need to provide evidence that adequate accommodation is available to you and your partner to continue living in or upon arrival to the UK. This accommodation must be owned or occupied exclusively by you without the need to access public money.
What are the financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025? I'm often asked this, fundamentally your mariage visa UK application will pivot on how you met Appendix FM spouse visa UK financial requirements, which is a crucial piece of your UK marriage visa application jigsaw. The Home Office has strict rules on how you must prove your financial stability to ensure you won't need to rely on public funds. I will help you find the correct path to meet this requirement, no matter how complex your financial circumstances are.
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The New Income Threshold (As of 11 April 2024):
For all new British Citizen spouse visa applications, the minimum income threshold is now a fixed £29,000. The previous rule, which required additional funds for dependent children, has been removed for new applicants. This is a significant change that simplifies the process for many families.
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Transitional Arrangements:
If you are already on the 5-year partner visa route, you may be able to rely on the previous financial requirements. Under these transitional arrangements, the minimum income threshold is £18,600. However, the old rules apply where you would still need to demonstrate additional funds for any dependent children. In this case, your total required income would be capped at the new £29,000 threshold. I will help you determine which rules apply to you and ensure your application is submitted under the correct guidance.
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Exemptions through Adequate Maintenance:
If your partner receives certain benefits due to a long-term illness or disability you may be eligible to apply under "adequate maintenance" instead of meeting the minimum income threshold. Do get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss with you which Adequate Maintenance threshold requirements may apply to your personal circumstances.
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Financial Categories: Piecing It All Together
The income can be met in a number of different ways. I'll help you navigate the specific rules for each category:
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Category A: The Straightforward Path (Salaried Employment) This is the most common route for employees who have been with their current employer for six months or more. We'll work with your payslips and bank statements to show a clear, consistent picture of financial stability.
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Category B: The Flexible Path (Variable/New Employment) This category is for those who have recently changed jobs or have a variable income. It's a two-part puzzle: you must show that your current annual income meets the threshold, AND that you earned enough over the last 12 months to meet it. I specialize in helping clients with these scenarios, meticulously piecing together the required documentation from all sources.
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Category C: Non-Employment Income This category covers income from sources like property rental, dividends, or interest. It can be a vital piece of the puzzle and can be combined with other income sources to reach the threshold.
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Category D: Cash Savings Cash savings can be used on their own or in combination with other income streams. The rules are highly specific. You must hold savings above £16,000 for at least six months. I will help you correctly calculate the exact amount needed and guide you on the specific documentation required.
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Category E: Pension Income If you or your partner are retired, this category allows you to use State, occupational, or private pension income to meet the requirement.
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Categories F & G: Self-Employment For the self-employed, these categories allow you to use your income from the most recent full financial year (Category F) or the average of the last two full financial years (Category G). This can be a complex part of the puzzle, and I will provide you with a detailed roadmap of exactly what you need to provide.
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Every Piece Matters: Essential Documents & Eligibility
A successful visa application requires meticulous attention to detail. Just as a jigsaw puzzle needs every piece, your application needs every document. I will provide a clear roadmap to ensure you have all the essential pieces, including:
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Accommodation: Proving you have a safe and suitable place to live.
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English Language: Meeting the required English language level through an approved test.
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Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate: Obtaining a certificate if you are applying from a country where a TB test is required.
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SELT Test English Language requirement
To meet the English language requirements when English is not your native language, you will need to sit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level to meet the spouse visa UK eligibility requirements. There are three different language levels required for family visas, spouse visa applications, and when you apply for indefinite leave to remain spouse UK before acquiring British Citizenship:
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SELT level A1 Test applies for Entry clearance
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SELT level A2 Test applies for Further Leave to Remain
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SELT level B1 Test applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain
For an in-depth look at obtaining an SELT language certificate check out our post: What SELT Test do I need to sit:
TB (tuberculosis) certificate if applying from outside UK
Depending on where you live when applying from outside the UK, you may need a TB certificate as part of your spousal visa UK requirement. For more information on when and from where you will need to obtain a certificate, check out my post:​
The Costs: A Transparent Look at the Financial Jigsaw Pieces
I believe in complete transparency, especially when it comes to the UK spouse visa cost on marital visa applications. The total cost is made up of several key components, which differ depending on whether you are applying from outside the UK (Entry Clearance) or from within the UK (In-country):
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Application Fees:
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Applying from outside the UK (Entry Clearance): £1,938
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Applying from inside the UK (In-country): £1,321
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Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
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This mandatory fee provides access to the National Health Service (NHS). It is paid upfront for the full duration of your visa. For a standard 2.5-year visa, the cost is approximately £2,587.50 for in-country applications and £3,105 for out-of-country applications.
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The UKVI e-visa Process: From Biometrics to Your Digital Status
The old Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been replaced with the new UKVI e-visa process. Here's a quick explanation of how it works:
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Biometrics: You will still need to attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photo.
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The Vignette: For entry clearance applications from outside the UK, you will receive a physical vignette—a sticker in your passport—that allows you to travel to and enter the UK within a 90-day window.
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Your E-visa: Once you have arrived in the UK, your immigration status will be a digital record, or e-visa, that is tied to your passport. I will guide you on how to set up your UKVI e-visa account and access your status online.
​​Your Personal Guide to a Successful Application
As a sole practitioner and the owner of MYG LTD, you get direct access to me, Marc Gibson. I am personally dedicated to your case, providing:
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A Clear Road Map: We'll outline every step of your application so you know exactly what to expect.
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Complete Transparency: Fixed fees and a comprehensive breakdown of all costs. No hidden surprises.
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Focused Expertise: Over 20 years of experience means your case is handled with the utmost care and precision, based on the latest regulations.
Ready to Start Building Your Future?
Let’s lay the foundation for your life together. The first step is a simple, no-obligation exploratory call. We’ll discuss your unique circumstances and outline how I can help you complete every piece of the puzzle for a successful application. Whether you require a consultation to understand the Immigration Rules, have your visa application professional checked or use my Full representation service to prepare and submit your spouce visa UK or any other applications you may need help with, I'm here to help.​​
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Spouse Visa Success: Expert Insight into Every Requirement
The UK Spouse Visa is one of the most important and detail-oriented applications you will ever make. Our resource library gives you free, professional access to the critical knowledge needed to master the Financial Requirement, prove a genuine relationship, and secure your future together. Trust MYG LTD to simplify the complex.
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Get immediate answers to your most pressing questions:
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Marc's Top Tips on Spouse Visa UK Eligibility (The must-read guide before you start!)
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UK Spouse Visa (Simplified version): Everything You Need to Know in One Place
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British Spouse Visa Expired? Your Guide to How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension
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Unlocking the Role of Document Translations & Interpretation on UK Visas
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EU Settlement Scheme Family Members: Key Information for Partners
