I want to bring my spouse/civil partner to the UK

In order to bring your spouse or civil partner to the UK, you’ll need a spouse visa. This is our Immigration Guide to getting a spouse visa. To make it easy for you to know how to get a spouse visa, we will keep this page updated with changes and news from UKBA and the government.

The page also contains our introductory video, which explains the basic requirements for spouse visas.

Spouse Visa Video

Basic Requirements

• You must be able to show proof of your marriage.
• You must both be 18 on the date when you would arrive in the UK.
• You must be able to show that you speak English by:

• Taking a test;

• Showing you are a national of a majority English speaking country;

• Showing proof of a degree that was taught in English.

• You must have accommodation.
• You have to show that you meet the maintenance requirements.

• If you are applying inside the UK you need funds for 2 years;

• If you applying outside the UK you need funds for 27 months.

Switching from inside the UK

Maintenance Requirement

You must show documents for the duration of your relationship, and for the period immediately before the application. The documents that are accepted as evidence are:

• personal bank or building society statements; and/or
• building society pass books; and/or
• letters from banks or building societies confirming funds; and/or
• letters from financial institutions regulated by the Financial Services Authority (or the home regulator, if the account is overseas) confirming funds.

Personal bank or building society statements

These must show:

• your name or your sponsor’s name;
• the account number;
• the date of the statement;
• the financial institution’s name and logo;
• transactions covering the recent period;
• that there are enough funds present in the account to support a dependent partner and any dependent children.

Building society pass-book

These must show:

• your name or your sponsor’s name;
• the account number;
• the financial institution’s name and logo;
• transactions covering the recent period;
• that there are enough funds present in the account to support a dependent partner and any dependent children.

Letter confirming funds

The letter must state:

• your name or your sponsor’s name;
• the account number;
• the date of the letter;
• the financial institution’s name and logo;
• the funds held in your account;
• that there are enough funds present in the account to support a dependent partner and any dependent children.