A spouse visa application demands precision across four critical proof areas. UK sponsors must demonstrate genuine relationship status, meet financial thresholds, secure adequate accommodation, and compile evidence that satisfies stringent Home Office standards. Most partner applications require a combined income of £29,000 annually, though transitional rules apply for certain extensions. Initial grants run 2 years and 9 months, with extension periods spanning 2 years and 3 months.

Core Requirements UK Sponsors Must Satisfy

UKVI scrutinises applications through defined categories. Sponsors must prove relationship authenticity, financial stability, suitable housing, language competency, clean immigration history, and valid identity documentation. Each category carries specific evidential weight. Missing one element typically triggers refusal, regardless of strength in other areas.

The process begins with confirming eligibility under Appendix FM. Married couples, civil partners, and unmarried partners maintaining two-year relationships qualify. Fiancé visa holders must marry within six months, then switch to spouse status. Understanding which route applies prevents costly application errors.

Financial Requirement Explained for 2026 Applications

The minimum income threshold stands at £29,000 for applications submitted after 11 April 2024. However, transitional provisions protect certain applicants. Those who first applied before 11 April 2024 and now seek extension may qualify under the previous £18,600 threshold. This distinction affects thousands of UK-based sponsors managing extension timelines.

Appendix FM-SE specifies acceptable evidence formats. Payslips must match bank statements precisely. Employment letters require specific details: job title, salary, employment start date, and employer contact information. Self-employed sponsors face additional scrutiny, needing tax returns, business accounts, and SA302 forms covering the required period.

Cash Savings Alternative

Sponsors can use savings when employment income falls short. The calculation follows a strict formula:

  • Required savings = (Income shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000
  • Funds must remain accessible for six months minimum
  • Joint accounts require both parties' names on statements
  • The source of funds may need explanation if sudden deposits appear

Accommodation Evidence That Satisfies Caseworkers

London property constraints create unique challenges. Sponsors must prove adequate space exists without overcrowding. Tenancy agreements should name the sponsor, matching address details across all documentation. Mortgage statements work equally well, provided they show current payments and property ownership.

Landlord letters strengthen applications when rental properties are involved. These letters must confirm permission for additional occupants. Council tax bills, utility statements, and electoral roll entries provide corroborating address evidence. Consistency matters more than volume here.

Relationship Evidence Strategy for Different Partnership Types

Marriage certificates or civil partnership documents form the foundation. Unmarried partners need proof of two years' cohabitation through joint documents. Communication evidence should span the relationship duration without overwhelming the caseworker. Select meaningful exchanges showing genuine connection rather than submitting entire message histories.

Effective Evidence Bundle Structure

  • Relationship timeline showing key milestones
  • Financial documents are organised chronologically
  • Accommodation proof with clear property details
  • Supporting declarations only when necessary

Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: FLR(M) Requirements

Extension applications require fresh evidence to demonstrate that the relationship remains genuine and subsisting. Where the initial grant is 2 years and 9 months, a successful extension is typically granted for a further 2 years and 3 months, taking the total grant period to 5 years. Financial requirements remain the same as the initial application, although the transitional threshold may apply for eligible couples.

Cohabitation evidence becomes critical at extension stage. Couples must prove they lived together throughout the initial visa period. Collect joint documents spanning 24 months: bank statements, utility bills, council tax correspondence, medical letters, and tenancy renewals. Aim for two items per quarter minimum.

English Language Step-Up Requirement

Initial applications require an A1 level of English. Extensions demand A2 level competency. Applicants must book approved tests through recognised providers. Academic qualifications taught in English may exempt certain applicants, though degree certificates need UK ECCTIS verification.

Common Extension Refusal Triggers

Gaps in cohabitation evidence raise immediate concerns. Address inconsistencies between documents suggest separate living arrangements. Financial evidence mismatches between stated income and bank deposits often trigger verification requests. In addition, submitting the wrong type of English language test is a common issue. UKVI requires a UKVI-approved English test, and standard English language tests that are not UKVI-specific can lead to refusal despite meeting the A2 level.

Application Timelines and Fee Structure

Standard processing takes 12 weeks for overseas applications. UK-based extensions typically conclude within 8 weeks when financial and English requirements are met. Priority services reduce timelines significantly, though availability varies by application type and location.

Budget Considerations for 2026

  • Application fee: £1938 outside the UK or £1321 inside the UK
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: calculated per year of visa validity
  • English test fees: approximately £150-200
  • Document translation costs if needed
  • Priority service fees when faster decisions are required

When Professional Legal Guidance Adds Value

Complex income structures justify professional review. Self-employed sponsors, those with multiple income sources, or applicants near threshold margins benefit from specialist input. Prior refusals create additional scrutiny, making expert guidance particularly valuable.

Short relationship histories require careful evidence presentation. Non-standard living arrangements need a clear explanation. Extension cases with thin cohabitation evidence demand strategic document selection. These scenarios increase refusal risk without proper preparation.

Document Preparation Best Practices

Biometric appointments should be booked after document compilation. Upload files in PDF format when possible, ensuring clear readability. Avoid image compression that reduces text clarity. Label files descriptively rather than using default camera names.

Cross-reference all documents before submission. Check that names match across certificates, bank statements, and employment letters. Verify addresses align throughout the application. Confirm dates fall within required periods. These simple checks prevent avoidable refusals.

Key Takeaways for UK Sponsors

  • Financial threshold stands at £29,000 for most 2026 applications
  • Initial visa grants run 2 years 9 months; extensions last 2 years 6 months (if they got the first spouse visa inside the UK)
  • Extension applications require A2 English, up from A1 at entry
  • Cohabitation evidence must span the full initial visa period
  • Processing typically takes 12 weeks overseas, 8 weeks for UK extensions
  • Appendix FM-SE defines exact evidence specifications

Conclusion

Spouse visa applications succeed when sponsors understand evidential standards and prepare accordingly. The £29,000 threshold, cohabitation requirements, and English language progression create clear benchmarks. Meeting these standards demands systematic document collection and attention to Appendix FM-SE specifications.

Extension applications introduce additional complexity through two-year cohabitation evidence requirements. Sponsors must maintain comprehensive records throughout initial visa periods. Address consistency, financial continuity, and relationship progression matter equally at extension stage.

Success rates improve significantly when sponsors approach applications methodically. Early preparation prevents rushed submissions. Professional guidance proves valuable when income structures are complex or prior applications faced refusal. Understanding Home Office expectations allows sponsors to present compelling, compliant evidence packages.

Note: This guide provides general information based on current UK immigration rules. Individual circumstances vary significantly. Complex cases benefit from professional legal review before submission. Always verify current requirements through official government sources or qualified immigration advisers.