The spouse visa lets you join a partner already settled in London and live and work there. You need to prove the relationship, a minimum income and suitable accommodation. The application is demanding, and timelines vary depending on your situation.
The income threshold has been raised to £29,000
Since 11 April 2024, the household must show an income of at least £29,000 a year for a spouse or partner to join their partner settled in the UK, up from £18,600 previously. This older threshold still applies only to those who had already submitted an application before that date and are renewing with the same partner. Two rules therefore coexist in 2026 depending on the date of your first application, and confusing one with the other is a common mistake that leads straight to refusal.
Not enough income: savings can make up the difference
If income is not enough, savings can bridge the gap using the formula (annual shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000. For example : an income of £19,000 leaves a £10,000 shortfall, which requires £41,000 in savings to be accepted. The income counted can also combine several sources (the sponsor's salary, rental income, pension), but each source has its own rules of evidence, and a poorly assembled application costs you months.
We structure your income evidence to withstand scrutiny.
- We identify the right threshold based on the date of your first application.
- We assemble your income or savings evidence in the right format, with the right documents.
- We plan for the real cost over several years so you are never caught off guard.
The real cost of a family application
Since 8 April 2026, the visa costs £2,064 per applicant (up from £1,938 previously), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 a year per adult. For a child, budget £2,064 from abroad or £1,407 for an application made from within the UK. For a family of three, the budget easily exceeds £10,000 over five years in administrative fees alone, not counting a refused application, whose fees are never refunded.
Permanent residence is moving further away too
The government wants to extend the standard time before ILR from 5 to 10 years, with points awarded based on the household's profile. The consultation closed in February 2026 ; the reform is not yet in force, but its principle has been agreed. For a family project, this changes the timeframe you need to plan for from your very first application.
What we do for you
We identify the right threshold based on your history, structure your income or savings evidence so it withstands scrutiny, and plan for the real cost over several years so you are never caught off guard. You do not need to become an expert in UK family law. It has been our job for 11 years.
See also the complete guide : How to move to London.
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