How long does a spouse visa take?

Standard processing is usually around 12 weeks when applying from outside the UK and around 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK. Priority services may be available for faster decisions.

Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?

Yes, you can work in the UK without restrictions on a spouse visa.

What is the minimum income requirement?

£29,000 per year for applications made on or after 11 April 2024. If you first applied before that date, transitional protection means you only need to meet £18,600 (plus child additions) for extensions and settlement.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa allows married partners of British citizens or settled persons to live together in the United Kingdom. It is part of the family visa category and requires applicants to meet financial, English language and genuine relationship requirements.

Who is eligible for a UK Spouse Visa?

You may be eligible if you are legally married or in a civil partnership, your partner is a British citizen or has settled status, you both intend to live together permanently in the UK, and you meet the financial and English language requirements.

What is the financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?

For applications made on or after 11 April 2024 you must show a minimum income of £29,000 per year. Transitional protection keeps the £18,600 threshold for those who first applied before that date. Alternatively, cash savings of £88,500 held for at least 6 months may be used.

How long does it take to process a UK Spouse Visa?

Outside the UK: usually around 12 weeks. Inside the UK: around 8 weeks. Priority services may be available for faster decisions.

Can I apply for a Spouse Visa from inside the UK?

Yes, you can apply from inside the UK if you are already on a valid visa that allows switching, such as a student or work visa. You cannot switch from certain visa types, such as a visitor visa.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Times in 2026: How Long Does It Take?

Kashif Iqbal

Sep 13

2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Once your spouse visa a

pplication is submitted, the wait begins — and for most couples it is the hardest part. Here is what to expect in 2026, what can speed a decision up, and what tends to slow one down.

Standard processing times

Applying from outside the UK: most decisions arrive within 12 weeks of your biometric appointment.

Applying from inside the UK (extension or switching): around 8 weeks.

These are service standards, not guarantees — complex cases can take longer.

Faster options, where available

Priority service: a decision in around 30 working days for overseas applications, or 5 working days in-country, for an extra £500.

Super priority service: a decision by the end of the next working day for in-country applications, for £1,000.

Availability varies by country and application route, and the clock only starts once your biometrics are done.

What slows applications down

Missing or inconsistent financial evidence is the most common cause of delay — especially around the £29,000 income requirement or the £88,500 savings route. Other frequent culprits: untranslated documents, unclear relationship evidence, previous refusals, and requests for further information from the Home Office, which can pause your case for weeks.

How to track your application

You will get email confirmation when your application is received and when a decision is made. Overseas applicants can contact UKVI or check with the visa application centre that took their biometrics; in-country applicants can use the UKVI account they applied with. If your case exceeds the service standard, a solicitor can chase it formally.

Give your application the best start

The fastest applications are the complete ones — decided first time, without follow-up questions. We prepare and check every document before submission so there is nothing for a caseworker to query.

This guide was reviewed by Kashif Iqbal, Solicitor, on 13 September 2026. Processing times reflect current Home Office service standards and can change. This article is general information, not legal advice.