UK Spouse & Family Visa — Document Checklist & Complete Guide
The UK Family visa lets you join a partner, spouse, or family member who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. This guide explains the financial requirement, the English language test, what evidence to gather, and how to build the strongest possible application.
Applying as a spouse or civil partner? See our dedicated UK Spouse Visa document checklist.
View spouse visa checklist →Do I qualify for the Family visa?
UK sponsor with settled status or British citizenship
Your sponsor must be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain, or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Genuine relationship
You must be married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a genuine and subsisting long-term relationship with your sponsor.
Sponsor meets the financial requirement
From April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 gross per year. This will rise to £38,700 by early 2025.
English language requirement
You must demonstrate English to A1 level for an initial application, and A2 for an extension. Certain nationalities and age groups are exempt.
Adequate accommodation
You must show there is suitable accommodation available for you and your family without recourse to public funds.
Document checklist
VisaVault generates a personalised version of this list for your exact circumstances.
Valid passport or travel document
Your current passport plus any previous passports showing your travel history.
Sponsor's British passport or proof of settled status
British passport, BRP showing ILR, or EU Settlement Scheme share code for your sponsor.
Marriage certificate or evidence of relationship
Officially certified marriage certificate. For unmarried partners: evidence of at least 2 years living together.
Financial evidence for sponsor
Six months of payslips and bank statements, or evidence of other qualifying income meeting the £29,000 threshold.
English language test certificate
SELT certificate at A1 level for spouse/partner initial application. Check if your nationality or qualifications grant an exemption.
Proof of cohabitation (unmarried partners)
Utility bills, tenancy agreements, or bank statements showing the same address over at least 2 years.
Evidence of genuine relationship
Photos together, messaging history, flight records showing visits, or statements from friends and family.
Accommodation evidence
Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement for the UK address. Owner permission letter if staying with family.
TB test certificate (if required)
Required for applicants from listed countries applying from outside the UK.
Child birth certificates (if applying with children)
Birth certificates for all dependent children included in the application.
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Question 1 of 3
Which visa type are you applying for?
Costs and processing times
Visa application fee (outside UK)
£1,846
Visa application fee (inside UK — extension)
£1,258
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)
£1,035/year
Priority service (optional)
£500 additional
VisaVault document pack
£499 one-off
Typical processing time
24 weeks standard (outside UK); 8 weeks (inside UK extension)
Frequently asked questions
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