Media type · A residence permission based on marriage or partnership
Spouse visa
A residence route that allows the spouse of a citizen or resident to live in the destination.
Key facts
| What it is | A residence permission based on marriage or partnership |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | The destination immigration authority |
| Check before paying | Eligibility, income and savings rules, dependant rules, fee schedule and the evidence format |
Status follows the sponsor
The visa depends on the sponsor’s status and on the relationship being accepted as genuine. A marriage certificate is one piece of evidence, not the whole case.
Applications often require a combination of financial records, cohabitation evidence, police certificates and medical checks. The cost of assembling that evidence sits outside the application fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can we apply before the wedding?
Some routes allow a fiancé or prospective spouse visa; others require the marriage first. The rules are route-specific.
Does the visa lead to permanent residence?
Sometimes, after a qualifying period and further conditions. Check the route’s path rather than assuming.