If you’ve found love across borders and are planning to join your spouse in the United Kingdom, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of Africans apply for the UK Spousal Visa — also known as the UK marriage visa — to build a life with their partner in the UK. Whether you’re married to a British citizen, a person with settled status, or someone with refugee status in the UK, this guide breaks down the process in a simple, friendly, and informative manner.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UK marriage visa, from eligibility and required documents to the application process, fees, and real-life tips to increase your chances of approval.
💍 What is a UK Spousal Visa?
The UK Spousal Visa is a type of family visa that allows married partners of UK citizens or those with settled status to live in the UK. It falls under the Family Route in UK immigration law and is valid for 2.5 years, with a path to settlement and eventually British citizenship.
Also commonly referred to as a UK marriage visa, this route is for people who:
- Are legally married to a UK citizen or person with settled status
- Want to live together permanently in the UK
- Meet the financial and language requirements
Once granted, the visa allows you to work, study, and access healthcare in the UK, with the opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
❤️ Why Choose the UK Marriage Visa Route?
For many Africans in long-distance marriages, the UK marriage visa provides the most direct and stable path to reunion. Here’s why it’s an attractive option:
✅ Live, Work, and Thrive in the UK
Once your visa is approved, you can work in any sector, run a business, or pursue higher education without needing another visa.
✅ Family Unity
This visa supports family life, letting you live with your spouse in the UK and raise children together without restrictions.
✅ Pathway to British Citizenship
After 5 years of residence and meeting all requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, and then for UK citizenship.
📋 Who Can Apply for the UK Spousal Visa?
🔹 Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a UK marriage visa, you must prove the following:
- Relationship Requirements
- You’re legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or person with settled status.
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Financial Requirement
- Your spouse must earn at least £18,600 per year (or more if dependent children are included).
- Alternatively, you can meet this threshold through savings of at least £62,500 held for 6 months.
- English Language Requirement
- You must prove your knowledge of English by passing a test (A1 level minimum) or showing an academic qualification taught in English.
- Accommodation Requirement
- You must prove you have suitable accommodation in the UK that won’t be overcrowded.
- Legal and Immigration Status
- You must not be in the UK illegally.
- You must have clean criminal records and pass tuberculosis (TB) tests if you’re from a listed country.
For a full list of eligible countries and test requirements, refer to the UK Home Office: www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
📂 Required Documents for a UK Marriage Visa Application
Here’s a breakdown of the documents you’ll need when applying:
👥 Identity and Relationship Proof
- Valid international passport
- Marriage certificate
- Photos together, call logs, chats, and joint activities to show the relationship is genuine
💸 Financial Evidence
- Payslips or bank statements for the past 6 months
- Employment contract or self-employment proof
- Proof of savings (if applicable)
🏠 Accommodation Proof
- Tenancy agreement or property deed
- Letter from the landlord or property owner
📘 English Proficiency
- IELTS Life Skills certificate or equivalent
- Academic documents from an English-speaking institution (if applicable)
📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Spousal Visa
🔹 Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
Ensure your documents are translated into English (if not already) and are up to date.
🔹 Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit the official UK Government site: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
Choose the “Partner or Spouse” route and follow the prompts.
🔹 Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- Outside the UK: £1,846
- Inside the UK (switching or extending): £1,048
Additional charges may include:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
🔹 Step 4: Book a Biometrics Appointment
You’ll be required to visit a visa application center to submit your fingerprints, photo, and passport.
🔹 Step 5: Attend the Interview (If Requested)
Some applicants are invited for an interview at their local British High Commission or Embassy. Be honest and consistent with your application.
🔹 Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Decisions usually take 8–12 weeks. You’ll be notified via email or SMS.
🌍 Real-Life Example: David and Amaka
David, a British-Nigerian living in Manchester, married Amaka in Abuja. After two years of long-distance marriage, they applied for a UK marriage visa. By gathering strong evidence of communication, accommodation, and financial stability, Amaka was granted her visa within 10 weeks. Today, the couple lives together in the UK and recently welcomed their first child.
Their success shows that with the right preparation, the UK Spousal Visa can be your bridge to building a life together.
🧠 Tips to Increase Your Visa Approval Chances
💡 Be Transparent About Your Relationship
Provide genuine photos, chat history, video call logs, and travel records. Visa officers are trained to detect fake relationships.
💡 Meet Financial Requirements Exactly
Don’t estimate income or savings. Provide clear documentation to avoid refusal.
💡 Practice for Possible Interviews
Prepare to explain how you met, details about your relationship, and your future plans in the UK.
💡 Avoid Last-Minute Applications
Always apply 3–6 months before your planned travel date to account for processing times and possible delays.
🧾 What Happens After You Arrive in the UK?
Once granted, you’ll receive a 30-day entry visa and must pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
With a UK marriage visa, you can:
- Work in any sector
- Study full-time or part-time
- Access healthcare via the NHS
- Start counting time toward Indefinite Leave to Remain
🔄 How to Extend Your UK Spousal Visa
Before your 2.5-year visa expires, apply for an extension if you still meet all requirements. If approved, you’ll receive another 2.5 years.
After 5 years on a spousal visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and then British citizenship.
📅 Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 1–2 months |
| Online Application | 1 day |
| Biometrics Appointment | 1–2 weeks |
| Decision Wait Time | 8–12 weeks |
| Arrival and BRP Pickup | Within 10 days |
| First Visa Validity | 2 years, 9 months |
| Extension and ILR Path | After 5 years total |
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I apply for a UK marriage visa if my spouse is on a student visa?
No. Your spouse must be a British citizen, have settled status, pre-settled status, or refugee status in the UK.
❓ What if we’re not married yet?
You may be eligible for a fiancé visa, which allows you to enter the UK to marry within 6 months, then switch to a spousal visa.
❓ Can I include my children?
Yes. Children under 18 can apply as dependents, but you must meet additional financial requirements.
❓ What if I’m refused?
You can appeal or reapply. Often, refusals are due to missing documents or unclear evidence of the relationship.
🔗 Useful Links and Resources
- UK Visa and Immigration – Family Visas
- Immigration Rules Appendix FM
- UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre
✨ Final Thoughts: Building Your Life in the UK Starts Here
The UK marriage visa is more than just a legal document — it’s your key to love, stability, and a new life with your spouse in the UK. With the right preparation, honest documentation, and patience, your dream of building a life together in the UK is well within reach.
If you’re in a genuine relationship and ready to commit to life in the UK, now’s the time to begin your journey.
