Many Indian families have relatives settled in the United Kingdom. Marriages between a partner in India and a partner in the UK are common. Your future husband or wife may be a British citizen or settled in the UK. If so, the main way to join them is the UK family visa as a partner or spouse. It is run by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office.
This article explains how the route is normally set up. It is not legal advice. UK immigration rules, money limits, fees and the immigration health surcharge change from time to time. Check the latest details on GOV.UK before you apply. If anything about your case is unusual, think about speaking to a regulated immigration adviser.
Who the partner route is for
The family visa as a partner is for someone whose partner is in the UK. In general, the UK partner is a British or Irish citizen, or has settled status or indefinite leave to remain. Certain other statuses listed on GOV.UK may also count. The relationship can be a marriage or a civil partnership. It can also be an unmarried couple who have lived together for a required period. Or it can be a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, where the couple plan to marry in the UK.
Both partners normally need to be at least 18. They must have met in person. They must plan to live together for good in the UK. The Home Office must be sure the relationship is real and still going on. A marriage held in India must be legally valid. That is why we strongly advise registering the marriage and getting a marriage certificate.
The financial requirement
The couple must meet a minimum income or money requirement. Usually this comes from the UK partner's earnings. In some cases, the applicant's UK earnings or certain savings can count, or a mix allowed under the rules. The amount, and the ways to meet it, have changed in recent years. They may change again. So do not rely on a figure you heard from someone else. Check the current amount and the proof rules on GOV.UK.
The proof for the money requirement is very specific. Payslips, bank statements, employer letters and tax documents usually must cover set periods. The figures must also match. Missing even one required document is a very common reason for refusal. So read the official guidance on specified evidence carefully. Different rules may apply in some special cases. One example is where the UK partner receives certain disability-related benefits.
The English language requirement
The applicant normally has to prove they know English. Usually they pass an approved English test at the required level, with an approved test provider. They can also hold a recognised degree taught in English. Or they can be a citizen of a mainly English-speaking country listed on GOV.UK. Some people do not need to prove it, for example because of age or certain medical reasons. Check the current list of approved tests and test centres. Only approved tests are accepted.
Accommodation and other conditions
The couple must show they will have suitable housing for themselves and any dependants. They must not rely on certain public funds for it. The home must not be overcrowded. Proof might include a tenancy agreement, ownership documents or a letter from the property owner. Applicants from some countries, including India, normally need a tuberculosis test at an approved clinic. This applies before applying for a visa of more than six months. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK.
Documents to prepare
- a valid passport and any old passports
- the marriage certificate, with a certified English translation if it is in another language
- proof of the UK partner's status, such as a British passport or proof of settled status
- proof that your bond is real, such as photos, chat history and travel records
- money documents that match the current specified evidence rules
- the English test certificate, or proof that you do not need one
- proof of housing in the UK
- a tuberculosis test certificate, if needed
- documents about any past marriages, such as a divorce decree
Typical steps in the application
- Check that you can apply, and read the current rules on GOV.UK.
- Fill in the online application form on GOV.UK.
- Pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge, at the current rates shown on GOV.UK.
- Book and go to an appointment at a visa centre to give fingerprints and a photo.
- Upload or send supporting documents as instructed.
- Wait for a decision. Reply to any request for more details.
- If you get the visa, travel to the UK within the time allowed. Then follow the steps to collect or see your immigration status.
The partner visa is usually given for a limited period. You must extend it before it ends. After a qualifying period, the route can lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain). You must keep meeting the rules. Check GOV.UK for how it currently works.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on an old income figure or document list instead of the current GOV.UK guidance.
- Sending money documents that do not cover the required period, or that do not match each other.
- Taking an English test that is not on the approved list.
- Leaving out earlier marriages, refusals or immigration history.
- Sending documents in Indian languages without certified translations.
- Trusting anyone who says they can guarantee approval for an extra payment.
Advisers, fraud warnings and where Meravyaah fits
In the UK, giving immigration advice is a crime unless you are regulated or exempt. Look for an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (formerly known as the OISC). A solicitor or barrister regulated by the right professional body can also help. GOV.UK has a tool to find a regulated adviser. Be careful of unofficial agents in India or the UK who promise guaranteed visas. Avoid anyone who arranges fake documents or suggests a marriage of convenience. The Home Office investigates sham marriages. False documents can lead to refusal and a ban on future applications.
Meravyaah is an online marriage introduction service for Indian and NRI singles and families. It has members in India, the UK and many other countries. It does not give visa, immigration or legal help. Members' contact details are never shown in public. Someone on a profile may offer paid visa help or push you about immigration. If that happens, please report the profile.
Where to get official, up-to-date information
This guide is general guidance, not legal advice, and the rules change. Use the family visa pages on GOV.UK for the current rules. They cover who can apply, the money and English requirements, fees and the immigration health surcharge. Some cases are more complex, such as earlier refusals, overstays or self-employed income. For these, think about a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor.