How does the 5-year spouse visa route work?

The 5-year route involves an initial spouse visa (2.5 years), one extension (another 2.5 years), and then an application for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). At each stage, you must meet the relevant requirements including income, English language, and genuine relationship evidence.

What is the income requirement at each stage of the 5-year route?

The minimum income requirement is £29,000 from April 2025. This must be met at the initial application, the extension, and the ILR application. At the extension and ILR stage, the applicant's UK income can be combined with the sponsor's income.

What English level do I need at each stage?

For the initial application and first extension, you need A1 level English (basic). For the ILR application at the end of the 5-year route, you need B1 level (intermediate). You also need to pass the Life in the UK test for ILR.

Can I work in the UK on the 5-year spouse visa route?

Yes. You can work, be self-employed, and study in the UK from the date your spouse visa is granted. There are no restrictions on the type of work or hours. Your income from UK employment can count towards the income requirement at the extension and ILR stages.

Spouse Visa 5-Year Route to Settlement: Complete Guide

The standard spouse visa route to settlement takes 5 years: an initial 2.5-year visa, one extension, then ILR. At each stage, you must meet income, English language, and relationship requirements. This guide covers every stage in detail.

Stage 1: Initial Spouse Visa (Months 0-30)

The first stage is obtaining your initial spouse visa. If you are applying from outside the UK, this is an entry clearance application. If you are already in the UK and switching from another visa, it is an in-country application.

Requirements at this stage:

Your partner is a British citizen or has settled status
You are in a genuine and subsisting marriage or civil partnership
The sponsor's income meets the minimum threshold (£29,000 from April 2025)
English language at A1 level
Adequate accommodation
You have not been in the UK illegally

The initial visa is granted for 2 years and 9 months (33 months), giving you a 3-month window before the extension is due. See the complete spouse visa guide and the GOV.UK family visa page for the full requirements.

Stage 2: Extension (Months 30-60)

Before your initial visa expires (at 33 months), you must apply for an extension. The extension is also called "further leave to remain" on the partner route.

Requirements at extension:

You are still in a genuine and subsisting relationship
You still meet the income requirement (£29,000). At this stage, your own UK income can be included alongside the sponsor's.
English language at A1 level (same as initial application)
Adequate accommodation
You intend to continue living together permanently

The extension is granted for a further 2.5 years. Apply in good time — at least 8 weeks before your current visa expires. While your application is pending, your existing leave continues. See the extension processing time guide for current timelines.

Stage 3: Settlement / ILR (At 5 Years)

After 5 years on the spouse visa route, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. This is the final application in the 5-year journey.

Requirements for ILR:

5 continuous years on the family route
Still in a genuine and subsisting relationship
Income requirement met (£29,000)
English language at B1 level (higher than the initial A1)
Pass the Life in the UK test
Adequate accommodation
No absences exceeding the permitted limits

The ILR application fee is higher than the extension fee. Once granted, ILR gives you permanent residence — no more visa applications, no Immigration Health Surcharge, and full access to public services.

Details on the ILR application process are on the GOV.UK settlement page.

Income Requirement Across All Stages

The minimum income threshold of £29,000 applies at every stage. The key difference is whose income counts:

Initial application from abroad: Generally only the UK sponsor's income counts
Extension and ILR: Both the sponsor's and applicant's UK income can be combined

Cash savings above £16,000 can supplement income at any stage. See the sponsor income guide for how different income sources are assessed.

English Language Progression

The English language requirement increases at the ILR stage:

Initial and extension: A1 level (beginner/elementary)
ILR: B1 level (intermediate)

Plan ahead for the B1 test. If English is not your first language, consider taking courses during your first 5 years to ensure you are ready for the ILR-stage test. See our guide on the English language requirement.

Costs Over 5 Years

The total cost of the 5-year route includes:

Initial visa application fee: ~£1,846 (from abroad) or ~£1,048 (in-country)
Extension application fee: ~£1,048
ILR application fee: ~£2,885
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year x 5 years = £5,175
English language tests, Life in the UK test, biometrics

Total cost over 5 years is typically £10,000-£12,000. See the cost guide for the complete breakdown.

Working and Studying

You can work in any job, be self-employed, and study throughout the 5-year route. There are no restrictions on hours or type of employment. This is one of the advantages of the spouse visa over many work visa routes.

Your UK income becomes particularly useful at the extension and ILR stages, where it can be combined with the sponsor's income to meet the threshold.

After ILR: British Citizenship

After receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months (or immediately in some cases if you are married to a British citizen). Citizenship is a separate application with its own requirements, but ILR is the prerequisite.

Next Steps

Identify which stage you are at and prepare for the next one. If you are at the initial stage, focus on meeting the income and English requirements. If you are approaching extension or ILR, start gathering documents early.

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