UK Spouse Visa from Bangladesh: Complete Guide
Bangladesh is one of the most common countries of origin for UK spouse visa applicants. This guide covers the specific requirements, processing times, and practical steps for applying from Bangladesh, including TB tests, document requirements, and local considerations.
- Section
- Spouse & Partner Visa
- Reading time
- 11 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- A TB test certificate is mandatory for Bangladeshi applicants.
- Applications are processed through VFS Global in Dhaka.
- The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa from outside the UK is 12 weeks.
- The minimum income requirement is £29,000 (since 11 April 2024).
- English language tests can be taken at approved centres in Bangladesh.
Applying for a UK spouse visa from Bangladesh involves the standard requirements plus country-specific considerations including a mandatory TB test. This guide covers the full process from a Bangladeshi applicant's perspective.
The Application Process from Bangladesh
The spouse visa application from outside the UK follows the same core requirements regardless of where you apply from. However, there are country-specific considerations for Bangladeshi applicants that can affect the timeline and documentation.
The process is:
- Complete the online application on GOV.UK
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Dhaka
- Upload supporting documents online
- Wait for the decision
TB Test Requirement
Bangladesh is a listed country for tuberculosis screening. You must obtain a TB test certificate from an approved clinic before submitting your visa application. The test involves a chest X-ray and is conducted at Home Office-approved clinics in Bangladesh: IOM (International Organization for Migration) clinics in Dhaka and Sylhet, and Green Crescent clinics in Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong.
The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Make sure your visa application is submitted within this window. If the certificate expires before the visa is decided, you may need to take a new test.
You can find the list of approved clinics on the GOV.UK TB test page.
English Language Tests in Bangladesh
Several approved English language test centres operate in Bangladesh, primarily in Dhaka and Chittagong. For an initial spouse visa, you need A1 level English. Approved tests include:
- IELTS Life Skills (A1) — available through the British Council
- LanguageCert, Pearson and PSI Services tests — the other providers approved for tests taken outside the UK. Trinity College London tests can only be taken inside the UK. Check the current list on the GOV.UK approved test providers page.
Book your English test well in advance, as centres in Bangladesh can have long waiting lists. See our English language requirement guide for details on the test format and exemptions.
Document Preparation
Bangladeshi applicants should pay particular attention to:
- Marriage certificate: Provide the original Nikah Nama or marriage certificate along with a certified English translation.
- Birth certificate: If required, obtain a certified copy from the local union council or municipality.
- Police clearance: A police certificate may be requested. Obtain this from the Bangladesh Police Headquarters or the relevant police station.
- Translation: All documents in Bengali must be accompanied by certified English translations. Use a professional translation service.
Financial Evidence for Bangladeshi Applicants
The income requirement is based on the UK sponsor's income. If the applicant is in Bangladesh, their Bangladeshi income generally does not count towards the initial application (it can count on extensions when they are working in the UK).
The UK sponsor must provide 6 months of payslips (Category A) or 12 months of income evidence (Category B), along with corresponding bank statements and an employer letter. See the sponsor income guide for details.
Processing Times from Bangladesh
The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa from outside the UK is 12 weeks. Processing times can fluctuate depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases, and some applications take longer. A priority service (decision usually within 30 working days) may be available — check the priority service guide for availability and costs.
During peak periods (such as after major policy announcements), processing times can extend beyond the standard window. Plan accordingly and do not book flights or make irreversible plans until you have received the visa.
Relationship Evidence for Bangladeshi Couples
The Home Office assesses whether the relationship is genuine and subsisting. For couples where the marriage was arranged through family, the Home Office will still assess genuineness but recognises that arranged marriages are a legitimate cultural practice.
Strong evidence includes:
- Communication records (phone calls, messages, video calls) between the couple
- Photographs from the wedding and other occasions
- Evidence of visits between the UK and Bangladesh
- Letters from family members confirming the relationship
- Evidence of the couple's plans for life together in the UK
See our relationship evidence guide for more detailed examples.
Common Issues for Bangladeshi Applications
- Document authenticity: The Home Office may verify documents through the British High Commission in Dhaka. Ensure all documents are genuine and accurate.
- Previous visa refusals: If you have been refused a UK visa before, you must declare this. Address the previous refusal in your application.
- Age verification: In some cases, the Home Office may question the stated age of the applicant if documentary evidence is inconsistent.
Next Steps
Get your TB test, take the English language test, and gather your documents. Ensure the UK sponsor has their financial evidence ready. Apply online and book your biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Dhaka.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How long does a UK spouse visa take from Bangladesh?
The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa applied for from outside the UK is 12 weeks. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications at the visa application centre in Dhaka, and some applications take longer. A priority service (decision usually within 30 working days) may be available for an extra fee.
Where do I apply for a UK spouse visa in Bangladesh?
You apply online and then attend a biometrics appointment at the VFS Global visa application centre in Dhaka. The biometrics appointment is where you submit your fingerprints and photograph. Documents are usually uploaded online rather than submitted in person.
Do I need a TB test for a UK spouse visa from Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladesh is on the list of countries where a tuberculosis (TB) test is required for UK visa applications. You must get a TB test certificate from an approved clinic in Bangladesh before applying. The test certificate is valid for 6 months.
Is a police certificate required from Bangladesh?
A police clearance certificate from Bangladesh may be required depending on your circumstances. The Home Office may request one if you have spent a significant period of time in Bangladesh. Check the application requirements carefully.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.