What is the spouse visa income threshold in 2026?

The minimum income requirement is £29,000 from April 2025. The government originally planned to raise it to £38,700, but this was implemented in stages. Whether and when the threshold will increase further remains subject to government review.

Has the English language requirement changed for spouse visas in 2026?

In 2026, the English language requirement remains at A1 for initial applications and A1 for extensions, with B1 required for settlement. However, the government has proposed raising the requirement to B2 for some stages. This proposal is under consultation and has not yet been implemented.

What is the eVisa transition and how does it affect spouse visa holders?

The UK is transitioning from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) to digital eVisas. Spouse visa holders with expiring BRPs need to create a UKVI account to access their digital immigration status. Your rights remain the same — the change is in how your status is evidenced.

Are spouse visa application fees changing in 2026?

Visa fees are reviewed periodically. Check the GOV.UK website for the latest fee schedule before applying. Fee increases are typically announced in advance, though they can take effect at short notice.

Spouse Visa Changes 2026: What Is New This Year

Key changes in 2026 include the £29,000 income threshold (from April 2025), the eVisa transition replacing physical BRPs, and a government proposal to raise the English language requirement to B2. This guide covers what has changed, what is proposed, and what applicants need to do.

Income Threshold: Where Things Stand

The most significant recent change to the spouse visa has been the income threshold. The government announced in December 2023 that the threshold would rise from £18,600 to £38,700, to be implemented in stages. The first increase, to £29,000, took effect in April 2025.

As of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000. Whether and when it will increase to £34,500 or the full £38,700 remains subject to government review. The government has indicated it will assess the impact of the £29,000 threshold before confirming further increases.

For applicants, this means: meet the £29,000 threshold now, but be prepared for potential increases. If your income is close to the threshold, consider whether savings could provide a buffer. See our detailed guides on the £29,000 requirement and the potential £38,700 threshold.

The eVisa Transition

The UK is moving from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) to digital eVisas. Physical BRPs issued before 2025 have been expiring, and all visa holders are being transitioned to digital status.

What this means for spouse visa holders:

Your immigration status is now evidenced digitally rather than by a physical card
You need a UKVI account to access and share your status
Employers, landlords, and others can verify your status online
Your rights have not changed — only the way your status is recorded

See our eVisa and BRP guide for the full details of the transition. The GOV.UK eVisa page explains how to set up your account.

Proposed English Language Changes

The government has proposed raising the English language requirement for some visa stages. The current proposal would increase the requirement from A1 to potentially B2 (upper-intermediate) for certain applications on the family route.

This proposal is under consultation and has not yet been implemented. The current requirements remain:

Initial application: A1 level
Extension: A1 level
ILR (settlement): B1 level

If the B2 proposal is implemented, it would represent a significant increase in difficulty for many applicants. Plan ahead by improving your English skills regardless of the current requirement.

Processing Time Updates

Processing times have generally stabilised in 2026 after the disruptions caused by high application volumes in 2024-2025 (following the threshold announcements). Current expected processing times are:

From outside the UK: 12-24 weeks (standard)
From inside the UK: 8 weeks (standard)
Priority services: Available for faster decisions at additional cost

See the processing time guide for the latest figures.

Fees and Costs

Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are reviewed periodically. The IHS is currently £1,035 per year. Application fees vary depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. See the 2026 cost guide for the complete breakdown.

Check the GOV.UK fee schedule before applying, as fees can change at relatively short notice.

What Has Not Changed

The core structure of the spouse visa remains the same:

The relationship must be genuine and subsisting
The accommodation requirement applies
The 5-year route and 10-year route to settlement remain the same
Appeal rights on human rights grounds continue to apply
The no recourse to public funds condition still applies

Next Steps

Check the current requirements against your situation. Ensure you meet the £29,000 income threshold, have a valid English language test, and have all your documents ready. Stay informed about potential further changes by checking GOV.UK regularly.

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