UK Spouse Visa from India: Complete Guide
India is one of the largest sources of UK spouse visa applications. This guide covers the specific requirements and practical considerations for Indian applicants, including TB tests, English language testing, document preparation, and processing times.
- 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
- TB test is mandatory — get it from a clinic on the Home Office's approved list for India.
- English tests available at British Council and IDP centres across India.
- VFS Global centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and other cities.
- The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa from outside the UK is 12 weeks.
- Documents in regional languages need certified English translations.
Applying for a UK spouse visa from India requires a TB test, English language test at A1, and standard spouse visa documentation. This guide covers the India-specific process, VFS Global centres, document preparation, and estimated processing times.
The Application Process from India
The spouse visa process from India follows the standard application from outside the UK with some India-specific considerations. India is one of the highest-volume countries for UK family visa applications, and the process is well-established.
Steps:
- Get your TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic
- Take the English language test at A1 level
- Complete the online application on GOV.UK
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Upload supporting documents online
- Attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre
- Wait for the decision
TB Test in India
India is on the Home Office's list of countries requiring a TB test. Approved clinics operate in many Indian cities. The test involves a chest X-ray. Each clinic sets its own fee, which is listed on GOV.UK (between INR 1,800 and INR 3,700 for an adult when checked). The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of the X-ray.
Book your TB test early — clinics in major cities can have waiting lists, especially during peak application periods. Find your nearest approved clinic on the GOV.UK TB test page.
English Language Tests
For an initial spouse visa, you need A1 English. Approved tests include:
- IELTS Life Skills (A1): Available at British Council and IDP centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, and other cities
- LanguageCert, Pearson and PSI Services: 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 4-6 weeks in advance. Popular test dates fill up quickly. See the English language guide for exemptions (nationals of majority English-speaking countries, holders of English-taught degrees).
Document Preparation
Key documents for Indian applicants:
- Marriage certificate: Hindu Marriage Act certificates, Muslim Nikah Nama, Christian marriage certificates, or registered marriage certificates. Provide a certified English translation if the certificate is in a regional language.
- Birth certificate: From the municipal corporation or registrar of births and deaths.
- Passport: Valid Indian passport with sufficient blank pages.
- Police clearance: If required, obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Passport Seva Kendra.
- Translations: All documents in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, or other regional languages must have certified English translations.
Financial Evidence
The financial evidence is based on the UK sponsor's income. The Indian applicant's income in India generally does not count for the initial application. The sponsor must meet the £29,000 income requirement through their UK income and/or savings.
Indian bank accounts can be used for the savings element if the savings are in a recognised bank and statements are provided in English (or with certified translations). See the sponsor income guide.
VFS Global Centres in India
Biometrics appointments are at VFS Global centres. Major centres include:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bangalore
- Hyderabad
- Chandigarh
- Ahmedabad
Premium services (lounge, document review, courier) are available for additional fees. Book your appointment promptly after submitting the online application.
Processing Times from India
The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa from outside the UK is 12 weeks. India is a high-volume processing location, and times can extend during peak periods. A priority service (decision usually within 30 working days) may be available — check the priority service guide for current availability and costs.
Do not book flights or make irreversible arrangements until your visa is approved. See the 2026 processing times guide.
Relationship Evidence for Indian Couples
The Home Office assesses whether the relationship is genuine. For arranged marriages, the Home Office recognises this as a legitimate cultural practice. However, you still need to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and subsisting — evidence of communication, visits, and plans together is important. See the relationship evidence guide.
Next Steps
Book your TB test and English language test. Prepare your documents and translations. Ensure the UK sponsor has their financial evidence ready. Apply online and attend biometrics at your nearest VFS Global centre.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How long does a UK spouse visa take from India?
The GOV.UK service standard for a partner visa applied for from outside the UK is 12 weeks. Processing times can vary by season and application volume, and some applications take longer. VFS Global centres in major Indian cities handle biometrics. A priority service (decision usually within 30 working days) may be available for an extra fee.
Do I need a TB test for a UK spouse visa from India?
Yes. India is on the list of countries requiring a TB test. You must get a certificate from a clinic on the Home Office's approved list for India. Approved clinics are available in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Where can I take the English language test in India?
IELTS Life Skills (A1) tests are available through the British Council and IDP IELTS centres across India. Test centres are located in most major cities. Book well in advance as test dates fill up quickly, particularly in high-demand locations.
Do I need to submit original documents from India?
Documents are generally uploaded online. You need your original marriage certificate (with certified English translation if in a regional language), passport, and other supporting documents. Keep originals safe as the Home Office may request them.
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.