Can I reapply after a spouse visa refusal?

Yes. There is no mandatory waiting period before reapplying for a spouse visa after refusal. You can submit a new application immediately, provided you address the reasons for the original refusal. However, submitting the same application without changes will likely result in another refusal.

Do I need to pay the full fees again when reapplying?

Yes. A new application requires payment of the full application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. The IHS from a refused application is refundable — claim it back before paying for the new application.

Does a previous refusal make it harder to get approved?

A previous refusal must be declared on new applications. It does not automatically prevent approval, but the Home Office may scrutinise the new application more carefully. Addressing the refusal reasons thoroughly is the key to success.

Should I appeal or reapply?

If the refusal was due to a Home Office error, an appeal may be appropriate. If you genuinely did not meet a requirement but can now (income increased, new evidence), a fresh application is usually faster. See our appeal guide for a detailed comparison.

Spouse Visa Refused: How to Reapply Successfully

After a spouse visa refusal, you can reapply immediately with no waiting period. The key is to carefully analyse the refusal reasons, address each one with new or additional evidence, and submit a stronger application.

Step 1: Analyse the Refusal

Read the refusal letter carefully. It will list the specific reasons for refusal, referenced to the Immigration Rules. Common reasons include:

Income below the £29,000 threshold
Insufficient relationship evidence
Missing or expired English language test
Accommodation issues
Previous immigration history concerns

Make a list of every refusal ground. Your reapplication must address each one.

Step 2: Address the Issues

For each refusal ground:

Income: If income was insufficient, wait until the sponsor's income meets the threshold (or accumulate savings). Get fresh payslips covering the correct period. See the income guide.
Relationship: Gather additional evidence — more photographs, communication records, witness statements. See relationship evidence.
English: If your test was expired or from an unapproved provider, take a new approved test.
Accommodation: Get a fresh tenancy agreement, landlord letter, or mortgage evidence.
Documents: If documents were missing, include them this time. Use a checklist.

Step 3: Appeal or Reapply

Decide between an appeal and a fresh application:

Appeal if: The Home Office made an error, overlooked evidence, or misapplied the rules
Reapply if: You genuinely did not meet a requirement but now can, or if you have significantly better evidence

A fresh application is often faster (8-24 weeks vs several months for an appeal) and gives you a clean start.

Step 4: Strengthen the New Application

Address the refusal reasons explicitly in a cover letter
Provide more evidence than the minimum required
Cross-reference all financial documents (payslips match bank statements, dates align)
Have someone else review the application before submitting
Consider using a solicitor if this is a second refusal. See DIY vs solicitor.

Claiming the IHS Refund

The Immigration Health Surcharge from a refused application is refundable. Claim it through the Home Office IHS refund system. Process the refund before paying for the new application to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Declaring the Previous Refusal

You must declare the previous refusal on your new application. Be honest and factual. The Home Office already has a record of the refusal — failing to declare it could be treated as deception, which is far more serious than the refusal itself.

Next Steps

Analyse your refusal letter, address every issue, and prepare a stronger application. If you are unsure about the best approach, seek advice from a regulated immigration adviser. Do not rush — a well-prepared reapplication is more important than a fast one.

Related guides:

For official guidance, visit GOV.UK: UK family visa and find a regulated immigration adviser.