How much does a solicitor charge for a Spouse visa?

Solicitor fees for a Spouse visa typically range from £1,000 to £3,500. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case. Straightforward applications are at the lower end. Cases with complex financial evidence, previous refusals, or relationship concerns cost more. Always get a written fee quote before instructing anyone.

Is the Spouse visa application difficult to do yourself?

The Spouse visa application is one of the more complex UK visa applications. The financial requirement has strict rules about which income and savings count, and you need to provide extensive evidence of your relationship. If your case is straightforward (employed, meeting income threshold, long relationship with plenty of evidence), many people do manage it themselves.

What is the most common reason for Spouse visa refusal?

The most common reason is failing to meet the financial requirement. This usually happens because applicants submit the wrong type of financial evidence, miss documents, or do not understand which income sources qualify. Other common reasons include insufficient relationship evidence and not meeting the English language requirement.

Can I use an OISC adviser instead of a solicitor?

Yes. OISC-registered immigration advisers are authorised to provide immigration advice and representation. They are often cheaper than solicitors for routine applications. Make sure they are registered at Level 2 or Level 3, which covers visa applications. Check their registration on the OISC website before instructing them.

What happens if my Spouse visa is refused?

If your Spouse visa is refused, you have the right to an administrative review (for applications from outside the UK) or an appeal to the Immigration Tribunal (for applications from inside the UK). A solicitor can help you challenge the refusal. You can also submit a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal.

Do You Need a Solicitor for Spouse Visa?

The Spouse visa application is more complex than a citizenship application, particularly around the financial requirement. Straightforward cases can be handled DIY, but complex financial situations or previous refusals warrant professional help. The cost of a solicitor is modest compared to the cost of getting it wrong.

Why the Spouse Visa Is More Complex Than You Think

The Spouse visa (officially the UK family visa) application has several components that each require careful attention:

The financial requirement (minimum income of £29,000, with specific rules about how income is calculated)
Relationship evidence proving your relationship is genuine and subsisting
The English language requirement
Accommodation evidence showing you have suitable housing in the UK
The online application form itself, which is lengthy and detailed

The financial requirement in particular has very specific rules about what evidence is acceptable. The wrong bank statement format, a missing payslip, or an incorrectly categorised income source can lead to refusal.

When DIY Works

You can likely manage the application yourself if:

Your sponsoring partner is employed in a single job and earns at least £29,000 per year
They have been in that job for at least 6 months before the application
You can provide 6 months of consecutive payslips and matching bank statements
You have been in a relationship for a reasonable period and have plenty of evidence (photos, messages, visits, shared finances)
You have no previous immigration refusals or complications
You meet the English language requirement clearly (for example, you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have a qualifying test certificate)

If all of this applies, the application is a matter of assembling the right documents and completing the form accurately. Our Spouse visa documents checklist can help you prepare.

When You Need Professional Help

Certain situations make the application significantly more complex:

Complex Financial Evidence

Self-employment: The rules for self-employed sponsors require specific financial documents including tax returns, accountant's letter, and bank statements. See our self-employment guide.
Multiple income sources: Combining employment, self-employment, rental income, or other sources has specific rules about which combinations are permitted.
Relying on savings: Using cash savings to meet the financial requirement involves complex calculations and strict evidence requirements.
Income just at the threshold: If your income is very close to £29,000, a small error in evidence could push you below the line.
Job change during the evidence period: Changing jobs within the 6 months before application creates complications in how income is calculated.

Relationship Concerns

Short relationships (less than 12 months)
Significant age gaps between partners
Limited time spent together in person
Previous marriages or relationships that ended recently
Meeting through a marriage agency or online service

Immigration History Issues

Previous visa refusals in the UK or elsewhere
Periods of overstaying
Previous use of deception in an immigration application
Switching from a visa category that does not normally allow switching

The True Cost of Refusal

The Spouse visa application fee is £1,846. The IHS adds another £2,850 or so. That is nearly £4,700 before any legal fees. If the application is refused:

The application fee is not refunded
The IHS is refunded, but it takes time
You lose months of waiting time (processing is typically 12 to 24 weeks)
You must reapply and pay the fee again
A refusal on your record can make future applications more difficult

In this context, paying £1,500 to £2,500 for a solicitor to get the application right first time can be good value, especially if your case has complexities.

What a Solicitor Does for a Spouse Visa

A good immigration solicitor will:

Assess your eligibility and identify the best way to present your financial evidence
Tell you exactly which documents to provide and in what format
Review your relationship evidence and advise on gaps
Complete or review the online application form
Write a cover letter explaining your case to the caseworker
Organise and index your supporting documents
Submit the application on your behalf
Handle any requests for further information from the Home Office

How to Choose the Right Solicitor

The same principles apply as for citizenship solicitors:

Check they are regulated (SRA or OISC — verify on GOV.UK)
Look for specialists in family immigration, not generalists
Get a clear, written fee quote
Ask about their success rate with Spouse visa applications
Read reviews and ask for recommendations
Ensure you will have a named contact who handles your case

Be cautious of firms that promise guaranteed approval, charge very low fees (they may cut corners), or pressure you into signing up immediately.

Middle-Ground Options

If a full-service solicitor is too expensive, consider:

Document review service: You complete the application and gather documents, and a solicitor reviews everything before submission. Typically £300 to £800.
Initial consultation: A one-off meeting to assess your eligibility and get specific advice on your financial evidence. Typically £150 to £300.
Online platforms: Some immigration platforms offer guided application tools that walk you through the process step by step, at a lower cost than a full solicitor service.

Our Recommendation

For Spouse visa applications, we are more inclined to recommend professional help than for citizenship applications. The financial requirement is genuinely complex, the stakes are high (separation from your partner if refused), and the cost of refusal is significant.

If your case is straightforward (employed sponsor earning well above the threshold, long relationship, no complications), DIY is reasonable. For anything else, at least get a professional consultation before deciding whether to proceed alone.

For more information on the application itself, see our complete Spouse visa guide and immigration solicitor costs guide.