What happens after I submit my Spouse Visa application?

After you submit your application, you attend a biometric appointment, then wait for processing. You may receive requests for additional information. Once a decision is made, you are notified by email or letter.

How long after biometrics will I get a Spouse Visa decision?

Processing starts from when the Home Office receives your biometrics and documents. Standard processing takes up to 24 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK.

Will I be called for an interview?

Most Spouse Visa applicants are not called for an interview. However, the Home Office reserves the right to interview you if they have concerns about the genuineness of your relationship. If called, attend promptly and answer honestly.

What is Section 3C leave?

Section 3C leave is an automatic extension of your existing visa that kicks in when you apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It allows you to stay in the UK legally while your application is decided.

Can I withdraw my application and get a refund?

You can withdraw your application at any time, but the application fee is not refundable. You can get a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge if you withdraw before a decision is made.

What happens if I need to travel while my application is pending?

If applying from outside the UK, you may need your passport returned. Some visa application centres offer a passport return service. If applying from inside the UK, travelling abroad can affect your Section 3C leave and is generally not advised.

What Happens After You Apply: Spouse Visa Timeline

After submitting a Spouse Visa application, there is a series of steps before you receive a decision. This guide explains the full timeline, what to expect at each stage, and how to handle common situations like requests for more information or the need to travel.

The Timeline: Step by Step

Here is what happens after you submit your Spouse Visa application, broken down into stages.

Step 1: Online Submission

You complete the online application form, pay the application fee (£1,846 from outside the UK, or £1,048 from inside) and the Immigration Health Surcharge. You receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. Keep this safe as you will need it for all future enquiries.

For the full cost breakdown, see our Spouse Visa cost guide.

Step 2: Biometrics

From Outside the UK

You book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and your supporting documents. You may also need to hand over your passport. Some VACs offer a "keep your passport" service for an additional fee if you need to travel while your application is being processed.

From Inside the UK

You book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your phone. You upload your supporting documents online. The processing clock starts from when your biometrics are received.

Step 3: Document Review

The Home Office reviews all your submitted documents. This includes:

Verifying your identity documents.
Checking your financial evidence against the £29,000 threshold.
Reviewing evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship.
Confirming your English language qualification.
Checking your accommodation arrangements.

Make sure you have provided everything on the documents checklist to avoid delays at this stage.

Step 4: Possible Request for More Information

If the caseworker needs additional evidence, they will contact you. This is sometimes called a "Request for Information" or "Evidence Request." Common reasons include:

Bank statements that do not clearly show salary payments.
Missing pages from documents.
Questions about gaps in employment or relationship evidence.
Need for additional proof of cohabitation or communication.

Respond as quickly as possible. The processing clock pauses while the Home Office waits for your response.

Step 5: Possible Interview

Most Spouse Visa applicants are not called for an interview. However, the Home Office may request one if they have concerns about:

Whether the relationship is genuine.
Discrepancies in the information provided.
Previous immigration issues.

If you are called for an interview, attend on time and answer all questions honestly. The interview is typically conducted at a Home Office location or the visa application centre.

Step 6: Decision

Once the Home Office has completed its review, they will make a decision:

If Approved (From Outside the UK)

You receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport, valid for 90 days. You must travel to the UK within this period. Once in the UK, you collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office within 10 days of arrival.

If Approved (From Inside the UK)

You receive electronic confirmation of your new visa. Your digital status is updated, and you may receive a new BRP.

If Refused

You receive a decision letter explaining the reasons for refusal. You may be able to appeal or apply for an administrative review. See our visa refused guide for your options.

Section 3C Leave (Inside UK Applicants)

If you apply from inside the UK before your current visa expires, your existing leave is automatically extended under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. This means:

You can continue living in the UK legally.
You can continue working if your current visa allows it.
You should avoid travelling abroad, as this could affect your Section 3C leave.

Tracking Your Application

While waiting for a decision, you can check your application status through:

The Home Office online enquiry form on GOV.UK.
Your visa application centre's tracking system (if applying from abroad).
Your solicitor, if you used one.

For processing time expectations, see our Spouse Visa processing time guide.