If you’re planning to settle in the UK with your spouse but don’t meet all the criteria for the standard 5-year spouse visa, the 10-year spouse visa route could be the solution. This guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, and how to plan your path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Understanding the 5-Year and 10-Year Spouse Visa Routes:
Both visa routes allow spouses or partners of UK citizens or individuals with settled status to eventually apply for ILR (permanent residency). The key difference is time versus flexibility:
- 5-Year Route: Faster, stricter, requires meeting all financial, English language, and accommodation criteria.
- 10-Year Route: Slower, more flexible, ideal for applicants who cannot meet some of the stricter 5-year requirements.
| Feature | 5-Year Route | 10-Year Route |
|---|---|---|
| Time to ILR | 5 years | 10 years |
| Financial Requirement | £18,600+ (rising to £29,000 in April 2025) | Flexible, lower threshold |
| English Requirement | CEFR A1 minimum | Not mandatory |
| Accommodation | Must meet standards | Flexible but recommended |
| Age Requirement | 18+ | 18+ |
| Relationship Proof | Genuine & subsisting | Genuine & subsisting |
Eligibility Requirements:
The 5-year spouse visa is generally chosen by those who meet all standard requirements:
- Age: Both partners must be 18 or older.
- Relationship: Must be legally married or in a civil partnership and genuinely committed.
- Financial Requirement: Minimum income of £18,600 (rising to £29,000 in 2025), with higher thresholds if you have dependent children.
- Accommodation: Must be suitable and meet public health standards.
- English Language: Pass an approved English language test (A1 CEFR) unless exempted.
Meeting these criteria ensures a smoother path to ILR in just five years.
UK Partner Visa Long-Term Settlement:
A UK partner visa grants permission for foreign spouses or partners to live in the UK. After meeting residency requirements, holders may apply for long-term settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Typically, applicants must have lived in the UK for 5 years on a valid spouse visa before qualifying for ILR.
Indefinite Leave to Remain UK Spouse Visa:
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) on a UK spouse visa allows foreign partners to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. ILR is granted after meeting residency, financial, and relationship requirements, and it is a crucial step toward applying for British citizenship.
Spouse Visa Income Threshold UK:
The spouse visa income threshold in the UK requires the sponsoring partner to earn a minimum annual income, usually £18,600. Higher thresholds apply if children are included in the application. Meeting this requirement is critical for visa approval and demonstrates the sponsor can financially support their partner without recourse to public funds.
Check Also: Track UK Spouse Visa Application
UK Visa Extension Spouse Visa:
Foreign spouses on an initial UK visa must apply for a spouse visa extension before it expires. This process typically occurs after 2.5 years and allows the applicant to continue living in the UK while meeting eligibility requirements for indefinite leave to remain.
English Language and Life in the UK Test Requirements:
Applicants for spouse visas or ILR must pass an English language test and the Life in the UK test. These requirements ensure that foreign spouses have sufficient language proficiency and understand British culture, laws, and society. Preparation for these tests is essential to avoid delays in visa applications.
Extend Spouse Visa UK 10-Year Route:
The UK 10-year route allows certain long-term visa holders to extend their spouse visa with a view toward permanent settlement. Applicants must meet financial, relationship, and residency requirements. This option is less common but provides a pathway for couples with complex immigration histories or extended periods in the UK.
Why the 10-Year Route Might Be Right for You?
The 10-year spouse visa is designed for applicants who:
- Do not meet all financial or accommodation requirements.
- Cannot fulfil English language requirements immediately.
- Prefer a longer, more flexible path to ILR.
Key Requirements:
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18.
- Genuine Relationship: Must prove a sincere relationship of at least two years, with the intention to live together permanently in the UK.
- Accommodation: While more flexible than the 5-year route, suitable housing is still necessary.
- Financial Flexibility: No strict income thresholds, making it accessible to more applicants.
- English Language: Not required, though learning English can help with integration and future ILR applications.
Applicants start with 2.5-year visa periods, extending until they reach ten continuous years in the UK, after which they can apply for ILR.
Switching from the 10-Year to the 5-Year Route:
Some 10-year route visa holders may consider switching to the 5-year route to reach ILR faster. However, this requires careful planning:
- Residency Reset: Any period where requirements weren’t fully met does not count toward the 5-year total.
- Consistent Compliance: English language, financial, and accommodation requirements must be consistently satisfied.
- Life in the UK Test: Required for ILR applications under the 5-year route.
- Costs: Switching routes may involve additional visa fees.
Tip: Consult an immigration lawyer before switching to ensure accumulated residency isn’t lost.
Documents You’ll Need for the 10-Year Route:
Proper documentation is essential for a successful application. Common documents include:
- Valid Passport: Proof of identity and nationality.
- Relationship Evidence: Photos, letters, emails, or any proof of a genuine relationship.
- Accommodation Evidence: Documents confirming suitable housing arrangements.
- Criminal History Details: Any relevant official records.
Being organized and thorough can prevent delays and complications in your application.
Practical Tips:
- Keep detailed records of your relationship, including shared finances, travel, or communications.
- Maintain a stable and adequate living environment.
- Meet financial obligations consistently if planning to switch to the 5-year route.
- Seek professional advice if unsure about your eligibility or documentation.
How Lawyers Can Help?
The UK spouse visa process is complex, and small mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Experienced immigration lawyers can:
- Assess eligibility and recommend the best route.
- Help organize and verify documentation.
- Guide you through the application process to avoid common pitfalls.
Even if your situation seems straightforward, professional guidance can save time, money, and stress.
Conclusion:
The UK spouse visa offers two pathways to settlement: the 5-year route for those meeting strict requirements and the flexible 10-year route for others. Understanding eligibility, preparing proper documentation, and seeking professional guidance are key to a smooth journey. With careful planning, both routes can lead successfully to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between the 5-year and 10-year spouse visa routes?
The 5-year route is faster but requires stricter financial, English, and accommodation criteria. The 10-year route is longer but offers flexibility for applicants who don’t meet all 5-year requirements.
Can I switch from the 10-year to the 5-year route?
Yes, but only if you consistently meet the 5-year requirements. Any periods where conditions weren’t fully met may not count, and you must pass the Life in the UK test.
Who is eligible for the 10-year spouse visa?
Spouses or partners of UK citizens or settled individuals who cannot meet some requirements for the 5-year route, such as income, accommodation, or English language criteria.