If you hold a UK spouse visa, there may be times when you need to travel outside the UK for family, work, or personal reasons. While there’s no strict rule setting the number of days you can be abroad, lengthy absences could prompt the Home Office to question whether you genuinely intend to live in the UK permanently with your spouse or partner.
Key Takeaways:
- There is no set limit on days abroad for spouse visa holders, but lengthy absences may affect your spouse visa extension or ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application.
- UKVI expects you and your spouse or partner to live together permanently in the UK.
- Absences exceeding six months can raise questions about your residence in the UK.
- Keep thorough records of your travel dates and reasons for any time spent outside the UK.
- Seek legal advice if you’ve had a long absence and are now applying for a spouse visa extension or ILR.
Are You Allowed to Travel Outside the UK on a Spouse Visa?
Yes. If you hold a UK spouse visa, you’re allowed to travel outside the UK during your visa’s validity period. There’s no specific rule preventing you from leaving the country or spending time abroad. Short trips, family visits, work assignments, or emergencies typically don’t affect your visa status.
However, the spouse visa carries an expectation that you’ll live in the UK with your spouse or partner. The Home Office may review your travel history when you apply for a spouse visa extension or ILR. They’ll consider whether your time spent outside the UK aligns with your stated intention to build a life together in the UK.
Short, reasonable absences are usually acceptable. However, long or frequent trips abroad could lead UKVI to question whether you genuinely intend to settle in the UK.
If you plan to travel, keep clear records of the purpose and duration of your trips and evidence of your ongoing residence in the UK. This documentation will help protect your status during future immigration applications.
Check Also: Document Checklist for UK Spouse Visa – What You Need
How Long Can You Stay Outside the UK Without Issues?
Unlike certain work visas, the spouse visa does not impose a specific limit, such as the “180 days in 12 months” rule that applies to some categories. Instead, your absences are judged on whether you and your partner genuinely live together and plan to continue your life together in the UK.
When you apply for a spouse visa extension or ILR, the Home Office will examine your travel patterns. Extended or repeated periods spent outside the UK could raise concerns about whether the UK remains your primary home and whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
While there’s no formal rule, it’s generally advisable to keep your absences significantly below 180 days in any 12-month period. This helps demonstrate that your residence in the UK is genuine and ongoing.
If you need to be outside the UK for significant periods—for family emergencies, work, or other personal reasons—be prepared to provide solid evidence explaining your absence. Maintaining strong connections to the UK, such as a home, employment, and ongoing family life, will strengthen your future applications.
Risks of Staying Outside the UK for Long Periods:
Spending long periods outside the UK as a spouse visa holder can create serious risks for your immigration status. The Home Office may question whether you and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK. This scrutiny could lead to the refusal of a spouse visa extension or ILR application.
Long absences may also be interpreted as breaking your continuous residence, which is crucial for ILR. If you spend around six months per year outside the UK or appear to be living mainly abroad, you risk losing your right to remain as a partner.
To reduce this risk:
- Keep detailed records explaining the reasons for each trip.
- Maintain evidence of your ongoing relationship and life in the UK.
- Retain proof that your main home is in the UK.
What If You Need to Stay Away for More Than 6 Months?
Sometimes, circumstances require you to stay outside the UK for over six months—for example, to care for a sick relative, handle extended work assignments, or deal with other personal emergencies.
If you anticipate being away for more than six months:
- Keep clear documentation explaining your absence (e.g. medical records, employer letters, or family-related documents).
- Maintain strong ties to the UK, such as a home, financial commitments, and active communication with your spouse or partner.
- Understand that each case is assessed individually. Providing solid evidence helps explain your absence and supports future applications for visa extensions or ILR.
If you expect a long absence, seeking advice from an immigration lawyer can help you understand your risks and plan accordingly to protect your immigration status.
Speak to Our Spouse Visa Lawyers Today:
Have you spent time outside the UK on a spouse visa, or are you planning extended travel? Our team at Spouse Visa Lawyers can help you safeguard your immigration status and future plans in the UK.
We can advise you on:
- How your time abroad may affect your spouse visa or ILR.
- The evidence you need to prepare for your next application.
- Addressing any Home Office concerns about long absences.
If you’ve already had a lengthy absence and now wish to extend your spouse visa or apply for ILR, we can help build a strong application and provide clear, practical guidance on your next steps.
Contact us today for tailored advice and expert support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I stay outside the UK while on a spouse visa?
Yes, you can travel and stay outside the UK while on a spouse visa, but extended or frequent absences may raise concerns when applying for visa extensions or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Will staying abroad affect my ILR or British citizenship application?
Yes. Long or repeated absences can show a lack of intention to settle in the UK, which may impact your ILR or naturalization application.
How long can I stay outside the UK on a spouse visa?
There’s no strict limit, but it’s recommended to spend the majority of your time in the UK. Absences over 180 days in any 12-month period may affect your eligibility for ILR.