UK Spouse Visa 2025: Updated Requirements for Indian Citizens

UK Spouse Visa Requirements in 2025: What Has Changed for Indian Citizens Willing to Immigrate to the UK

As an Indian citizen, if you plan to join your spouse in the UK, you must meet the updated UK immigration rules. As of May 12, 2025, the UK government reformed the country's immigration rules to reduce net migration. Consequently, several UK visa eligibility criteria have been updated, including the UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025. As such, you need to stay informed of these changes. In this article, we explain the changes in the UK Spouse Visa, the application process, and how Indian citizens can navigate the visa application in 2025.

What Is a UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa, also known as a Marriage Visa, enables non-UK nationals, including Indian citizens, to join their British or settled spouse in the United Kingdom. With this visa, you can reunite with your spouse, stay, and work full-time in the country. The UK Spouse Visa validity is 33 months for Indian citizens applying from abroad to join their UK-based spouse. However, if you're switching from another visa to this one within the UK, it can be valid for 30 months.

Before this visa expires, you can apply to extend it for 30 months, provided you continue meeting the conditions of the visa. The UK Spouse Visa offers a path to permanent residency in the United Kingdom. After obtaining the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status and meeting the residency requirements, you may qualify to apply for British citizenship.

What Are the New UK Spouse Visa Requirements in 2025 for Indian Citizens?

The UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025 have undergone significant updates. This implies that sponsors (British citizens or settled individuals in the UK) and their Indian spouses looking to reunite through the UK Spouse Visa must fulfil these requirements.

While the proposed increase of the minimum salary threshold for Spouse Visa (from £29,000 to £38,700) is still under deliberation, some requirements have currently been updated, including the following:

English Language Requirement

Indian citizens joining their UK-based spouse must meet stricter English language requirements. You must demonstrate your English proficiency to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) level A1 (beginner) or higher for listening and speaking skills. You must also attain this level if you're switching to this visa in the UK.

You must also prove your English proficiency to the CEFR level A2 (elementary) or higher for the UK Spouse Visa extension. If you intend to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the Spouse Visa, you must demonstrate your English proficiency to the CEFR level B1 (intermediate).

Indian applicants must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office-authorised provider to demonstrate these English language proficiencies. You must also take the appropriate test version for the UK Spouse Visa. You can reach out to a UK immigration lawyer for more information on the proper test to take to avoid delays.

Indian citizens may be exempt from taking an English language proficiency test, including if:

● You're 65 years or older.

● You're from a majority English-speaking country, like the U.S., Australia, Canada, the Bahamas, or another.

● You have a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in English. If you didn't obtain your degree in the UK, it must be verified by ECCTIS.

● Individuals who have mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from taking the test.

Extended Period for Settlement

Previously, Indian nationals on long-term visas in the UK were only required to live in the country and fulfil the conditions of their stay for 5 years to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, recent immigration now requires Indian citizens to live in the UK for up to 10 years before qualifying for ILR, provided they meet all the conditions of their stay.

While this change doesn't directly impact Indian citizens on a Spouse Visa, it can be a significant setback for Indian couples on an affected visa, who intend to settle down quickly in the UK with their spouses. However, there are exceptions for Indian nationals who make significant contributions to the UK community and economy, potentially providing them with a faster route to settlement in the United Kingdom. It is essential to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer to understand the impact of these changes on your situation.

Other Spouse Visa Requirements 2025 for Indian Citizens

As an Indian citizen, you and your UK-based spouse must fulfil various UK spouse visa requirements 2025 to reunite in the UK, including:

● Be over 18 years old.

● Be legally married.

● Have a valid Indian passport (for Indian applicants).

● Demonstrate that you meet the minimum income requirement of about £29,000.

● Have met in person.

● Have ended previous relationships.

● Provide evidence of a suitable accommodation.

● Provide your Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (for Indian applicants).

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Spouse Visa as an Indian in 2025

Indian citizens must adhere to the following steps while applying for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025:

● Check your eligibility: Before applying, determine your qualification for the UK Spouse Visa.

● Complete the visa application form: Fill out the Spouse Visa application form on the UK government’s website.

● Pay the required fees: You must pay the Spouse Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

● Gather all the required documents: Assemble the documentation for your UK Spouse Visa application, including your marriage certificate, a valid Indian passport, and financial evidence.

● Schedule and attend a biometric appointment: Book an appointment with your nearest VFS Global visa application centre in India to submit your documents and biometric information (digital copies of your fingerprints and photograph).

● Submit your visa application: You may pay priority service fees and document translation fees (for translating documents not in English). Thereafter, you must submit your visa application.

● Await a decision: If you're applying outside the United Kingdom, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can review your UK Spouse Visa application within 12 weeks. However, if you're switching to this visa from within the UK, UKVI can take up to 8 weeks to review your application.

Navigating UK Spouse Visa Applications for Indians in 2025

The recent immigration rules for Indian citizens require an intentional approach towards Spouse Visa applications. As an Indian citizen looking to join your spouse with this visa, the following tips can help you:

● Start preparing at least 3 to 6 months before your intended departure.

● Sort your financial and relationship documents early.

● Seek legal guidance to avoid application rejection.

● Follow-up on updates regarding UK Spouse Visa requirements for compliance.

Conclusion

The UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025 present significant changes that Indian citizens must consider before applying. Understanding the latest UK immigration rules regarding family visas and spouse reunification and following them accordingly can help make your visa application successful. While you're looking to reunite with your UK-based spouse through the Spouse Visa, staying informed of the visa’s recent changes and consulting legal guidance can help you submit a comprehensive application with a higher chance of success.