Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM)
For partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them.
The Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) is a UK family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) is for
For partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them.
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route.
Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) - eligibility criteria
- Partner is a British citizen, settled or on an eligible route
- In a genuine and subsisting relationship
- Meet the minimum income / financial requirement
- Adequate accommodation in the UK
- Knowledge of English at level A1 (rising at extension)
Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) (United Kingdom) is ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | 33 months (outside) or 30 months (inside), renewable |
| Work rights | Work permitted with no restrictions |
| Study rights | Study permitted |
| Government fee | ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) |
| Route to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route.
Many applicants also compare Parent · Family visa (parent of a child in the UK), Marriage Visitor · Marriage Visitor visa, ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) pitfalls we fix
Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) cost?
The Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) government fee is ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) lead to permanent residence?
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route.
Can I work on the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM)?
Work rights: Work permitted with no restrictions.
Who can apply for the Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM)?
For partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority