Appendix FM — The Family Immigration Rules
Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules governs family visas for partners, children, and parents of British citizens and those settled in the UK. Every application must satisfy mandatory requirements across four areas:
💑Relationship requirement — you must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsor. For spouse visas, a valid marriage certificate. For civil partners, a civil partnership certificate. For unmarried partners, 2 years' cohabitation evidenced by bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence, and a joint life together.
💷Financial requirement — the sponsor must earn a minimum gross income. From April 2024 the threshold is £29,000, rising to £34,500 (later 2024) and £38,700 (2025). Cash savings of £16,000 above the threshold can supplement income. A solicitor advises exactly how to calculate and evidence the requirement.
🗣️English language requirement — the applicant must pass an approved English language test (IELTS or equivalent) at A1 for a first entry clearance visa and A2 for FLR(M). Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt. Speakers of English as a first language may qualify. A solicitor identifies the exact requirement for your nationality.
🏠Accommodation requirement — adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds. The property must not be overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985 standards.
Routes at a Glance
💍Spouse / civil partner visa — Entry clearance for 33 months, then FLR(M) for 30 months, then ILR after 5 years. Marriage must be legally valid in both the country where it took place and the UK.
💏Unmarried partner visa — Same route but requires evidence of 2 years' cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage. Cohabitation must be continuous and current at the date of application.
💌Fiancé(e) visa — 6-month entry clearance to come to the UK and marry. The marriage must take place within 6 months. After marriage, switch to FLR(M) in-country. No extension of the fiancé(e) visa is possible.
👶Child visa — Under-18 children of a British citizen or settled person. Both parents must consent or the applicant must have sole parental responsibility. Child must not be leading an independent life.
👨👩👧Parent visa — Parent of a British citizen or settled child who has sole parental responsibility or direct access. Financial and accommodation requirements apply.
🇪🇺EU Settlement Scheme — family — Non-EEA family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status. Late applications accepted with reasonable grounds. Joining family permit for those outside the UK.
Common Reasons for Refusal — and How We Address Them
❌Financial requirement not met — the calculation method for income is specific (HMRC SA302, P60, payslips). Self-employed applicants use a different calculation. A solicitor checks the exact figures before submission.
❌Relationship not genuine — the Home Office may interview applicants. A solicitor advises on what evidence to prepare — shared finances, joint correspondence, photos, messages, family knowledge.
❌Suitability — criminality — the applicant must not have a criminal conviction resulting in 12+ months' imprisonment, or certain immigration offences. Spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 may not need to be disclosed for some routes.
❌English language test result — the approved test must be taken at an approved test centre. UKVI-approved IELTS only. Tests taken at non-approved centres, or Pearson PTE for some routes, are not accepted. A solicitor confirms the exact test requirement before the test is booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income requirement for a spouse visa?
From April 2024 the threshold is £29,000 gross income per year for the sponsor. This rises to £34,500 later in 2024 and £38,700 in 2025 under the government's phased increase. Cash savings of £16,000 above the required threshold can supplement income where earnings are lower. The income must be from employment or self-employment and calculated using a specific UKVI formula — not simply the salary figure on a payslip.
Can I bring my spouse to the UK if I am on benefits?
Most state benefits cannot be used to meet the financial requirement — the income must come from employment or self-employment. However, certain disability-related benefits paid to the sponsor (such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment) can be used instead of the standard financial threshold under an alternative route in Appendix FM. A solicitor advises whether the alternative financial requirement applies to your situation.
How long does a spouse visa take?
Standard processing is approximately 24 weeks for out-of-country applications. Priority processing is available in most countries for a significantly shorter turnaround — typically 3–5 weeks. Super-priority is available in some locations for next-day decisions. Your solicitor advises on the priority service options available in your country of application.
Does my spouse have the right to work on a spouse visa?
Yes. A spouse or partner granted leave to enter or remain under Appendix FM is entitled to work in the UK without restriction. The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or the vignette sticker in the passport confirms the right to work. Employers carry out right-to-work checks before starting employment — your solicitor confirms what documentation is required.
Can an unmarried couple qualify for a family visa?
Yes. The unmarried partner route under Appendix FM allows unmarried couples to apply where they have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years. The cohabitation must be evidenced by documents showing a shared address over the full 2-year period — utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and correspondence. It is not sufficient to have visited each other — continuous cohabitation in the same home is required.