UK Spouse Visa (10-Year Route)

You can apply for a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route if you are married to a British citizen or settled person and do not qualify under the 5-year route.

Mostly, the applicants who cannot meet the English language requirement or the financial requirement of earning £29,000 gross per year would apply for switching to a Spouse visa 10-year route.

Under a 10-year route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after spending 10 years on a spouse visa. In the meantime, if you meet the Appendix FM requirements, you can switch to the 5-year spouse visa route anytime.   

Whether you are looking to apply for a Spouse visa under a 5-year route or a 10-year route, our immigration solicitors are here for you. Contact us today to get legal assistance for your Spouse visa application.

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What is the UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route?

The UK Spouse visa under the 10-Year Route allows you to live in the UK with your British or settled partner when you do not meet all the standard requirements of the 5-year spouse visa route.

This route is commonly used when applicants cannot currently meet the financial requirement or English language requirement under Appendix FM. Although settlement takes longer, it still provides a lawful path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 10 years.

Who normally applies for the 10-year Spouse visa route?

Most applicants on the 10-year spouse visa route are couples who have a genuine relationship but fall short of specific Home Office criteria, such as earning the required income or passing an English test.

This route is also often used by applicants switching from another visa while already living in the UK with their partner. Our UK immigration solicitors in Wembley, London, regularly assist families in this situation.

Requirements for a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route

The main requirements for a UK Spouse visa application under a 10-year route are as follows: 

• Both partners must be 18 years or older.
• You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK.
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• UK-based partner (sponsor) must be a British/Irish citizen or have settled/qualifying UK status.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must have adequate accommodation for you and your family.
• You must meet the TB test requirement if coming from certain countries.
• Applicants must meet suitability criteria under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding your Spouse visa (10-year route) application.

What documents are required?

Below is a general list of documents required for a UK Spouse visa application under the 10-year route:

• Your valid passport
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
• Photos showing time spent together
• Evidence of communication (emails, chats, call logs)
• Sponsor's UK immigration status (passport, ILR, or settled status evidence)
• Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK (e.g., tenancy agreements)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required, based on your country
• Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable
• Additional supporting documents, depending on your personal circumstances

Book an appointment with our immigration solicitor for an eligibility assessment and to get a comprehensive UK Spouse visa document checklist.

Application form FLR(FP)

You must complete the form FLR(FP) to make a Spouse visa application under the 10-year route. You can use the FLR(FP) form online to extend your stay as a Spouse.

How do you apply for the UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route?

The application process involves several key steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the main requirements. You must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, and your relationship must be genuine. The 10-Year Route is designed for applicants who do not meet the stricter financial or English language requirements of the 5-year spouse visa route.

Step 2: Complete the FLR(FP) Application Form

The FLR(FP) form is used for applying or extending a spouse visa under the 10-Year Route. Fill out the online form carefully, providing accurate personal and relationship information. Mistakes or missing details can delay the application.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

You will need documents such as a valid passport, proof of your genuine relationship (photos, joint bank statements, or tenancy agreements), evidence of suitable accommodation, and details of any criminal convictions. Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and NHS Surcharge

Submit the required visa application fee and NHS healthcare surcharge online as part of your application. Keep a record of the payment for your reference.

Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment

You must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a Home Office or visa application centre. This step is mandatory for processing your application.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all supporting documents through the online portal and submit your completed application. Ensure every document meets Home Office standards to avoid delays.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times typically take around 8 weeks if applying inside the UK and 12 weeks if applying from abroad. Additional checks or missing documents may extend the timeline.

How long does it take to get a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route?

In 2026, applications for a UK Spouse Visa (10-Year Route) typically take 12 weeks if applied from abroad and around 8 weeks for in-country applications.

If you need a faster decision, the Priority Service is available for an extra fee, giving a decision within 5 working days. Keep in mind that processing times may vary depending on your location and circumstances, so always check the official GOV.UK website for the latest updates.

How much does a UK Spouse visa cost in 2026?

The total cost for a UK Spouse visa applied from outside the UK is approximately £5,043, including the £1,938 application fee and £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge.

If you are applying from within the UK, the Spouse visa fee is £1,321, with a £2,587.50 healthcare surcharge. You can also choose to pay extra for Priority Services to receive a faster decision.

How long is a UK Spouse visa valid?

The initial validity of a Spouse visa is 30 months (2.5 years) for applications made inside the UK, and 33 months (2 years 9 months) for applications made from outside the UK.

Once this period ends, you can apply to extend the visa for another 30 months, allowing you to continue living and working in the UK.

Can I include my children in a 10-year Spouse visa application?

Yes, dependent children can usually be included, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

This ensures families are not separated and can live together lawfully in the UK. Financial and accommodation requirements may differ slightly when children are involved.

What is the Spouse visa 5-year route?

If you meet all the requirements of Appendix FM, you can apply or switch to a Spouse visa 5-year route to settlement. It means you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Spouse after spending 5 years on a spouse visa.

Can I switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year Spouse visa route?

Yes, switching is allowed. If you later meet the financial and English language requirements of Appendix FM, you can move from the 10-year route to the 5-year route at any time.

However, time spent on the 10-year route will not count towards the 5-year ILR period. This is why tailored legal advice is important before switching.

How long does the UK Spouse visa 10-year route take to get ILR?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 10 years of continuous lawful residence under the spouse visa route.

This usually involves several visa extensions using FLR(FP) before becoming eligible for ILR. Each extension must meet the Home Office requirements at the time of application.

What happens if my UK Spouse visa 10-year route application is refused?

If your UK spouse visa application under the 10-year route has been refused and you think the spouse visa refusal is unlawful, then you may be able to appeal against the decision.

Book an appointment with our immigration solicitors to discuss the spouse visa refusal letter, appeal process, costs involved and the appeal processing time.

How Wembley Solicitors can help with your UK Spouse visa application

If you're applying for a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route, our trusted team of immigration solicitors in Wembley, London, can guide you through every step of the process. We assist with all types of UK Spouse and Family visa applications, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and professionally.

At Wembley Solicitors, our immigration experts will:

• Provide detailed, personalised immigration advice tailored to your situation.
• Assess your eligibility for a UK Spouse Visa and ensure your sponsor meets the requirements.
• Explain the entire UK Spouse visa application process clearly.
• Prepare a complete, personalised document checklist for your application.
• Review all supporting documents to ensure they are accurate, complete, and in the correct format.
• Complete your application forms and draft detailed cover letters or representations for the Home Office, aligned with the Immigration Rules.
• Book your biometrics appointment and guide you through enrolment.
• Upload all supporting documents on your behalf.
• Liaise directly with the Home Office UKVI until a decision is received.
• Keep you updated at every stage of your application.

For expert legal advice and assistance with your UK Spouse visa (10-year route), contact our UK immigration solicitors in Wembley, London, on 020 3417 3700, or complete our enquiry form for a prompt response.

Why choose Wembley Solicitors for your UK Spouse visa?

Applying for a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route can be complex. Small errors in documents, finances, or eligibility can lead to delays or refusal. Wembley Solicitors specialise in immigration law and have extensive experience guiding clients through the Spouse visa UK process.

Here's why clients trust us:

• Vast Experience: Our team of specialist immigration solicitors has years of hands-on experience with Spouse visa applications, helping clients navigate even the most complex cases.
• High Success Rate: We have a strong track record of successful applications, giving our clients confidence that their application is in safe hands.
• Excellent Client Feedback: With a 4.9-star rating on Google, our clients consistently praise our professionalism, responsiveness, and support throughout the process.
• Regulated by the SRA: Wembley Solicitors is fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring your case is handled with the highest standards of integrity and expertise.

With Wembley Solicitors, you get expert guidance, peace of mind, and a higher chance of success for your UK Spouse visa. Call us on 020 3417 3700 to book a consultation with a specialist Spouse Visa solicitor today.

How much does an immigration solicitor cost for a UK Spouse visa?

For full legal support with your UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route, our immigration solicitors charge an affordable fixed fee of £1,000-£1,200 (excl. VAT).

The price depends on several factors, including the type of visa you're applying for, the complexity of your case, and whether you need urgent assistance.

Need expert legal help with your UK Spouse visa 10-year route application?

The UK Spouse Visa under the 10-Year Route offers a lifeline for families who do not meet strict visa requirements but still qualify under UK immigration law. With the right legal guidance, this route can lead to permanent settlement and long-term security in the UK.

Contact Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or fill out our enquiry form for immediate assistance with your UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route.