GB Family Pathway

Family visa (partner / spouse)

Join a British or settled partner; 5-year route to settlement.

Who this route is for

Partners (spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners of 2+ years, fiances) of a British citizen, settled person, or certain protected persons.

Sponsor's income at least 29,000 pounds/year (raised from 18,600 pounds on 11 April 2024).
Or cash savings of at least 88,500 pounds held for 6 months (in lieu of income).
English: A1 to enter, A2 to extend, B1 to settle.
Genuine and subsisting relationship; adequate accommodation.
Granted 33 months (out of UK) / 30 months (in UK); 5-year route to ILR (or 10-year route where the income rule isn't met but Article 8 applies).

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Work and live in the UK based on a UK-born grandparent; leads to settlement.

The UK's main sponsored work visa.

IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.

Unsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.