UK spouse and partner visa processing times
UKVI currently publishes 12 weeks for a partner or spouse family-visa application made outside the UK and 8 weeks for the listed inside-UK route meeting the income and English-language requirements. A separate private-life route is published at 12 months*.
| Application context | Current published time | Official source date |
|---|---|---|
| Partner or spouse — outside the UK | 12 weeks | September 9, 2026 |
| Inside UK — listed income and English route | 8 weeks | September 9, 2026 |
| Inside UK — private-life route | 12 months* | September 9, 2026 |
Why one “UK spouse visa time” is misleading
Application location and route matter. The outside-UK family-visa table uses one published time for partner or spouse applications. The inside-UK table separates the listed route meeting income and English-language requirements from the private-life route. UKVI notes that the private-life figure is based on current volume and is not an agreed service standard.
When the UKVI clock starts and ends
For an outside-UK application, UKVI says processing starts after the applicant verifies identity and submits through the ID Check app, or attends the visa application centre to provide biometrics. It ends when UKVI sends a letter or email saying a decision has been made. The inside-UK page uses the equivalent identity-app or UKVCAS/Service and Support Centre starting point.
Time spent preparing evidence or waiting for an appointment before that start point should not be silently added to or subtracted from the published processing figure.
Reasons UKVI gives for a longer wait
- information is inaccurate or needs further consideration;
- more evidence is required;
- supporting documents need verification;
- an interview or further personal information is needed;
- visa demand increases; or
- a technical outage affects visa systems.
How to use the history
Each linked route page preserves a new row when UKVI changes its published value. The UK report compares inside and outside categories without blending their different contexts.
Common questions
Does the outside-UK clock start when the online form is opened?
No. UKVI ties the start to identity verification and submission through the app or the biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
Is 12 weeks a maximum?
No. UKVI describes current processing times and lists reasons individual applications may take longer.