Despite the reduced number of spouse visa UK applications, Indians still take the lead in the number of people migrating into the UK. A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that India is currently the largest group of immigrants in the country.
Recent data further shows that Indians are major contributors to the UK spouse visa category. Although there’s no particular percentage to quantify that fact, as of March 2024, 4,651 Indian nationals were granted family-related visas making them the second-largest nationality for that type of visa.
The requirements needed from Indian citizens applying for a UK spouse visa are the same for all applicants except that Indians need to provide documentation specific to their situation in India.
There have been changes in the policies governing the UK spouse visa, especially in the financial aspect. There has been lots of speculation as to what these changes hold for Indians in 2025.
After reading this article, you will be informed of the changes in the UK spouse visa policy and how it complicates family reunions for Indian applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Spouses Applying for a UK Visa in 2025
Indian spouses who are applying for a UK spouse visa need to know the requirements that will qualify them for the visa. These requirements are categorized as relationship status, financial requirements, English language skills, proof of relationship, sponsoring partner, etc.
To satisfy the relationship requirements, the applicants need to prove that the subsisting marriage or civil partnership they share is legal and genuine and that they intend to live permanently in the UK.
Financially, the Indian applicants need to have a gross annual income of £29,000 between them or cash savings of at least £88,500 held for at least six months. To prove this, applicants should provide supporting documents such as bank statements, employment letters and bank slips.
Income from different sources such as investments, pensions, and rental incomes can be combined to meet up with the financial requirement. The financial requirements that apply to applicants who enjoy specific disability benefits differ.
When applying for a UK spouse visa, the living space of the spouse in the UK must be legally owned or occupied by the applicants and their family only. This means that the space cannot be overcrowded by visitors or people renting spaces.
Furthermore, the house must be obtained legally, not without recourse to public funds and must not breach public health and safety regulations. To prove the above, you will have to submit your landlord’s letter or a tenancy agreement confirming the above claims.
Since India’s first language is Hindi, Indian citizens need to take IELTS Life Skills and get a minimum of CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening skills for first-time applicants and A2 for those who have been in the UK for more than 2 years.
Here’s a summary of the documents you need for a UK spouse visa:
- A valid passport
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Utility bills
- Photos
- Bank statements/Bank slips
- English language test certificate
- Tuberculosis test results
- Completed application form
- Biometric information.
Notably, there are cultural nuances in India that can pose a challenge for Indian applicants trying to get a UK spouse visa. Firstly, some parts of India have a culture of arranged marriages hence proving its genuineness can be difficult.
Since India’s idea of traditional gender roles does not blend with the UK’s expectation of a marital partnership, it will be difficult to show how responsibilities are equally shared and decisions are made.
Continuously, a couple can only have shared utility bills or joint tenancy agreements if they have lived together. If they’ve never lived together, then proving their relationship might be tricky.
What Indian Citizens Should Know About UK Family Visa Updates for 2025
In recent years, there have been changes in the UK spouse visa policy that threatens to complicate family reunions of Indian citizens. Starting with the increase in Minimum Income Requirement from £18,600 to £29,000.
This increase may still be further increased in 2025 from £29,000 to £38,700. All these increases will make it difficult for Indian citizens especially those from low-income families to meet this requirement.
The Home Office has stated that the reason for this increase is to reduce net migration into the UK which is already happening.
Furthermore, the UK government plans to transition into a fully digital immigration system with eVisas so that applicants will be verified digitally through a UKVI online account. This change means that Indian applicants will need to provide digital copies of all supporting documents.
Impact of 2025 UK Immigration Changes on Indian Spouses of British Citizens
Among the changes discussed above, which of them are expected to impact Indian immigrants in 2025?
Immigration experts believe that every change has a unique impact it will have on all applicants, especially Indian citizens. For instance, the increase in Minimum Income will make it difficult for some Indians to meet the financial requirements due to currency exchange rates and economic differences.
The other spouse who is probably still in India may find it difficult to provide certain required documents from India. Applicants from rural areas or those with limited access to resources will also face some difficulties the above changes will bring.
This means that the applications of more Indian citizens will be refused because they will not meet the requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Spouse Visa as an Indian in 2025
Once you are eligible to apply for the UK Spouse Visa and have all the required documents, then all you need to do is follow the right steps for a successful application.
If you are applying for the first time, have been refused a visa before or are not confident about doing it yourself, it is advisable to contact an immigration expert to guide you.
Indian applicants are already disadvantaged to an extent, hence it is advisable to start gathering the necessary documents early and ensure that their financial documentation is meticulously prepared.
Hire experts who can prepare these documents for you and help you apply. Most of them stay updated on information concerning the UK spouse visa and will deliver an accurate application for you.
Conclusion
Staying away from family is not usually easy which is why these new policies are considered a problem by people who have been away from their family for a while.
The majority of those affected are Indians which is why they are advised to consult experts who can help them through the process.