What to Do If Your UK Spouse Visa Is Refused – A Thoughtful Guide for Couples Facing the Unexpected

A UK Spouse Visa is granted to partners of British citizens or settled persons. The criteria are strict – as they should be – but even well-intentioned, genuine couples sometimes fall short due to technicalities, misunderstandings, or incomplete paperwork.

To appeal, reapply, or even understand what’s gone wrong, you must first grasp the reasoning behind the refusal.

The refusal letter, formally issued by the Home Office, contains the exact grounds for refusal. Take the time to read it thoroughly. Initial shock and emotion are natural, but a calm review is essential. You’ll want to look for:

• Specific paragraphs referencing which requirements were not met

• Whether you have the right to appeal or request an administrative review

• A deadline for submitting any appeal or new application

Let’s take a moment to look at the most common reasons for spouse visa refusals:

a) Financial Requirement Not Met

To sponsor a partner, the UK-based spouse must have an annual income of at least £18,600. This figure rises if you have dependent children. You can meet this through:

• Employment

• Self-employment

• Savings over £62,500 (held for at least 6 months)

Many refusals happen because applicants misunderstand how to present income or fail to include the correct documents.

b) Insufficient Evidence of Genuine Relationship

Photographs, travel records, correspondence, and even joint financial documents can help show your relationship is real. A lack of evidence, or gaps in your story, may raise red flags.

c) Incorrect or Missing Documents

The Home Office has little tolerance for missing paperwork. A single missing payslip or expired bank statement can be grounds for refusal.

d) English Language Requirement Not Met

Most applicants must pass an approved English language test or have an acceptable qualification. If your certificate is outdated or from an unapproved provider, your application may fail.

e) Issues with Immigration History

Previous visa overstays or refusals – even in other categories – may affect the decision.

Once you’ve read the refusal letter, you typically have three options:

1. Appeal the decision

2. Request an administrative review

3. Submit a fresh application

Each path has its own rhythm and consequence. Think of it not as starting again but as taking a different route.

You may be granted the “right of appeal” if the refusal impacts your human rights – for example, the right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

If so, you’ll need to lodge an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) within 14 days if you’re in the UK, or 28 days if abroad.

Appeals can take months to resolve and often require legal representation. The tribunal will consider your documents, your relationship, and whether the Home Office made a fair decision.

It’s a formal process, but one that has helped many couples overturn a negative decision and find their way back together.

If your application was refused due to a caseworker error (e.g. they missed a document that was included), you may be eligible for an administrative review instead.

This process:

• Must be requested within 14 days (UK) or 28 days (outside UK)

• Is faster and cheaper than a full appeal

• Cannot be used to submit new evidence

It is appropriate only when you believe a genuine mistake was made. If you want to introduce additional documents, a new application or full appeal is the better route.

Sometimes, the best course of action is to withdraw emotionally, regroup, and start afresh.

A new application allows you to:

• Correct any missing documents or clarify confusing points

• Include more evidence of your relationship

• Show updated financial or employment records

• Choose a stronger legal or support team, if needed

This route can be quicker than a full appeal, and sometimes less stressful, particularly if the grounds for refusal are clear and easily fixable.