UK spouse visa for Bangladeshi nationals
What this visa is
The UK Family Visa (Partner route) allows the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK to come and live there long-term. This is a settlement route, not a visitor visa. If approved, the applicant can live and work in the UK for an initial 33 months, with a path to indefinite leave to remain after five years.
This guide covers the process for Bangladeshi nationals applying to join a partner who is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or holds refugee or humanitarian protection status.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- Legally married to your sponsor, or in a civil partnership with them
- In an unmarried partnership and can prove you have lived together for at least two years
- Engaged and intending to marry within six months of arriving in the UK (fiancé visa route)
You must be aged 18 or over, your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, and you must have met your sponsor in person.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be one of the following:
- A British citizen
- A person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
The sponsor must be living in the UK, or intending to return when you arrive, and must meet the financial requirement.
Financial requirement
The sponsor must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. This threshold was introduced in April 2024. Verify the current figure on GOV.UK before applying, as it has been subject to change.
Income from employment, self-employment, rental income, and pension can all count. Savings above £16,000 can top up income that falls short of the threshold. The applicant’s own overseas income does not count at the initial application stage.
English language requirement
Bangladeshi nationals must demonstrate English at A1 level for the initial visa application, rising to A2 on extension and B1 for settlement. Bangladesh is not on the UK’s list of majority English-speaking countries, so the requirement cannot be waived on the basis of nationality alone.
Ways to meet it:
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at A1 level: providers include Trinity College London and IELTS SELT Consortium, with approved test centres in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh
- Holding a degree taught and assessed in English, confirmed by UK ENIC
- Being aged 65 or over
Tuberculosis test
Bangladesh is on the UK’s tuberculosis testing list. You must obtain a TB certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic in Bangladesh before submitting your application. The certificate is valid for six months from the test date.
Approved clinics operate in Dhaka and other locations in Bangladesh. Check GOV.UK for the current list of approved providers.
Accommodation requirement
The sponsor must demonstrate that adequate accommodation exists for both parties in the UK, without relying on public funds. Rented property qualifies. If staying with family, a letter from the homeowner confirming the arrangement is required.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Passport or travel document confirming British citizenship or settled status
– Six months of payslips and corresponding bank statements
– Employment letter confirming salary, job title, contract type, and length of service
– Evidence of accommodation
Applicant’s documents:
– Current passport
– Marriage certificate; this is an important area for Bangladeshi applicants (see note below)
– English language test certificate at A1 level
– Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic
– Photographs meeting UK visa requirements
– Evidence of genuine relationship: messages, photographs, evidence of visits
Marriage documentation note: Many Muslim marriages in Bangladesh begin with a kazi (Islamic marriage contract). For UK visa purposes, the marriage must be registered with the civil authorities: a kazi certificate alone is generally not sufficient. The officially registered document is the marriage registration certificate issued by the relevant government authority. If your kazi marriage has not been formally registered, this should be addressed before applying.
Both parties:
– Evidence of having met in person
– If either party was previously married, a divorce certificate or death certificate ending that marriage
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
How to apply
The application is submitted online through the UK government’s visa application service. The applicant then attends a Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment in Bangladesh to provide biometrics. VAC appointments in Bangladesh are available in Dhaka. Book as early as possible as appointment slots can fill up.
Costs and processing times
Visa application fee: £2,064
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £3,105 for the initial 33-month visa: paid upfront and covers NHS access
Total before additional costs: approximately £5,169. Additional costs include the TB test, English language test, document translation, and legal fees if using a solicitor.
Processing time: Up to 12 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. A priority service is sometimes available, aiming for 30 working days.
After approval: what comes next
Your visa is issued as an eVisa. You will receive a 30-day entry vignette in your passport and must travel to the UK within that window. In the UK you have 33 months with the right to live and work. You then extend for a further 30 months before applying for indefinite leave to remain after five years total.
FAQs
Is a kazi certificate enough for a UK spouse visa application?
In most cases, no. A kazi (Islamic marriage contract) is a religious document. For UK visa purposes, the Home Office requires evidence of a legally recognised marriage; which in Bangladesh means a civil registration certificate issued by the relevant government authority. If your kazi marriage has not been registered, you will need to do so before applying.
Can the sponsor use savings to meet the financial requirement?
Yes. If the sponsor’s income falls below £29,000, savings above £16,000 can be used to make up the shortfall. The amount of savings needed depends on how far short the income falls. A solicitor can help calculate whether your savings are sufficient.
What if the visa is refused?
You may have a right of appeal to the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, or you can submit a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal. Taking legal advice before reapplying is strongly recommended.
Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
Yes; there are no work restrictions on the spouse visa.
Can my children apply with me?
Yes. Dependent children under 18 can be included or apply separately. Each child pays the full visa fee and healthcare surcharge.