Husband, wife or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person
This section explains whether and how you can come to or remain in the UK if you are the husband, wife or civil partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled here.
The information in this section is based on Part 8 of the Immigration Rules.
To find out whether you can make an initial application as a husband, wife or civil partner, read the Can you apply? pages.
If you meet these requirements, you can find out how to apply on the Applying from outside the UK and Applying from inside the UK pages.
You do not need to apply under this category if:
- you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland - the European nationals section describes your right to live in the UK;
- you are the non-European family member of an EEA or Swiss national - the European nationals section explains whether you need to apply for a family permit;
- you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus; or
- you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.
Review of age decision
Following a Supreme Court judgement immigration rules have been laid in parliament to reinstate a minimum age of 18 for a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner, and his/her sponsor to qualify for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or variation of leave on the basis of the applicant's relationship.
If you were refused a visa solely on age grounds alone, between 27 November 2008 and October 2011 and you have not since made a successful application, you could seek a review of that decision. For further information see the Review of age decision page.