Spouse / Family visa: photo and application guide
Long-stay route for the spouse, civil partner or fiancé(e) of a UK citizen or person settled in the UK. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £1,938 for application from outside the UK · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared UK 45 × 35 mm format. Biometric photo is captured at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Fee £1,938 for application from outside the UK; £1,048 in-country; plus £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2.5 years. Processing 12 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Spouse Visa (Family Route) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Long-stay route for the spouse, civil partner or fiancé(e) of a UK citizen or person settled in the UK. Leads to settlement after 5 years. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK with sponsor financial and accommodation evidence |
| Fee | £1,938 for application from outside the UK; £1,048 in-country; plus £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2.5 years |
| Processing time | 12 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500 |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a VAC; biometric is reused for BRP on approval |
| Official portal | GOV.UK — Spouse / Family visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The Spouse / Family visa uses the shared UK biometric photo standard. The digital photo uploaded with the online application is checked against this spec; the biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the BRP card.
| Size | 45 × 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Spouse / Family visa
The Spouse visa is the highest-volume family-route application. The photo flows from the visa application to the BRP card to the eventual settlement application (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Take a photo that will still be recognisable 2.5 years later — major hairstyle or weight changes can trigger biometric mismatch flags at renewal.
Frequently asked questions about the Spouse / Family visa
What size photo do I need for a Spouse / Family visa?
45 × 35 mm portrait orientation. The Spouse / Family visa uses the standard UKVI biometric photo: head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown, plain light grey background, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the VAC appointment.
How much does the Spouse / Family visa cost?
£1,938 for application from outside the UK; £1,048 in-country; plus £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2.5 years. The visa fee is paid online during the application; the VAC service fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are separate charges.
How long does the Spouse / Family visa take to process?
12 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500. The clock starts after you attend the biometrics appointment, not when you submit the online application.
Is the biometric appointment mandatory for the Spouse / Family visa?
Yes — at a VAC; biometric is reused for BRP on approval.
Will I receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Yes — most Spouse / Family visa holders receive a BRP card on arrival in the UK (or by post for in-country switches). The photo on the BRP is the one captured at your VAC appointment, and the card is valid for the visa duration.
Other UK visa categories
Prepare your Spouse / Family visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format and biometric framing automatically.