If you are a British citizen or a person settled in the UK and your husband lives in Gambia, you can apply to bring him to the UK under the UK Spouse Visa route.
This guide explains exactly what you must prove, including the £29,000 income requirement, TB and English tests, relationship evidence, processing times, common refusal reasons, and age-gap concerns.
1. Relationship Requirements – Proving a Genuine Marriage
To sponsor your husband, you must show that:
- You are legally married
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
- Any previous marriages have legally ended
Common Evidence Includes:
- Marriage certificate
- Photos together over time
- Call logs, WhatsApp chats & messages
- Travel history and visits
- Money transfers
- Family and wedding evidence
- Personal statements
Weak relationship evidence is one of the top causes of refusals.
2. The £29,000 Minimum Income Requirement (2025)
The financial requirement is strictly enforced by the UK Home Office.
Minimum Income Required: £29,000 per year
You can meet this through:
- Employment income (6–12 months)
- Self-employment
- Pension income
- Maternity pay
- Rental income
- Cash savings over £16,000
Using Savings Instead of Income:
If using savings alone, you must hold at least:
- £88,500 in cash savings for 6 months
Savings can be combined between sponsor and applicant.
3. Accommodation Requirement
You must prove that:
- You have adequate accommodation
- The property is not overcrowded
- You are legally entitled to live there
Evidence includes:
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- Landlord consent letter
- Property inspection report (recommended)
4. English Language Requirement
Your husband must pass:
- A1 English speaking & listening test
The test must:
- Be taken at a UKVI-approved test centre
- Be valid on the date of application
Exemptions apply if your husband:
- Is over 65
- Has a medical condition preventing testing
- Holds a degree taught in English
5. TB Test Requirement for Gambia
Because Gambia is on the TB testing list:
- Your husband MUST take a TB test at an approved clinic.
- He must receive a TB clearance certificate before applying.
- Applications submitted without a valid TB certificate are automatically refused.
6. Where & How the Application Is Made
Your husband must apply:
- Outside the UK
- Through the online UK visa system
- Attend a biometrics appointment in Gambia
- Submit:
- Passport
- Financial documents
- Relationship evidence
- TB certificate
- English certificate
7. Processing Time from Gambia
- Standard processing: 8–12 weeks
- Priority service: May be available for faster decisions
8. How Long the Spouse Visa Lasts
If approved, your husband will receive:
- 33 months (2 years 9 months) initially
- Extension of 30 months
- After 5 years total → Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
9. Can My Husband Work in the UK?
Yes — he can:
- Work full-time
- Be self-employed
- Study
- Use the NHS
He cannot claim public benefits.
10. What If You Do Not Meet the £29,000 Requirement?
You may still apply under:
- Exceptional circumstances
- Human rights grounds
- British child cases
These cases are complex and professional legal help is strongly recommended.
Large Age Gaps Between British Sponsors & Gambian Husbands – Does It Affect a UK Spouse Visa?
Many British sponsors bringing their husband from Gambia are significantly older than their partner. This causes a lot of unnecessary fear — but the legal position is very clear:
There is NO rule in UK immigration law that prevents couples with large age gaps from living together in the UK.
The UK Home Office does NOT refuse spouse visas simply because of an age difference. A 10-year, 20-year or even 30-year age gap is NOT a lawful reason for refusal by itself.
Why Do Age Gaps Sometimes Cause Extra Scrutiny?
While an age gap is not illegal, caseworkers may look more closely at:
- Whether the relationship is genuine
- Whether the marriage is subsisting
- Whether the relationship was formed solely for immigration purposes
This does NOT mean refusal — it means that good evidence is essential.
How Strong Evidence Overcomes Age Gap Concerns
Even with a large age difference, visas are regularly approved when couples provide:
- Ongoing communication logs
- Visit and travel records
- Photos over time
- Financial support history
- Family involvement
- Wedding evidence
- Clear personal statements
When the relationship is clearly real and long-term, age becomes legally irrelevant.
Important Legal Clarification
There is NO rule stating that:
- A sponsor must be close in age
- A husband must be older than his wife
- A marriage is invalid because of an age gap
If you meet:
- Age over 18
- Genuine relationship
- £29,000 income
- Accommodation
- English & TB rules
The visa can be granted regardless of age difference.
11. Common Reasons UK Spouse Visas from Gambia Are Refused
- Not meeting the £29,000 income rule
- Incorrect bank statements
- Weak relationship evidence
- Missing TB or English certificates
- Fake or inconsistent documents
- Poor immigration history
- Previous overstays
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I bring my husband to the UK from Gambia?
You must apply for a UK Spouse Visa from outside the UK, meeting the £29,000 income rule, accommodation, English test, TB test, and relationship requirements.
What is the minimum income to sponsor my husband?
£29,000 per year, or £88,500 in cash savings held for 6 months.
Can I combine my income with my husband’s income?
No. Only the sponsor’s UK-based income counts. Savings can be combined.
Does my husband need a TB test for a UK visa from Gambia?
Yes. A TB certificate from an approved clinic is mandatory.
What English test does my husband need?
A1 English speaking & listening test from a UKVI-approved centre.
How long does the UK spouse visa take from Gambia?
8–12 weeks on average, unless priority service is used.
Can my husband work on a spouse visa?
Yes — full work rights, self-employment and access to the NHS.
Will a large age gap affect our UK spouse visa?
No. There is no rule preventing couples with large age differences from living together in the UK. Strong relationship evidence can overcome any age-gap concerns.
Why are UK spouse visas from Gambia refused?
Mostly due to:
Financial requirement failures
Missing TB/English certificates
Weak marriage evidence
Incorrect documents
Final Advice
Bringing your husband to the UK from Gambia is entirely possible, but the rules are strict. The £29,000 income requirement, TB test, English exam, and relationship evidence must be prepared correctly.
At FamilyVisa.co.uk, we specialise in:
- UK spouse visas
- Financial requirement assessments
- Age-gap relationship cases
- Refusal reviews & appeals
- Human rights applications
Professional preparation avoids costly refusals and delays.
