An application for leave to remain as a spouse can be made from within the UK, unless you are in the UK as a visitor or, with few exceptions, with valid leave granted for a period of 6 months or less.
New rules for UK Spouse Visa: the minimum salary requirement has increased to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. The Spouse Visa UK, part of the UK family visa category, allows eligible foreign nationals to join and live with their partner in the UK, provided their partner is a British citizen or has settled status.
If you wish to apply for a Spouse visa when you're in the UK on a Visitor visa, you will have to first leave the UK. Once you've done so, you can then apply for a Spouse visa to enable you to return to the UK under UK immigration rules, provided that you meet all the mandatory eligibility criteria.
In order to apply in the UK you will need to obtain formal confirmation from your current university confirming that you have completed all the taught elements of your course and that you are highly likely to complete your current course successfully together with the date on which the degree is expected to be awarded.
The UK requirements for a Spouse Visa are some of the most challenging to meet. To prove that you are eligible, you will have to provide extensive documents showing your genuine relationship. Your UK partner will have to earn over £29,000 a year (figure correct as of late 2024).