Civil Partnership Visa Renewal UK – Proof of Cohabitation

Renewing a UK civil partnership visa requires clear and consistent evidence that you and your partner have been living together throughout your current visa period. This is a core requirement under the partner visa rules, and failing to meet it often leads to delays or refusals.

Why Cohabitation Evidence Matters?

To renew a UK civil partnership visa, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. A critical part of this is demonstrating that you and your civil partner have lived together in the UK during your current visa period — known as the cohabitation requirement.

The Home Office uses this evidence to confirm that your relationship isn’t one of convenience. It must be ongoing, stable, and based on a shared life under the same roof.

You’re expected to show that you’ve continuously resided at the same address for at least two years. If you’ve spent prolonged periods apart, you’ll need to explain them with supporting documentation.

Even genuine relationships can face delays or refusals if documentation is incomplete or inconsistent. Preparing clear and thorough cohabitation evidence is essential for a smooth visa renewal process.

Accepted Documents to Prove You Live Together:

The Home Office expects your evidence to come from reliable, official sources and cover the required period, typically two years. Documents must clearly show that both partners have lived at the same address.

Check Also: Bringing Stepchildren to UK on a Spouse Visa – Process

Primary Documents That Carry the Most Weight:

These documents are the strongest evidence of cohabitation and are less likely to be questioned if presented properly:

Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements

A joint tenancy agreement or mortgage statement is one of the best ways to prove shared residence. The document should list both names and the shared address. Include all contracts if your tenancy or mortgage was renewed or changed during the period.

Council tax bills

Joint council tax bills listing both names at the same address are highly reliable. Even if only one partner is named, it can still help when paired with documents showing the other partner at the same address for the same period.

Joint bank account statements

Statements from a joint current or savings account are valuable, especially if they show shared transactions for rent, utilities, or household expenses. Submit statements spaced throughout the two-year period rather than a single annual summary.

Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)

Utility bills addressed to both partners help show ongoing shared living arrangements. Submit bills spaced every three to four months. If accounts are in one name only, consider submitting individual bills for each partner, showing the same address and overlapping dates.

Supporting Documents That May Also Help:

If you lack enough joint documents, individual letters addressed to each partner at the same address may be acceptable as secondary evidence. However, the Home Office prioritises official correspondence over informal communication.

NHS letters

Appointment confirmations, registration letters, or other NHS correspondence addressed to each partner at the same property are useful, especially if issued by local GP practices or NHS trusts.

HMRC or DWP correspondence

Letters from HM Revenue & Customs or the Department for Work and Pensions are official records and carry significant weight. Examples include tax coding notices, national insurance letters, or benefits-related correspondence.

Individual letters addressed to the same property

If you don’t have many joint accounts, submit individual documents addressed to each partner at the same address. These can include bank statements, mobile phone bills, or official letters from educational institutions or employers. Ensure they come from reputable sources and cover the timeline consistently.

How Many Documents Do You Need to Provide?

For a UK civil partnership visa renewal, aim to submit at least six documents from three different official sources covering the full cohabitation period, usually two years. Ideally, evidence should be spaced every few months to show continuous residence.

If your documents don’t cover the entire period, include a written explanation. A well-organised cover letter or evidence list helps clarify how your documents meet the requirements, especially if the timeline is complicated.

Tips:

Presenting your evidence clearly and logically helps the Home Office review your application efficiently:

• Create an evidence schedule: Include a table listing:
  • Document type (e.g. utility bill, council tax notice)
  • Issuing organisation
  • Name(s) on the document
  • Date issued
• Organise documents chronologically: Arrange documents in date order to cover the entire two-year period. Aim for evidence every three to four months.
• Group documents by source: Place documents from the same organisation together for easy reference.
• Label documents clearly: Use descriptive file names or physical dividers showing document type and date range. Avoid submitting unnamed or unclear files.
• Explain gaps in evidence: If there are periods without documentation, include a brief note explaining why and offer alternative evidence if available.
• Avoid duplication: Don’t submit multiple documents from the same source for the same month unless relevant to your case.
• Ensure legibility: Scans should be clear, uncropped, and show complete pages. Illegible or partial documents may be disregarded.
• Include a covering letter if needed: If your circumstances involve irregular living arrangements, missing documents, or unusual timelines, a short explanation can help prevent misunderstandings.

A well-prepared evidence bundle strengthens your application and reduces the chances of further Home Office enquiries.

Let Our Lawyers Help You:

Renewing your UK civil partnership visa can feel overwhelming, given the strict rules on documentation, deadlines, and eligibility. At Spouse Visa Lawyers, we provide clear, tailored support to help you meet all Home Office requirements. Whether you need assistance preparing your application, checking your financial or cohabitation evidence, or responding to potential issues, our legal team is ready to guide you from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions: