Applying for a UK spouse visa requires a clear and organised approach. The Home Office expects applicants to provide strong evidence to prove they meet all the requirements for this visa. Missing or insufficient documents can lead to delays, additional costs, or even refusal of the application.
Key Takeaways:
- A valid passport and previous passports if available are required.
- A marriage or civil partnership certificate must be provided.
- Applicants must show evidence that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- The financial requirement is currently £29,000 per year, proven through payslips, bank statements, or evidence of savings.
- An approved English language test certificate or equivalent proof is required unless exempt.
- Evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK must be provided.
- A TB test certificate may be required depending on your country of residence.
- Missing documents can result in refusal and additional costs.
- Professional support can help ensure a clear, complete application.
Essential Documents for UK Spouse Visa Application:
A UK spouse visa application is assessed under the UK Immigration Rules, mainly Appendix FM, which sets out the specific documents and evidence needed to meet the requirements.
Valid Passport and Travel Documents:
Applicants must submit:
- A current, valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette.
- Previous passports, if available, as these can demonstrate travel history and previous visas.
- A marriage certificate or legally recognised document confirming a name change if your name has changed due to marriage.
Check Also: UK Spouse and Family Visa Updates – Immigration Rule Changes
Proof of Relationship:
One of the most important requirements is proving that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, meaning it is ongoing and not solely for immigration purposes.
Evidence may include:
- A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Additional supporting documents such as:
- Photographs together over time and in different locations
- Travel records showing visits to each other
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents
- Joint bank account statements or shared bills
- Evidence of communication, such as messages, emails, or call logs
Providing diverse types of evidence strengthens the application and reduces the risk of refusal.
Financial Evidence:
Applicants must prove they and their partner can financially support themselves in the UK without relying on public funds.
The minimum income threshold for spouse visas is £29,000 gross annual income. This threshold applies regardless of whether children are included. It is essential to check the latest figures on the UK Government website, as these amounts may change.
Acceptable financial evidence includes:
- Payslips covering the past six months.
- Bank statements for the same period, showing salary deposits.
- A letter from the employer confirming:
- Employment status
- Annual gross salary
- Length of employment
- For self-employed applicants:
- Recent tax returns
- Business accounts
- An accountant’s letter
- Proof of savings if using savings instead of income.
It is critical that details in payslips, bank statements, and employer letters match exactly. Even small inconsistencies can cause delays or lead to a refusal.
English Language Evidence:
Applicants must meet the English language requirement unless exempt.
This can be proven by:
- A certificate from an approved English language test at the required level. For most initial spouse visa applications, this is CEFR Level A1.
- A degree certificate confirming a qualification taught in English, supported by a UK NARIC (now Ecctis) letter verifying equivalence.
- A passport if the applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country, as defined in the UK immigration rules.
Nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and others are typically exempt, but it is crucial to check the Home Office’s latest list of exempt countries.
Accommodation Evidence:
Applicants must prove they will have suitable accommodation in the UK without causing overcrowding.
Evidence can include:
- A tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
- A letter from the landlord or property owner confirming permission for the applicant to live there.
- Optional but helpful property inspection reports to confirm the accommodation meets UK housing standards.
Failure to prove suitable accommodation is a common cause of delays or refusals.
Tuberculosis Test Certificate:
Applicants from countries where tuberculosis testing is mandatory for UK visa applications must submit a valid TB test certificate issued by a Home Office-approved clinic. TB certificates are generally valid for six months.
Check whether your country requires TB testing on the UK Government website.
Additional Documents:
Depending on individual circumstances, other documents may be required, such as:
- Divorce or death certificates if either partner was previously married.
- Police clearance certificates if requested by the Home Office.
- Details of any criminal convictions.
- Proof of the sponsoring partner’s British citizenship or settled status, such as:
- British passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Home Office letter confirming settled or pre-settled status
- Biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs.
All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
What Happens If You Miss Any Document?
Failing to submit a required document can:
- Result in refusal of the visa application.
- Lead to the loss of the application fee, which is non-refundable.
- Require a fresh application, meaning further fees and delays.
- Negatively impact future UK visa applications, as refusals become part of your immigration record.
While the Home Office sometimes requests missing documents, they are not required to do so. It is strongly advisable to review all documents carefully or seek professional help before submitting an application.
UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist:
| Category | Example Documents |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport & Travel Documents | – Current passport with at least one blank page – Previous passports (if available) |
| Proof of Relationship | – Marriage or civil partnership certificate – Photographs over time – Travel records – Joint tenancy or mortgage documents – Joint financial documents |
| Financial Evidence | – Payslips for the last six months – Bank statements – Employer’s letter – Tax returns and business accounts (self-employed) – Accountant’s letter – Evidence of savings |
| English Language Evidence | – Approved English test certificate (A1 or higher) – Degree certificate taught in English with Ecctis confirmation – Passport for nationals of exempt English-speaking countries |
| Accommodation Evidence | – Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement – Landlord’s letter confirming permission to stay |
| Tuberculosis Test Certificate | – TB test certificate from an approved clinic (if required) |
| Additional Documents | – Divorce or death certificates – Police clearance certificates – Criminal conviction details – Sponsor’s proof of British citizenship or settled status – Biometric information |
Need Professional Support?
The UK spouse visa process can feel complex and overwhelming, especially given the financial and personal consequences of a refusal. At Spouse Visa Lawyers, we help clients prepare strong applications by ensuring all required documents are included, clear, and consistent.
Contact us today if you’d like professional support with your UK spouse visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to submit original documents or are copies acceptable?
The Home Office generally requires original documents. However, some supporting evidence, like photographs or online statements, may be acceptable as copies. Always check the latest guidance or seek professional advice if unsure.
How many photos should I include as evidence of my relationship?
There’s no fixed number, but aim for a variety of photos taken over time and in different settings. Include captions with dates, locations, and who is in the photos to help the Home Office understand the context.
What happens if some of my documents are not in English?
Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must confirm it is accurate and include the translator’s credentials and contact details.