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Applying for a UK Spouse Visa can be stressful due to the strict documentation and evidence requirements. Whether you’re applying for the first time or extending your visa, it’s crucial to ensure you meet all the criteria and submit a well-prepared application.
This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for a spouse visa, covering eligibility, document requirements, financial evidence, proof of relationship, accommodation, English language proficiency, and the application process steps.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa allows the non-British partner of a British citizen or settled person to live in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years, extendable to 5 years total (after which applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain).
You must demonstrate that:
- Your relationship is genuine
- You meet the financial threshold
- You have suitable accommodation
- You meet the English language requirement
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Spouse Visa
If you’re married, in a civil partnership, or have been living together for over 2 years, the UK spouse visa could be your gateway to settling in the UK with your loved one.
You must meet the following:
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Relationship: Legally married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK or cohabiting for at least 2 years.
- Intention to live together permanently.
- Sponsor status: Your UK partner must be a British citizen and have ILR/settled status or refugee/humanitarian protection status.
- Financial requirement: Meet the income/savings threshold.
- Accommodation: Suitable for living without public funds.
- English language: Meet the required level (usually A1, A2, or B1, depending on application stage).
UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist (Core Requirements)
Relationship Evidence
UKVI must be convinced that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Provide:
Required documents
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (official translation if not in English)
- Evidence of previous relationship breakdowns: divorce certificate or death certificate (If such documents are unavailable, submit a written explanation and any supporting evidence of the relationship ending)
- Proof of living together, if applicable (e.g., joint tenancy agreements, bills)
- Photos of you together over time (annotated, not excessive, about 6-10)
- Communication logs: WhatsApp/chat screenshots, call logs, emails (spread across different timeframes)
- Travel history together (boarding passes, visa stamps)
- Wedding or engagement photos/invitations, if relevant
Polygamous or Polyandrous Marriages
- Only monogamous relationships are recognized under UK immigration law
- Polygamous or polyandrous marriages may be accepted only if legally recognized in the country where they occurred
- If not legally recognized, the application will likely be refused
Financial Requirement Evidence
As of 11 April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year (rising to £34,500 later in 2024 and £38,700 in 2025).
You must provide Category A–G documents, depending on your income source:
Category A (salaried employment – 6 months+ with the same employer)
- 6 months’ payslips
- 6 months’ bank statements showing salary deposits
- Employer letter confirming job title, salary, start date, and employment type
Category B (salaried – less than 6 months or variable income)
- 12 months’ payslips
- 12 months’ bank statements
- Employer letter
- Calculation of average income over 12 months
Category C (non-employment income)
- Rental income statements
- Dividends, pension payments, etc.
- Evidence of ownership and value
Category D (cash savings)
- Must have held at least £88,500 (if using savings alone)
- Savings must be in your name or jointly with your partner
- Must be held for six consecutive months in a cash account
- Full bank statements
Category E–G (self-employment, director of the company, etc.)
- Valid passport (with more than 3 months’ validity)
- Company registration documents
- 12 months’ tax return (SA302)
- HMRC tax overview
- Business accounts
- Evidence of dividends, stocks, shares, or trust income
- Proof of relationship
- Accountant letter
- Business bank statements
Make sure your accountant is registered with a recognized UK body, like the Institute of Financial Accountants.
Refugees
If the sponsor is a refugee, the application should include:
- BRP card and refugee status documentation
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Case Acceptance Letter
- Evidence of income or savings meeting the requirement
- Proof of English language proficiency
Pro Tip: You can combine income categories in specific ways, and refer to Appendix FM-SE rules carefully.
Financial Exemptions
In certain circumstances, the financial requirement may not apply. It typically includes:
The UK sponsor is receiving specific disability-related benefits, such as:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, etc.
Using Savings Instead of Income
If you don’t meet the £29,000 income requirement, you can use savings instead.
Required Savings: £88,500
- The savings must be held in your name (or jointly) for at least six consecutive months.
- Savings must be immediately accessible (e.g., in a current or savings account)
- Funds cannot be from loans or third-party gifts unless fully evidenced
Pro Tips: Double-check which financial category (A-G) your situation falls under. Ensure all documents are consistent in dates and figures. Include certified translations if any documents aren’t in English or Welsh.
Accommodation Evidence
You must prove there is adequate accommodation that’s not overcrowded. The sponsor must provide the applicant with travel documents.
Applicants must submit the following evidence for accommodation proof:
Documents to include
- Couples must confirm their intent to live in the same house
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage deed
- Council tax bills or utility bills showing the sponsor’s address
- Property inspection report (recommended, especially for family homes)
- A letter from the landlord (if renting) confirming permission for you to stay
- Provide proof that your accommodation has enough space for both of you to live together comfortably
Cultural Awareness and Flexibility in Evidence
When applying for a UK visa, particularly in family or partnership-based routes, it’s essential to consider how cultural differences may affect the availability or presentation of evidence.
The Home Office recognizes this and offers flexibility in certain circumstances. Applicants should be aware of the following key points:
Cultural Sensitivity
Be aware that cultural practices may impact the type of documentation available. For example, in some cultures:
- Same-sex relationships may not be openly acknowledged or documented.
- Female family members might not appear on official property or identity documents.
- Cohabitation may not be formally recorded due to cultural or legal restrictions.
In such cases, it is advisable to provide alternative forms of evidence. It may include:
- Affidavits from family members or close friends.
- Personal statements explaining the cultural context.
- Community or religious testimonials supporting the nature of the relationship.\
English Language Requirement
You must meet the A1 level (initial application) or A2 level (extension) in speaking and listening under CEFR.
You can prove this with
- SELT test certificate from an approved UKVI test provider (e.g., IELTS Life Skills)
- A degree taught or researched in English (must be NARIC/ECCTIS verified if from abroad)
- Proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Australia)
Exemptions
Applicants are exempt from the English test if they:
- Are over 65
- Have a mental or physical condition preventing testing
- Are nationals of majority English-speaking countries
ID and Immigration History Documents
Documents to include
- Applicant’s valid passport
- Sponsor’s passport or proof of settled status/British citizenship
- Previous UK visas, if applicable
- Immigration history and reasons for past refusals (if any)
Tuberculosis (TB) Test (if applicable)
If applying from a listed country, you must provide a valid TB certificate from an approved clinic.
- The test is valid for only 6 months.
- Required for applications over 6 months.
- Check the official UKVI list: UK TB Test Clinics
Exemptions
Applicants are exempt from the TB test if they are from a country not listed as requiring TB testing by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Applicants are also exempt if they have already submitted a valid TB test certificate within the last 6 months for a previous UK visa application.
Additional Supporting Documents
To strengthen your application:
Third-Party Letters
Include letters from:
- Friends and family members
- Religious or community leaders
These can vouch for the authenticity of your relationship.
Evidence of Visits and Communication
- Phone call logs
- Postmarked letters
- Photos from joint vacations
- Tickets or boarding passes
Practical Examples: When You Might Not Need to Meet the Full £29,000 Income Rule
Not everyone needs to meet the £29,000 income requirement in the same way. In some instances, exceptions or flexibility apply, giving you more options to qualify for the UK Spouse Visa. Here are some practical examples
Example 1: You Have Dependent Children
If the sponsor has dependent children applying as part of the visa, the financial requirement can be adjusted. For example:
- With two children, the Home Office may allow a reduced income threshold, mainly if supported by savings or benefits.
Always check the latest official guidance or seek advice, as thresholds for dependents are under review.
Example 2: You Have Enough Savings
If the sponsor has £65,000 in cash savings, they can rely on this as an alternative to income.
- Savings must have been held for at least 6 months.
- They must be inaccessible accounts (e.g., not tied up in shares or property)
In this case, the sponsor doesn’t need to prove any employment income; the savings alone are enough.
Example 3: Your Income Dropped Recently
Let’s say the sponsor was earning above £29,000 but experienced a temporary drop in income (e.g., due to job loss or illness). If they:
- Can show a consistent work history over the previous year
- Provide proof of return to work or steady income recovery
What helps here?
- A letter from the current or former employer
- Bank statements showing regular salary deposits before and after the dip
- A written explanation of the situation
My Advice
These exceptions allow for flexibility, but the key is strong documentation. Whether it’s savings, child dependents, or temporary income changes, make sure to:
- Clearly explain your situation in a cover letter
- Back it up with bank statements, employment letters, or savings account proofs
- Double-check the latest immigration rules or seek legal advice if unsure
Even if you don’t strictly meet the £29,000 salary rule, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate financial stability through other means.
Application Process and Biometrics
Completing the Application
You must:
- Fill out the online application via the UKVI website
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and biometric fee
Biometric Appointment
After applying, you’ll be invited to:
- Attend a biometric appointment
- Submit fingerprints and a digital photograph
Supporting Documents Checklist
You should include the following:
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
- Proof of income: payslips, bank statements, self-employment docs
- Accommodation evidence: tenancy, mortgage, or landlord letter
- Genuine relationship evidence: photos, chats, call logs, travel history
- TB certificate, if applicable
- English language certificate or proof of exemption
Sponsor’s Documents (British or Settled Partner)
- Passport or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
- Proof of settled status: British passport, ILR, or pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Sponsor’s signed letter of support explaining your relationship and intention to live together
Submitting Temporary or Partial Documents
If you are unable to provide complete or original documentation at the time of your UK visa application, you should:
- Submit whatever evidence is currently available, even if it is temporary, partial, or in an alternative format.
- Include a detailed written explanation (a cover letter).
In a cover letter or statement outlining:
- Why are the complete or official documents unavailable
- When and how do you expect to obtain the missing documents
- Any steps already taken to retrieve or replace them
The Home Office caseworker will assess whether:
- The submitted evidence is credible and consistent
- The temporary documents reasonably support the application
- The missing documentation can be overlooked or requested later under evidential flexibility rules
Pro Tip: Supporting your explanation with additional context (e.g., delays from institutions, postal issues, or legal barriers) can improve your credibility.
Alternative evidence examples may include:
- Scanned copies instead of originals
- Letters from institutions confirming pending documentation
- Affidavits or third-party confirmations
Conclusion
A successful UK spouse or partner visa application depends on clear, consistent, and well-organized evidence. Ensure you understand the eligibility criteria, gather the correct documents, and explain any gaps or cultural nuances.
Where possible, anticipate potential issues like previous relationships or lack of conventional evidence and offer clear explanations and alternatives.
Where guidance is unclear, it’s advisable to seek help from a certified immigration advisor. If you need help drafting a personal statement, explanation letters, or a whole document checklist, feel free to ask!
How KQ Solicitors Can Help You with Your UK Spouse Visa Checklist
Applying for a UK spouse visa can feel overwhelming, but at KQ Solicitors, we’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and successful. Our experienced immigration team offers a personalized spouse visa checklist tailored to your specific circumstances.
Whether you’re applying from overseas or within the UK, we’ll guide you through each step of the journey.
We help you understand exactly which documents you need, including relationship evidence, financial records, accommodation proof, and identity documents.
If you’re unsure how to meet the financial requirement or prove your relationship, we’ll explain everything clearly and advise you on the right approach based on the latest Home Office rules.
If you’re ready to get started or want to request your free spouse visa checklist, contact us today to schedule a 30-minute free consultation and take the first step toward your UK journey. You may reach us by:
📞 Call Us: [+447429294455]
📧 Email Us: [info@kqsolicitors.com]
🌐 Visit Us Online: [KQ Solicitors]