UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist 2025: Complete Guide to Required Evidence

A UK Spouse Visa (or Family Visa under the “partner / spouse” route) allows a non-British/non-settled person to join or remain with their spouse or partner in the UK, for an initial period (typically 2½ or 2 years 9 months), with the possibility of extension and eventually applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

However, the success of the application heavily depends on submitting a complete, well-organized, and persuasive set of supporting documents. The Home Office (UK Visas & Immigration / UKVI) applies strict document standards, and many refusals stem from missing, inconsistent, or poor-quality evidence.

This article gives you:

A full, categorized checklist with explanatory notes

Deeper insights into tricky areas (e.g. financial requirement, “genuineness” test)

Practical tips for optimizing your submission

A section of frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Guidance on special/less common situations

Let’s begin.

High-Level Requirements That Drive the Documents

Before diving into the checklist, it helps to understand the core eligibility pillars — the documents must substantiate that you meet these:

Identity & national status

Relationship test: genuine, subsisting, intention to live together

Financial requirement / maintenance

English language requirement

Accommodation / no recourse to public funds / adequate housing

Immigration history / character / suitability

Every document must help support one or more of these pillars. Missing or weak evidence in any area risks refusal.

Also note: the rules changed on 11 April 2024 — many new applications now require a £29,000 minimum income threshold.

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UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist (2025)

Below is a categorized, annotated checklist. You may not need every single item listed here — tailor it to your circumstances.

Category	What to Provide	Notes & Tips / Special Cases
Application foundation	Completed online application (or form) & proof of fee payment	The main application is submitted via the UK government website. Save receipts and application reference numbers.
Identity & travel documents	• Valid passport (main applicant) • Previous passports • Visa/entry stamps in passports • National identity card (if applicable)	The passport must have at least one blank page.Copies of all used pages and any visa pages are required.
UK Sponsor / Partner documents (the British / settled spouse / partner)	• Proof of British citizenship / settled status / ILR / right to remain • Passport / biometric residence permit (BRP) • Documents confirming date and length of residence in UK, if relevant • Employment contract, payslips, P60s, tax assessments, or business accounts • Proof of other income (rental, dividends, pension) • Bank statements showing salary and savings • Proof of accommodation (e.g. tenancy agreement, mortgage)	The sponsor’s documentation is critical to satisfy the financial requirement, as well as proving they genuinely reside in the UK and can support you.
Proof of relationship / “genuine & subsisting”	• Marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate (certified / translated if foreign) • Photos together over time (with dates and captions) • Travel tickets, boarding passes for trips together • Messages, emails, call logs • Joint bank account statements, joint assets • Joint tenancy/mortgage agreements, or shared bills • Letters or official correspondence addressed to both at same address • Declarations / relationship statements (narrative) • Evidence of time spent together when living apart (if applicable)	This is often a “make-or-break” area. The evidence should show consistency over time. The Immigration Rules and Home Office documents emphasize the “balance of probabilities” test: you must show it more likely than not your relationship is genuine.
Financial requirement / maintenance	If meeting via income: • 6 months’ payslips (or more) • Employer’s letter (on company letterhead) • P60s or tax returns • Bank statements showing salary credits • Evidence of other income (e.g. dividends, rent) If using savings: • Statements showing held savings for at least 6 months • Proof funds are cash, accessible, under control of sponsor/applicant Other evidence: • Pension statements • Maternity/paternity/adoption/sick pay • Proof of monetizable assets	The current threshold is £29,000 gross per year for new applications as of 11 April 2024. If you apply from within the UK and your previous spouse visa was granted under pre-11 April 2024 rules, transitional lower thresholds may apply (such as £18,600).
English language requirement	• Certificate from an approved English test provider (e.g. IELTS, SELT) • Or degree-level academic qualification taught in English (if recognized) • Or proof of native language / exemption (if eligible)	The standard route usually requires CEFR A1 or A2, depending on whether the application is initial or extension. Some applicants (over age 65, certain medical exemptions) may be exempt.
Tuberculosis (TB) test	For applicants from countries where TB testing is required	Only in some countries. If undergoing test, you must use a Home Office–approved clinic, and provide a certificate.
Accommodation / housing evidence	• Tenancy agreement, mortgage documents • Council tax bill, utility bills • Floor plan, photos of dwelling • Letter from landlord confirming tenancy	The submitted proof must show that the accommodation is adequate (not overcrowded) and that you and partner will live together.
Character / criminal record / suitability	• Police / criminal record certificates from current country and residence countries, if required • Details of any previous immigration applications, refusals • Passport pages with refusals or cancellations	If you have criminal convictions or previous deportation orders, include full details and mitigating statements.
Other / additional evidence (as applicable)	• Divorce or death certificates of previous spouses (if remarried) • Consent letters for children (if only one parent applying) • Birth certificates of applicant and children • Translations (certified) of non-English documents • Declarations (e.g. the Home Office Spouse/Civil Partnership Declaration) • Photocopies of every supporting document (as a backup)	Each non-English document must come with a full certified translation (translator’s signature, date, contact, statement).
Biometric & identity enrolment	• Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photograph) • UK Immigration ID check (if applicable)	This is done at a Visa Application Centre or via the UKVCAS service within the UK after submitting application. The biometric appointment is mandatory.
Supporting covering statement / index	• Cover letter / index (list of documents, document numbering) • Applicant’s relationship statement (narrative) • Sponsor’s letter of support	A covering letter that clearly explains the structure of your document bundle, draws attention to key evidence, corrects any anomalies, and addresses any weaknesses, can make a difference

Deeper Insights & Practical Tips

While many checklists list documents, here are some refined insights, common pitfalls, and strategies to strengthen your application.

The Financial Requirement — navigating flexibility & interpretation

• The £29,000 threshold is strict, but “income” may include not only employment salary, but also other sources: rental income, dividends, pension, etc.
• Savings can be used to supplement income — but must be held continuously for six months and under the control of applicant/sponsor.
• Incomes like maternity, adoption, sick pay, or disability benefits may count.
• If your initial application was before 11 April 2024 and you are extending, the previous lower thresholds (e.g. £18,600) may still apply.
• Always provide detailed breakdowns, audited accounts (for self-employed), and clear reconciliations between bank statements and declared income.

Proving a Genuine and Substantiating Relationship — quality over quantity

• It is not about having a massive stack of documents — it is about consistency, coherence, and credibility. One beautifully explained and documented set of dates and events with supporting documents can be stronger than dozens of unorganized scraps.
• For photos, label them (dates, places, persons present). Tie them into your narrative.
• For messages/emails, provide short excerpts (screenshots or printouts) and an index to how they relate to events you narrate.
• If there was separation (e.g. due to travel restrictions), provide evidence of contact and attempts to meet.
• If you have children together, include birth certificates, schooling documents, and shared responsibilities.

Translations, certification & document formatting

• All non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator. The translation must include the translator’s name, signature, contact, date, and a statement confirming accuracy.
• Always include copies and retain your own set. The Home Office may keep originals or copies.
• Use a table of contents / index, with each page numbered, so decision makers can easily locate evidence.

Addressing weak points proactively

If there’s a known weak area (say low income, or a gap in evidence of cohabitation), address it in the cover letter. Explain the context, provide mitigating evidence, show intent to rectify.
If any document is missing (e.g. original certificate lost), submit a statutory declaration / letter explaining why and include evidence of attempts to retrieve.

Order, clarity, and presentation

Immigration officers sort through many applications. If you present a clearly tabulated, well-structured bundle (e.g. “Tab 1: Applicant identity; Tab 2: Sponsor documents; Tab 3: Relationship evidence; Tab 4: Finances; Tab 5: English / accommodation”), you reduce the chance of confusion or oversight.

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Updates & timing

• Use the most recent documents. Bank statements or payslips older than 6 months carry less weight, unless necessary for trend analysis.
• Avoid last-minute document gathering that may seem “manufactured.”
• Be aware of policy changes. The income threshold was recently changed in April 2024. As of now, the threshold remains at £29,000.

Common Scenarios & Special Considerations

Unmarried partners / cohabitants

If you are not legally married, you may apply under the “unmarried partner / long-term partner route. You must prove at least 2 years of cohabitation. The documentation burden will lean heavier on proving consistent living arrangements, shared bills, joint tenancy, etc.

Applicants inside the UK (extension / switch)

If you are switching from another visa or extending inside the UK, many documents are similar. However:

• Your current immigration status / visa must be included.
• Timing matters: the extension must be applied before your current leave expires.
• Transitional rules (e.g. old financial threshold) may apply depending on when your initial visa was granted.
• Use the UKVCAS “Document Upload” service inside UK to submit supplementary documents, and attend biometric enrolment in the UK.

Children / dependents

If children or dependents accompany you, include their:

• Birth certificates
• Proof of relationship to parents
• Passport / travel documents
• Documents demonstrating they depend on you

Also include evidence of parental responsibility or consent if needed.

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Applicants with prior marriages / divorces / deceased spouse

Include:

• Divorce decree absolute or judgment of nullity
• Death certificate (if widowed)
• Any relevant court orders or legal documents
  If your prior marriage ended in separation or divorce, provide evidence showing the breakdown (e.g. separation letters, periods of non-cohabitation).

Applicants with criminal records or adverse immigration history

You must fully and truthfully declare them. Provide:

• Certificates or court records
• Detailed statements or mitigation explanations
• Character references
  Non-disclosure is a major cause of refusal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why do so many spouse visa applications get refused?
Usually because of insufficient documentation, lack of clarity, inconsistencies, or weak evidence in the relationship and financial requirement. Even small errors, missing pages, or ambiguous evidence can lead to refusal. That is why a well-organized, carefully explained, and thoroughly documented application matters.

Can my own employment/income be counted toward the £29,000 threshold?
Generally no. The income requirement is typically based on the UK-based sponsor’s income or combined income including that sponsor’s income. The applicant’s foreign or potential UK income is rarely accepted unless they already hold valid working rights in the UK. Legal advice should be sought if your circumstances are unusual.

What if my sponsor is unemployed or their income is insufficient?
You may rely more heavily on cash savings, or try to include multiple income sources (e.g. rent, dividends, investments). But meeting the threshold solely via savings requires substantial sums (often over £62,500 or more). Exemptions are limited. In weak cases, you may consider alternate routes (e.g. UK employer sponsorship) or delay your application until finances improve.

When must I provide translated documents?
All non-English documents must have a certified translation. The translation must be full, accurate, and include translator’s contact, signature, date, and a statement of accuracy.

How many photos do I need, and what specification?
Usually two passport-sized color photos meeting UK photo standards. The application guidance or site should specify exact dimensions etc.

Can I include documents after submitting the application (supplementary evidence)?
It depends on your situation. In some UK in-country cases, you may supply supplementary documents via UKVCAS. But in general, you should not rely on submitting missing documents later; the initial submission should be as complete as possible.

What is the timeline / how long does decision take?
For applications made outside the UK, standard decisions often take ~12 weeks. For in-UK extensions, 8 weeks is common. Priority services (if available) may fast-track.

After the visa is granted, how long is it valid?
If applying from abroad, typically 33 months (2 years 9 months). If applying inside the UK, usually 30 months (2 years 6 months).Then you must apply to extend before it expires. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for ILR.

Can I work/study on a spouse visa?
Yes. The spouse visa permits full work and study rights (unless specific conditions restrict).

What happens if my application is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter with reasons. You may have rights of appeal or reconsideration in some cases, or you may need to reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.

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Conclusion & Final Tips

Start early: Some documents may take weeks to procure (e.g. police certificates, translations, bank statements).

Be honest and consistent: Avoid discrepancies between statements and documents.

Explain the gaps: If there’s a break in employment, gap in relationship evidence, or anything ambiguous, address it in your cover letter.

Organize smartly: Clean tabbed sections, index, page numbers, highlighted cross-references — make your case easy to read.

Keep updated: Always verify the current Home Office rules before applying, as immigration policy is subject to change (e.g. upcoming reviews of income thresholds).

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