UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

You must provide all the mandatory documents in support of your UK Spouse Visa application as per the UK spouse visa documents checklist 2024 listed below.

You will find here a comprehensive document checklist required for the UK Spouse application. You might need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Missing, incorrect, or inconsistent documents can lead to a refusal. It's important to provide all necessary documentation in an acceptable format, including proof of income, relationship, accommodation, and English language proficiency.

Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

If you're unsure about any documents or need help with a UK Spouse Visa application, call Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in the enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is a UK spouse visa?

A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a Partner Visa, permits the husband or wife of a British citizen or someone with settled status to live and work in the UK.

As a UK Spouse Visa holder, you can work full-time without any restrictions. There are no limitations on the type of job or industry in which you can be employed.

Spouse Visa is initially granted for 30 months (2.5 years) if applied for within the UK, or 33 months (2 years and 9 months) if applied for from outside the UK.

After this period, you can apply to extend your Spouse Visa for an additional 30 months (2.5 years) to continue living and working in the UK.

You can apply for settlement in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') only after living in the UK continuously for 5 years on a family visa as a spouse. Time spent in the UK on any other visa, or as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, cannot be counted.

Who can apply for a UK spouse visa?

To be eligible to apply as a spouse, you and your partner must be 18 or over.

Your partner must also either:

  • be a British or Irish citizen
  • have indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
  • have settled status
  • have proof of permanent residence
  • have protection status
  • have permission to stay as a refugee
  • have permission to stay as a stateless person

To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, you and your partner must have a genuine, ongoing relationship and intend to live together permanently in the UK.

What documents are required for the UK spouse visa application?

Here's a comprehensive UK spouse visa document checklist for 2024:

  1. Your valid passport or other travel documents
  2. Complete spouse visa application forms
  3. Legal marriage certificate
  4. Proof that your relationship is genuine & subsisting
  5. Photographs that show you have spent time together frequently
  6. Evidence of communication, such as emails, chats, or phone records
  7. Evidence that you meet the financial requirements
  8. Proof of Adequate Accommodation in the UK
  9. Evidence that you meet the English language requirement
  10. Details of any criminal convictions
  11. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
  12. Additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances

ID and status documents for spouse visa

Applicants need to provide several personal identification and immigration history documents, such as:

  • Your valid passport or other valid travel ID.
  • Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports.
  • Details of any previous immigration applications you've made
  • A copy of your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one.
  • Details of any criminal convictions.

Documents your UK Partner (Sponsor) need to provide for a spouse visa

Your UK partner (sponsor) will need to provide the following documents:

  • Proof of partner's nationality such as a copy of passport or citizenship.
  • Proof of partner's immigration status or residency in the UK.
  • Evidence that you meet financial requirements such as Bank statements and payslips.
  • Proof of adequate accommodation such as rent agreement or mortgage documents.
  • Sponsorship declaration.

Documents needed to prove the relationship for a UK spouse visa

You will need the following to prove the relationship is genuine:

  • Marriage certificate (If it's not in English, include a certified translation.)
  • Evidence of any children you have together, such as a birth certificate.
  • Photographs of you and your spouse together.
  • Communication records such as WhatsApp chats, emails, and phone call logs.
  • Evidence of any shared activities like trips, vacations, or celebrations.
  • Statements from family and friends attest to your relationship.
  • Travel documents that prove you have visited each other at least once before you got married or have met in person.
  • Any documents which prove that you intend to live together in the UK.

Proof of adequate accommodation for spouse visa

There must be adequate accommodation for the applicant and any dependents without relying on public funds.

You may need to provide evidence of your accommodation, such as:

  • A rental agreement, mortgage document, or property deed.
  • A letter from a landlord confirming that you and your spouse will live there.
  • Utility bills show the address.
  • An accommodation inspection report if applicable (this shows the property is suitable and not overcrowded).

Evidence that you meet the financial requirements

When applying for a family visa as a spouse, you and your partner typically need to show a combined annual gross income of at least £29,000.

The income threshold varies depending on whether any dependent children are also applying.

Only the following income sources will be considered:

  • Employment or self-employment income.
  • Pension from the applicant and/or partner.
  • Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits received by the UK-based partner.
  • Any other income or savings declared by the applicant and/or partner.

Your partner (sponsor) must show they can support you and need to provide several financial documents, such as:

Proof of Income

The minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year for the sponsor. If you have children, the amount increases. To meet this, your partner can provide:

  • Payslips from the last 6 months.
  • Employer's letter confirming employment and salary.
  • Bank statements showing the income.

Self-Employment Documents

If your sponsor is self-employed, they'll need to show:

  • Tax returns (SA302 or similar)
  • Business accounts
  • Bank statements

Cash Savings (if applicable)

If your partner doesn't meet the income requirement, savings of at least £88,500 can be used as proof of financial stability.

Evidence that you meet the English language requirement

Unless you are exempt, you may need to prove your English language proficiency when applying for a UK Spouse Visa.

You can meet the knowledge of English language requirements by:

Tuberculosis (TB) test for spouse visa

A tuberculosis (TB) test is required for UK visa applicants who are coming to the UK for more than 6 months if they have spent 6 months or more in a relevant country, including any time within the 6 months leading up to the application date.

If you're from a country needing a TB test (like Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh), you'll need a TB test from a UKVI-approved clinic.

How can immigration solicitors help with visas?

Immigration solicitors can provide valuable assistance with spouse visa applications in several ways:

Initial Consultation

Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category.

During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.

Document Preparation

Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

Application Form Completion

Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.

Application Submission

We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities.

We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.

Communication with the Home Office (UKVI)

Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf.

We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.

Contact Vanguard Solicitors

If you require assistance with the UK Spouse Visa application or , don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.

To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.

References:

Ask a Question 0208 616 5535