UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist 2025

A UK Spouse Visa application stands or falls on the strength of its documentation. Under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules, applicants must demonstrate eligibility through clear, correctly formatted evidence covering their relationship, finances, accommodation, and English language ability. The evidential burden lies entirely with the applicant and sponsor, and caseworkers will assess only what is uploaded—they do not chase missing or unclear documents.

What this article is about: This comprehensive guide provides a practitioner-level checklist for UK Spouse Visa documentation. It sets out what to include in each evidential category, how to structure and submit it, and how to avoid the common omissions that cause refusals. The content reflects the position as of October 2025, incorporating the £29,000 income threshold, certified translation standards, SELT English levels (A1, A2, B1), tuberculosis (TB) testing where applicable, the phase-out of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and the use of share codes for digital immigration status. It is designed for applicants and sponsors preparing both initial applications and later extensions or ILR.

Follow each section in order, prepare your documents in line with Appendix FM-SE, and label uploads clearly so that a caseworker can verify facts quickly. Retain all originals and maintain continuity of evidence throughout the five-year route.

Section A: Understanding the Spouse Visa Document Requirements

A UK Spouse Visa must be supported by comprehensive, verifiable documentation satisfying the evidential standards under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. These documents allow the Home Office to decide whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for entry clearance or further leave to remain as a partner. Accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation can determine whether an otherwise valid case succeeds or fails.

The Home Office requires applicants to demonstrate compliance in four mandatory categories: relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language. Each category carries strict evidential rules, and documents must either be original or high-quality digital copies that meet the “specified evidence” standards. Caseworkers may request to see originals if authenticity is questioned.

Understanding what to provide, how to format it, and when to submit it is essential. The subsections below outline the legal basis, submission methods, and common pitfalls that undermine applications even where the underlying facts are sound.

1. Legal Basis under Appendix FM

Appendix FM provides the legal foundation for family migration routes, including the spouse or partner route for those applying to join a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. Applicants must provide documentary proof that:

• the relationship with the sponsor is genuine and subsisting
• the financial requirement is met or an exemption applies
• adequate accommodation is available in the UK
• the English language requirement is satisfied

The evidential standards for each category are contained in Appendix FM-SE, which specifies what constitutes “specified evidence” and how it must be presented. Failing to meet these formal requirements—such as missing pages in bank statements or an undated employer letter—can lead to refusal, even where the facts are true.

Applicants must ensure that every document meets both the content and timing rules under Appendix FM-SE. For instance, payslips must correspond exactly to salary deposits shown on bank statements, and any translation must be signed, dated, and certified by a qualified translator confirming accuracy and credentials.

2. When and How to Submit Documents

Applications are submitted digitally through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) portal for in-country applicants or TLScontact for those applying overseas. Applicants may upload their documents directly or pay for scanning at the service centre.

When uploading documents:

• Ensure files are complete, legible, and clearly labelled (e.g. “Marriage Certificate”, “Sponsor Payslips”).
• Use accepted digital formats such as PDF or JPEG.
• Group evidence logically by category—relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and supporting materials.

Where documents are not in English or Welsh, include a certified translation that is signed and dated, confirming accuracy and including the translator’s name, credentials, and contact details. Applicants outside the UK should confirm whether their local Visa Application Centre provides in-person scanning. If not, originals must be couriered to the decision centre as directed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Retain digital and physical copies of everything submitted for use in later extensions or appeals.

3. Common Mistakes and Document Rejections

Most Spouse Visa refusals arise from documentary errors rather than ineligibility. Typical problems include:

• Submitting only part of a financial record—for example, two months of payslips instead of six.
• Providing uncertified photocopies or non-compliant translations.
• Uploading illegible or mislabelled files.
• Discrepancies between the application form and evidence, such as mismatched job titles or dates.
• Omitting pages from bank statements, contracts, or tenancy agreements.

Caseworkers test each document for consistency with the application data. Even minor discrepancies—such as inconsistent spellings or missing employer signatures—can cast doubt on credibility. Because evidential flexibility is extremely limited, applicants should verify every item against Appendix FM-SE before submission. A refused application normally requires a full re-application and payment of a new fee.

Section Summary: Mastering the evidential framework of Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE allows applicants and sponsors to prepare a legally robust file. Fully translated, logically organised, and precisely formatted documents reduce the risk of refusal and demonstrate compliance. The next section explains how to evidence the relationship, the foundation of every Spouse Visa case.

Section B: Relationship Evidence Checklist

The strength and authenticity of relationship evidence determine whether a Spouse Visa application meets the Home Office’s requirements under Appendix FM. Caseworkers must be satisfied that the marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised and that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. This section outlines the types of documents that best demonstrate those facts and how to organise them for clarity and credibility.

1. Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate

The legal starting point for any Spouse Visa is the marriage or civil partnership certificate. It must include the full names of both partners, the date, and the place of registration.

• For marriages outside the UK, ensure the certificate is legally valid in the country of celebration and recognised under UK law. Some countries require legalisation with an Apostille under the Hague Convention.
• Religious or cultural ceremonies alone are not sufficient. The marriage or partnership must be formally registered with the relevant civil authority.
• Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are accepted where legally recognised.
• Certificates not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation signed, dated, and confirmed accurate by a qualified translator including their credentials and contact details.

Submit the certificate as a clear digital copy. Where the certificate has been reissued or corrected, include the most recent official version.

2. Evidence of a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

Beyond formal registration, the Home Office expects evidence that the couple continue to live together—or, if apart, maintain regular contact—demonstrating commitment and permanence. Priority should be given to quality and continuity of evidence rather than volume.

• Joint correspondence: Utility bills, council-tax statements, or official letters addressed to both partners at the same address over time.
• Shared financial arrangements: Joint bank accounts, insurance policies, tenancy or mortgage agreements showing shared responsibility.
• Travel records: Flight itineraries, boarding passes, hotel bookings, or other records of visits where the couple lived apart.
• Photos: A concise selection of dated images with family and friends, labelled with location and context.
• Communications: Screenshots or logs evidencing regular calls or messages across different periods.

Arrange all items chronologically and label files clearly—for example, “Joint Bank Statements Jan–Jun 2024”. Avoid large quantities of low-value material such as social-media posts that add bulk without evidential value.

3. For Ongoing or Long-Distance Relationships

Where partners live separately because of work, study, or immigration restrictions, evidence must show the relationship remains active and that there is a clear intention to live together permanently in the UK. Relevant items include:

• Proof of visits: flight bookings, entry/exit stamps, accommodation confirmations, and photographs together.
• Communication logs covering the separation period, demonstrating consistent contact.
• Financial evidence of support, such as remittance receipts or shared savings accounts.
• A concise cover letter explaining the reason for separation, dates involved, and future plans to cohabit in the UK.

The narrative behind the evidence should present a coherent timeline of the relationship, helping the caseworker understand how and when the couple met, married, and intend to live together. Clear structure and labelling are crucial to avoid confusion or scepticism.

Section Summary: Relationship evidence forms the cornerstone of a Spouse Visa. Applicants must show that the partnership is genuine, legally recognised, and ongoing through consistent, high-quality documentation. Comprehensive, chronological evidence—supported by certified translations where needed—significantly improves prospects of approval. The next section explains how to document compliance with the financial requirement under Appendix FM-SE.

Section C: Financial Requirement Documents

The financial requirement under Appendix FM is one of the most scrutinised elements of a Spouse Visa application. The Home Office must be satisfied that the couple can live in the UK without access to public funds. Appendix FM sets the minimum income threshold, while Appendix FM-SE specifies the exact documentary evidence needed to prove compliance. Caseworkers assess these documents precisely against the specified-evidence rules, so accuracy, completeness, and timing are crucial.

Each document must be consistent, dated correctly, and cover the required period. Even a small omission—such as missing pages or a letter without a date—can lead to refusal. The following subsections explain how to meet the financial requirement through employment, self-employment, savings, or exemptions, and how to structure evidence for clarity and legal compliance.

1. Employment Income

Applicants relying on employment income must prove that the sponsor, or the applicant if already lawfully working in the UK, earns at least £29,000 per year (the threshold for new applications made on or after 11 April 2024). Those already on the five-year partner route before that date continue under their previous threshold until settlement.

The Home Office distinguishes between two employment categories:

• Category A: Employed by the same employer for six months or more before applying.
• Category B: Employed for less than six months or with variable income, including multiple jobs or recent changes of employment.

Category A – Required evidence:

• Six consecutive monthly payslips.
• Six matching bank statements showing salary deposits.
• An employer letter on headed paper, dated recently, confirming employment details (start date, job title, contract type, and current gross salary) and signed by an authorised officer.

Category B – Required evidence:

• The same documents as Category A covering the current employment period.
• Proof of total gross income across the previous 12 months, such as earlier payslips and bank statements.

All financial evidence must comply with Appendix FM-SE timing rules—typically the six-month period must end within 28 days of the application date. Handwritten or unsigned payslips are not accepted. Ensure each document shows the employer’s name, payment dates, and gross and net salary.

2. Self-Employment and Company Directors

For sponsors who are self-employed or company directors, Appendix FM-SE sets out detailed requirements based on the most recently completed financial year.

• HMRC self-assessment tax return (SA302) and corresponding tax year overview.
• Business accounts (audited or unaudited, depending on structure).
• Personal and business bank statements showing income deposits.
• A letter from an accountant belonging to a recognised UK professional body confirming registration details and business status.

Directors holding more than 10 percent of shares must also include:

• Company tax return (CT600) and Companies House filings.
• Payslips and dividend vouchers for the relevant year.
• Bank statements demonstrating payments from the company.

Provide documents for the full tax year, typically the period ending 5 April of the latest completed year. Failing to include every item listed in Appendix FM-SE for the selected category will result in refusal, even if income exceeds £29,000.

3. Savings and Combined Sources

Applicants who cannot meet the £29,000 threshold through employment may rely on cash savings. These funds must be held by the applicant, the sponsor, or jointly, and must be instantly accessible. They must have been held for at least six months before the application date.

• Provide six months of bank or investment statements clearly showing balance, account holder names, and account numbers.
• Where large deposits appear, include proof of the source (for example, sale of property or inheritance).

To meet the threshold through savings alone, a minimum balance of £88,500 is required, based on the Home Office formula that converts savings above £16,000 into an income equivalent. Applicants may combine income and savings using the following calculation: disregard the first £16,000 and divide the remainder by 2.5 to determine its annual income value.

4. Exemptions under Appendix FM

Some sponsors are exempt from meeting the minimum income threshold because they receive a specified benefit. In these cases, the applicant must show adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds.

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Evidence should include benefit award letters, bank statements confirming regular payments, and proof of housing costs. The Home Office will apply the adequate maintenance test to confirm the couple can support themselves without additional public funds.

Section Summary: Financial documentation is a core component of a Spouse Visa application. Every item must fit the category, time frame, and format prescribed by Appendix FM-SE. Applications are often refused for technical evidential failures rather than insufficient income. A systematic, indexed approach to income and savings evidence gives the Home Office confidence that the applicant meets the financial requirement. The next section explains how to document adequate accommodation and English language compliance.

Section D: Accommodation and English Language Evidence

Alongside proof of relationship and finances, every Spouse Visa application must demonstrate that the couple will have adequate accommodation in the UK and that the applicant meets the English language requirement. These two areas form part of the Home Office’s assessment of the applicant’s ability to integrate and live independently. This section outlines the documents required for each and clarifies related obligations, such as tuberculosis (TB) testing where relevant.

1. Accommodation Documents

Applicants must show that they will have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds and without causing statutory overcrowding. The Home Office assesses adequacy using the overcrowding standards under the Housing Act 1985. The property can be owned, rented, or provided rent-free by family or friends, provided permission to live there is clearly evidenced.

• Proof of ownership: Land Registry title register, official copies, a recent mortgage statement, or a letter from the lender confirming ownership.
• Tenancy agreement or licence to occupy: Showing names of occupants, address, and length of tenancy.
• Letter of consent: If living with relatives or friends, a signed letter from the property owner confirming permission, number of rooms, and intended occupants.
• Property inspection report (optional but recommended): Issued by a qualified surveyor or local authority confirming that the property is not overcrowded and is fit for habitation.
• Employment-linked housing: Where accommodation is provided by an employer, a letter confirming continued availability and terms of occupation.

All property documents must clearly state the address, names of intended residents, and tenure type. Scans should be complete and legible; missing pages or unsigned agreements may cause refusal. Where living arrangements involve multiple households, it can be helpful to provide a brief cover note explaining the space allocation and privacy arrangements.

2. English Language Requirement

The English language requirement ensures applicants can communicate and integrate in the UK. It applies to every stage of the spouse route, increasing progressively as the applicant moves toward settlement:

• A1: for first-time spouse or partner visa applications.
• A2: for the 2.5-year extension (FLR(M)).
• B1: for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Applicants can meet this requirement in one of the following ways:

• By providing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) result, such as IELTS for UKVI: Life Skills or Trinity GESE, taken at a Home Office-approved centre and valid on the application date.
• By submitting evidence of a degree taught in English, accompanied by a UK ENIC statement confirming UK equivalence and medium of instruction.
• By proving nationality from a majority English-speaking country listed by the Home Office.

Each test certificate must show the applicant’s full name, test provider, date, and CEFR level achieved. Only SELT results from the approved provider list are accepted—general IELTS or academic versions taken outside the UKVI framework are invalid for visa purposes. Applicants aged 65 or over, or those with a long-term medical condition preventing compliance, should include medical evidence for exemption.

3. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificates

Applicants who have lived for six months or more in a country on the Home Office’s TB testing list must provide a valid test certificate from an approved clinic. The certificate must:

• Be issued no more than six months before the application date.
• Include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and passport number.
• Identify the approved clinic and confirm the applicant is free from TB.

Each dependant who has lived in a listed country must also provide a valid TB certificate. Certificates must be clear and legible; handwritten or altered copies are not accepted. Applicants should retain the original for future use or for presentation at the border if requested.

Section Summary: Evidence of adequate accommodation and English language ability completes the core evidential framework for a Spouse Visa. Property documentation should confirm that housing is sufficient and lawful, while SELT results or recognised qualifications must prove language competence at the required CEFR level. Where TB testing applies, ensure certificates are recent and from approved clinics. Together, these documents show readiness to live legally, safely, and sustainably in the UK.

Section E: Additional Supporting Documents

Beyond the primary evidence for relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language requirements, applicants must also provide supporting documents to confirm identity, immigration history, and sponsor eligibility. These materials ensure the application is validly made and that both parties meet all legal criteria under Appendix FM and the Immigration Rules. Properly organised supplementary evidence also helps caseworkers verify information quickly and efficiently.

1. Passport and Travel History

The applicant must submit a valid passport or travel document to prove identity and nationality. Clear, complete scans of all pages showing personal details, visa endorsements, and entry or exit stamps help confirm lawful travel and residence history.

• Include copies of any current and previous passports used for travel to or from the UK.
• Where the sponsor has travelled to visit the applicant, include relevant passport pages or travel records as supporting relationship evidence.
• Attach copies of any prior UK visas, biometric residence permits (BRPs), and Home Office decision letters confirming past grants or refusals of leave.

Since 2025, the Home Office has been phasing out BRPs in favour of digital status. Sponsors or applicants holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status should therefore generate a share code through the GOV.UK “View and Prove” service to evidence immigration status.

Any past refusals, overstays, or immigration breaches should be declared honestly, with relevant documents and a brief explanation where appropriate. Transparency on immigration history is viewed positively by caseworkers and avoids future complications.

2. Sponsor’s Immigration Status Evidence

The UK-based sponsor must prove they are eligible to sponsor under Appendix FM. Acceptable evidence depends on their type of immigration status:

• British citizen: Copy of a current British passport or a certificate of naturalisation or registration.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status: Biometric residence permit (if still valid) or share code proving digital status.
• EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): Share code generated via GOV.UK showing settled or pre-settled status.
• Refugee or humanitarian protection status: Home Office grant letter confirming current protection leave.

If the sponsor holds limited leave, such as pre-settled status or limited leave to remain on another route, additional documents may be required to demonstrate ongoing residence and genuine relationship continuity. Where children are included in the application, provide their full birth certificates and, if applicable, written consent from both parents.

3. Cover Letter and Organisation

Although not mandatory, a well-prepared cover letter strengthens the clarity and professionalism of a Spouse Visa application. The letter should briefly summarise the key elements of the case and provide an index of attached documents.

• Outline the relationship history and explain any periods of separation.
• Summarise how the financial requirement is met, referencing specific evidence bundles.
• Confirm accommodation arrangements and the basis for lawful occupation.
• List each evidential category with the relevant document names and page references.
• Explain any irregularities or missing evidence, such as a short employment period or delayed translation.

If the application is prepared by a legal representative, the cover letter may include certification that all documents comply with Appendix FM-SE and that originals are available for inspection. Applicants preparing their own cases should still include a brief index or table of contents to assist caseworkers reviewing uploads.

Section Summary: Supplementary documentation provides the framework for verifying identity, sponsor eligibility, and case organisation. Valid passports, immigration records, and clear status evidence ensure the application is legally complete. A structured, indexed cover letter signals a well-prepared case, supporting efficient review and a faster decision. The next section presents common applicant questions about documentary evidence and Home Office procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section addresses the most common questions from applicants and sponsors preparing Spouse Visa documentation. Understanding these points helps prevent refusals caused by small but avoidable errors.

1. What happens if I miss a document?

If a required document is missing or incomplete, the Home Office may refuse the application without requesting further information. Appendix FM-SE places the responsibility entirely on the applicant to provide all specified evidence at the time of application. Although limited evidential flexibility exists—particularly where refusal would cause disproportionate interference with family life under Article 8 ECHR—caseworkers are not obliged to exercise it. Always verify that every evidential category is complete before submission.

2. Can I send extra documents after submission?

Applicants can usually add or replace uploaded documents through UKVCAS (for in-country applications) or TLScontact (for overseas applications) before the biometric appointment or within the upload window set by the service provider. Once biometrics have been submitted and the application file is transferred to UKVI, late evidence is rarely reviewed. If a serious omission is identified, a further-submission request may be made, but acceptance is discretionary and not guaranteed.

3. Do I need originals, or are scans acceptable?

Digital copies are accepted through the UKVCAS and TLScontact portals, provided they are complete, clear, and legible. Caseworkers decide applications based on digital evidence but may request to view originals if authenticity concerns arise. Applicants should retain all original documents safely for potential inspection or appeal purposes.

4. How long are documents valid for?

Different evidence types have different validity periods under Appendix FM-SE:

• Financial documents must cover the required duration (typically six consecutive months) and be dated within 28 days before application submission.
• TB test certificates remain valid for six months from issue.
• English language test certificates must come from an approved SELT provider and be valid at the date of application.
• Translations must be current, signed, dated, and certified as accurate by a qualified translator.

Using outdated or incomplete documents is a common reason for refusal. Double-check all issue dates and coverage periods before uploading files.

5. What if my documents are not in English or Welsh?

Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation meeting Home Office standards. The translation must include the translator’s name, signature, date, credentials, and confirmation that it is a true and accurate translation of the original. Non-compliant translations are treated as invalid, meaning the underlying document will not be considered.

Section Summary: Most refusals arise from incomplete or incorrectly formatted evidence rather than ineligibility. Verify every document against Appendix FM-SE, ensure translations meet certification rules, and keep financial and status documents current. Timely, precise uploads demonstrate compliance and professionalism, increasing the likelihood of a positive decision. The conclusion summarises best practices for successful Spouse Visa documentation.

Conclusion

The UK Spouse Visa remains one of the most document-intensive immigration routes under Appendix FM. While eligibility depends on genuine relationships and financial stability, decisions are ultimately determined by the quality, completeness, and accuracy of the supporting documentation. Every uploaded file must meet the “specified evidence” standards in Appendix FM-SE for format, timing, and content.

Common refusals arise from missing pages, outdated documents, or inconsistent information across evidence sets. Even minor administrative errors can undermine a strong application. Success therefore relies on careful preparation, organised presentation, and strict adherence to Home Office evidential rules.

Applicants should treat each evidence category as an interlocking component of one coherent case. Relationship documents must align with financial timelines, accommodation evidence should correspond with tenancy or ownership dates, and English language certificates must be valid and from an approved provider. A well-structured file allows caseworkers to verify facts quickly, which often translates into faster, positive outcomes.

When preparing an application:

• Double-check that every evidence category—relationship, financial, accommodation, language, and supporting documents—is complete and formatted to Appendix FM-SE requirements.
• Ensure translations meet Home Office certification standards and that financial documents fall within permitted dates.
• Maintain consistency between all uploaded evidence and the details entered in the online form.
• Keep digital and physical copies for use in later extensions and ILR applications.

Each stage of the five-year spouse route—initial application, extension, and Indefinite Leave to Remain—requires new evidence demonstrating ongoing compliance and relationship continuity. Applicants who maintain well-organised records from the outset save time, cost, and stress at future stages.

Summary: Accuracy, organisation, and compliance are the foundation of every successful Spouse Visa case. By preparing a complete and logically indexed set of documents under Appendix FM-SE, applicants can meet the Home Office’s evidential standard, demonstrate transparency, and significantly reduce the risk of refusal.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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