Processing a Spouse Visa UK application is complex and stressful sometimes because the UK government tends to keep introducing and requiring several documents to check for fake marriages. Considering the fact that the spouse visa UK fees are quite high, it is important to understand which documents are required to avoid visa application rejections. Also, clear paperwork will help to reduce the spouse visa UK processing time.
Documents Required to Prove a Genuine Relationship
Among the key requirements that you will need to present while applying for a UK spouse visa settlement is proof that you are in a real relationship and currently cohabiting with your spouse. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will evaluate the authenticity of your civil partnership or marriage, which should not be entered into purely for immigration purposes.
Documents required include:
- Civil partnership or marriage certificate, which is the official document attesting to the legal recognition of your relationship. Confirm that it is a certified copy, particularly if issued outside the United Kingdom.
- Evidence of any financial obligations being shared such as joint bank account statements, shared utility bills, or joint tenancy agreements.
- Correspondence was received by both persons concerned. Letters or official documents received by both of you at the same address can show that you have been living together.
- Travel records and photographs: While these might not be compulsory, they will add to the reality of your relationship with the pictures taken together over the years in different locations. Flight tickets or travel itineraries showing trips taken together also act as valuable evidence.
- Communication records: Include any evidence of communications such as chat logs, call records, or emails if there have been significant periods where you have not been physically together to show how you stayed in touch during these times.
Documents Proving Financial Requirements
The sponsor (the British citizen or UK settled partner) should demonstrate the ability to financially support their spouse without depending on the UK public funds to meet the financial requirements of the UK Spouse Visa. The minimum income requirement is £29,000 annually, although this amount goes up if dependent children are considered.
The following financial documents are needed for a UK Spouse visa:
- Bank statements: These must cover at least six months of regular income proof, which meets or exceeds the financial threshold required.
- Certified copies of the title deeds for any property (a flat, house, or land).
- Vehicle registration certificate copy.
- Regarding employment contracts, it will help to formalize the current employment income and status. A letter that confirms employment title, salary, and length of employment (this is also frequently requested to dig further into one's financial situation).
- If self-employed for yourself or your partner, a few more documents will be needed like business accounts and evidence of the business activity which is ongoing.
Documents to Establish English Language Requirement
The applicant (non-British spouse) must meet the English language requirement unless the applicant comes from an English-speaking country or holds an English-taught degree. The applicant, who is a non-British spouse, should adhere to the English language requirement unless the applicant has citizenship or a degree taught in English; they must have a fair understanding of the language to fit into UK life.
The following documents should be considered:
- The English language test certificate: In case you are required to undertake an approved English test, the certificate obtained from the test provider approved by the UKVI is required. The test must be a minimum of the A1 level, according to CEFR.
- Degree taught in English: You may not be required to take any further assessment if the degree is taught in English. Provide your university letter and official assessment from UK NARIC (now called the ECCTIS) to demonstrate that the degree is at par with the UKVI requirements.
Documents to Meet Tuberculosis Test Requirement
Certificates from any approved clinic confirming that tuberculosis screening was done for visa applicants to the UK must be included in the application. Certificates confirming that the applicant is free from TB must be submitted along with the visa application.
Documents Required to Show the Suitability of Accommodation
For a good judgment about the quality of housing and the number of bedrooms therein, you or your spouse must introduce documents on the classification of rented or owned housing suitable for your family. If your spouse were renting a room in an apartment, it is precisely here that the visa officer may cite the inability to cater to the basic levels of living in making their decision against giving you the visa. A rental or ownership deed showing you and your spouse now have a place to live is paramount. A property inspection report from a qualified surveyor may sometimes be required as verification that the accommodation meets the UK set standards concerning safety and space. Council tax bills or utility bills further support that the accommodation has been in proper use and is suitable for living in.
UK Spouse Visa Documents: Applicants' Checklist
- Proof of relationship with the spouse (letters, phone calls, text messages, pictures, joint holidays)
- A copy of the civil partner or marriage certificate, the inviting person's birth certificate, and the divorce certificate
- Your and your partner's valid passports or any travel document
- Financial evidence: bank statements, employment contracts, payslips, self-employment evidence
- If you have children with your partner, copies of the children's birth certificates
- A degree certificate or an English language test certificate as proof of having met the English language requirement.
- A tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable
- Your accommodation documents, such as a tenancy agreement, a property inspection report, or a mortgage statement
- Biometric data of the applicant, which comprises fingerprints and a photograph taken at an approved visa application processing center
Conclusion
If the paperwork feels complicated to you, hiring an immigration solicitor will be the best solution. They will guide you throughout the process and ensure your application doesn't have any loopholes to act as a red flag for your application.
