A UK Spouse Visa application is decided on the strength of its documents. Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and Appendix FM-SE, applicants must evidence their relationship, finances, accommodation, and English language to a strict evidential standard. The process is digital-first via UKVCAS in the UK or TLScontact overseas, with caseworkers assessing what you upload rather than chasing missing items. Precision, consistency and clear organisation determine outcomes.
What this article is about: This guide is a complete, practitioner-level document checklist for Spouse Visa applications. It explains exactly what to provide for each evidential category, how to format and submit it, and how to avoid the errors that cause refusals. It reflects current rules as at October 2025, including the £29,000 income threshold, certified translation requirements, SELT English levels (A1, A2, B1), TB testing where applicable, the BRP phase-out and the use of share codes to prove status. The article is structured for applicants and sponsors and is designed to support initial applications and later extensions and ILR.
Read each section in order, assemble your evidence to the Appendix FM-SE format, and label and index your uploads so a caseworker can verify the facts quickly. Keep originals safely. Prepare to evidence continuity over the full 5-year route.
Section A: Understanding the Spouse Visa Document Requirements
A UK Spouse Visa application must be supported by comprehensive documentation to satisfy the evidential requirements under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE of the UK Immigration Rules. These documents enable the Home Office to assess whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for entry clearance or further leave to remain as a spouse or partner. The accuracy, completeness, and presentation of these documents can be decisive in determining the outcome of an application.
The Home Office expects applicants to demonstrate compliance with the mandatory categories of evidence: relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language. Each category carries specific evidential requirements, and all documents must be original or officially certified copies unless stated otherwise in Appendix FM-SE.
Understanding how and when to submit your documentation is essential to avoid delays or refusals. This section sets out the framework of document requirements, submission methods, and common pitfalls that can undermine an otherwise eligible application.
1. Legal Basis under Appendix FM
Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules provides the legal foundation for family migration routes, including applications by the spouse or partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. To qualify under this route, applicants must provide documentary evidence proving that:
- Their relationship with the sponsor is genuine and subsisting
- They meet the financial requirement or qualify for an exemption
- They have adequate accommodation available in the UK
- They satisfy the English language requirement
The evidential rules for these criteria are set out in Appendix FM-SE, which specifies what types of documents are acceptable and how they must be presented. Failure to follow Appendix FM-SE, such as providing incomplete bank statements or outdated employment letters, can result in an application being refused even if the underlying facts are true.
For example, payslips that do not match the employer’s bank deposits or tenancy agreements lacking signatures may lead the Home Office to question the credibility of the evidence. Applicants must therefore ensure that each document meets both content and format requirements, and that translations are dated, signed, and certified by a qualified translator.
2. When and How to Submit Documents
Documents are typically submitted digitally via the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) portal for UK-based applicants, or through TLScontact for those applying overseas. Applicants can either upload documents themselves or have them scanned at a service centre.
When uploading documents, ensure that:
- Files are legible, complete, and correctly labelled (e.g. “Marriage Certificate”, “Sponsor Payslips”).
- Each document is in PDF or JPEG format, as these are accepted by the Home Office.
- Documents are grouped logically by category — relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and others.
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must include a certified translation meeting Home Office standards. This must include the translator’s credentials, signature, confirmation of accuracy, and date of translation.
Applicants submitting from overseas should check whether their local Visa Application Centre offers in-person document scanning. Where scanning is unavailable, originals must be couriered to the decision-making centre as directed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
It is critical to retain copies of all documents submitted, as they may be requested again later during appeal, extension, or settlement applications.
3. Common Mistakes and Document Rejections
Document-related refusals are among the most common reasons for Spouse Visa rejections. Typical errors include:
- Submitting incomplete sets of financial evidence (e.g. only two months of payslips instead of six).
- Providing photocopies without certification or translation.
- Uploading illegible or incorrectly labelled files.
- Submitting documents inconsistent with the application form, such as mismatched employment details.
- Missing pages of bank statements or tenancy agreements.
The Home Office reviews each document for internal consistency and alignment with the information provided in the application. Even minor discrepancies—such as inconsistent spellings of names, conflicting dates, or missing employer signatures—can delay or undermine an otherwise compliant submission.
Where an application is refused due to missing or incorrect evidence, applicants must usually reapply and pay the application fee again. Therefore, verifying every document against the Appendix FM-SE checklist before submission is a crucial compliance step.
Section Summary: Understanding the documentary framework of Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE ensures applicants and sponsors can prepare a legally robust application. Correctly formatted, fully translated, and logically organised documents significantly reduce the risk of refusal. The next section details how to evidence the relationship aspect of your application, which forms the foundation of any Spouse Visa case.
Section B: Relationship Evidence Checklist
The strength of the relationship evidence determines whether a Spouse Visa application succeeds under Appendix FM. The Home Office must be satisfied that the relationship between the applicant and the UK-based sponsor is genuine and subsisting, and that any marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised in the country where it took place and for UK immigration purposes. This section sets out the key documentary categories that prove the relationship, from official marriage records to day-to-day evidence demonstrating an ongoing partnership.
1. Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
A legally valid marriage or civil partnership certificate is the primary proof of a qualifying relationship.
- The certificate must show the full names of both partners, the date, and the place of marriage or registration.
- If the marriage occurred outside the UK, it must be legally valid where celebrated and recognised under UK law; some jurisdictions require legalisation (e.g. Apostille under the Hague Convention).
- Religious or cultural ceremonies alone are insufficient; a civil registration is required for immigration purposes.
- Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are acceptable where validly celebrated and recognised.
- Non-English or non-Welsh certificates must be accompanied by a certified translation that is signed, dated, confirms accuracy, and includes the translator’s credentials and contact details.
2. Evidence of a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
Beyond the certificate, the Home Office expects evidence of an ongoing, committed partnership. Prioritise quality and continuity over volume. Where possible, evidence should span the most recent two years or since the start of the relationship/last grant of leave.
- Joint correspondence such as utility bills, council tax statements, or bank letters addressed to both partners at the same address over time.
- Photos with family and friends across different dates and locations, with brief captions.
- Travel records (flight itineraries, boarding passes, hotel bookings) evidencing visits where partners lived apart.
- Communication logs (call histories, chat exports, selected screenshots) demonstrating regular, sustained contact.
- Shared financial commitments such as joint bank accounts, insurance policies, or a joint tenancy/mortgage.
Arrange documents chronologically and label files clearly. Avoid bulk, low-value material (e.g. random social posts) that adds noise without evidential weight.
3. For Ongoing or Long-Distance Relationships
Where partners have lived apart due to work, study, or immigration constraints, evidence must show the relationship remains active and that there is a clear intention to live together permanently in the UK.
- Evidence of visits: flight bookings, entry/exit stamps, accommodation records, and photographs together.
- Communication evidence: consistent call/message histories showing sustained contact.
- Financial support: remittance receipts, shared savings, or other proof of financial interdependence.
- Cover letter: a concise explanation of the reasons for living apart, with dates and future plans to cohabit.
Section Summary: Relationship documentation underpins every Spouse Visa application. The evidence must establish that the marriage or partnership is genuine, legally recognised, and ongoing. Applicants who provide consistent, well-organised records—supported by civil registration where required and certified translations where necessary—significantly improve their prospects of a successful decision.
Section C: Financial Requirement Documents
Meeting the financial requirement is one of the most scrutinised aspects of a UK Spouse Visa application. The Home Office must be satisfied that the couple can be maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds. Appendix FM sets the minimum income threshold, while Appendix FM-SE prescribes the specific documents needed to demonstrate compliance.
The financial documentation must be complete, consistent, and correctly formatted. Even small omissions—such as missing payslips or outdated bank statements—can lead to refusal. This section outlines the financial categories accepted by the Home Office, what documents are required under each, and how to combine income sources when applicable.
1. Employment Income
Applicants relying on employment income must provide documents showing that the sponsor (and, where applicable, the applicant if lawfully working in the UK) meets the current minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year (as of April 2024). The threshold applies to new applicants under Appendix FM and may rise for later cohorts, but it is not applied retrospectively to those already on the 5-year route.
Evidence depends on whether the sponsor has been employed with the same employer for six months or more (Category A) or for less than six months or has variable income (Category B).
For Category A:
- Six months of consecutive payslips.
- Six months of corresponding bank statements showing salary deposits.
- A letter from the employer confirming employment, job title, length of service, type of contract, and current salary on headed paper signed by an authorised officer.
For Category B:
- The same documents as above for the period of current employment.
- Evidence of total income from employment in the previous 12 months.
All documents must be dated within 28 days before application submission. Handwritten payslips or unsigned employer letters are not accepted. Ensure that each document shows the employer’s details, 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 detailed evidential requirements. The financial year considered must be the most recently completed tax year.
- HMRC self-assessment tax return (SA302) or tax year overview confirming declared income.
- Business accounts — audited or unaudited, depending on the business structure.
- Bank statements showing income deposits.
- Accountant’s letter confirming registration details, business type, and financial position (the accountant must belong to a recognised UK professional body).
Directors of limited companies (with shareholding above 10%) must also include:
- Company tax return (CT600) and Companies House filings.
- Payslips and dividend vouchers.
- Personal and business bank statements showing payments from the company.
Failing to provide the full evidential set for the relevant tax year is a frequent reason for refusal among self-employed sponsors.
3. Savings and Combined Sources
If employment or self-employment income does not meet the £29,000 threshold, applicants can rely on cash savings. To qualify:
- Savings must be held by the applicant, sponsor, or jointly in their names.
- Funds must be immediately accessible and held for at least six months before applying.
- To rely solely on savings, a minimum balance of £88,500 is required (based on Home Office formula).
Acceptable evidence includes:
- Six months of bank or investment statements clearly showing the balance and account ownership.
- Proof of the source of funds for large deposits (e.g. sale of property, inheritance, or investments).
Applicants may combine income and savings to meet the threshold. In such cases, the first £16,000 of savings is disregarded, and the remainder is converted into an equivalent income value using the Appendix FM-SE calculation.
4. Exemptions under Appendix FM
Applicants are exempt from the financial requirement if the sponsor receives a specified benefit such as:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
In these cases, sponsors must show they will be adequately maintained and accommodated without additional public funds. Evidence includes benefit award letters, bank statements, and proof of housing costs.
Section Summary: Financial documentation under Appendix FM-SE requires precision. Each document must fit the category and time period defined in the Rules. The Home Office regularly refuses applications that are incomplete, incorrectly formatted, or fail to demonstrate income over the required duration. The next section explains how to prove accommodation adequacy and English language compliance.
Section D: Accommodation and English Language Evidence
Alongside proof of relationship and finances, applicants must demonstrate that suitable accommodation is available in the UK and that the English language requirement has been met. Both criteria are integral to the Home Office’s assessment of an applicant’s ability to integrate and live independently in the UK. This section explains the documentation required to prove adequate accommodation, language competence, and—where applicable—compliance with tuberculosis (TB) testing obligations.
1. Accommodation Documents
Applicants must provide evidence that they will have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependants, without recourse to public funds and without causing statutory overcrowding. The adequacy assessment follows the Housing Act 1985 overcrowding standard. The property may be owned, rented, or provided rent-free by friends or family, but permission to reside must be evidenced.
- Proof of ownership: title register/official copies, a recent mortgage statement, or a letter from the lender confirming ownership.
- Tenancy agreement or licence to occupy showing the names of occupants, term, and address.
- Letter of consent from the property owner or main tenant where the couple will live with family/friends, confirming permission, number of rooms, and intended occupants.
- Property inspection report (optional but advisable) from a qualified surveyor or local authority confirming that the accommodation is not overcrowded and is fit for habitation.
- Where accommodation is tied to employment, a letter from the employer confirming continued availability for the applicant’s use.
Property documentation should clearly state the full address, names of intended occupants, and details of ownership or tenancy. Upload scans that are legible and complete; missing pages or unsigned agreements invite refusal.
2. English Language Requirement
The English language requirement ensures applicants can communicate and integrate in the UK. It applies to initial applications, extensions, and ILR at progressively higher CEFR levels:
- A1 for first-time spouse/partner applications.
- A2 for the 2.5-year extension (post-entry clearance FLR(M)).
- B1 for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Applicants can satisfy the requirement by providing one of the following:
- An approved SELT certificate (e.g. IELTS for UKVI: Life Skills or Trinity GESE) at the required CEFR level, taken at a Home Office-approved test centre and valid at the date of application.
- A degree taught in English, evidenced by a verification letter from UK ENIC confirming UK equivalence and English medium of instruction.
- Proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country (as listed by the Home Office).
Certificates must show the applicant’s full name, test provider, test date, and CEFR level achieved. Note that IELTS Academic/General taken outside the UKVI route is not acceptable; only SELT tests on the approved list are recognised. Applicants aged 65+ or those with a long-term physical/mental condition preventing them from meeting the requirement should provide medical evidence for an exemption.
3. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificates
Applicants who have been resident in a listed country must provide a TB certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. The certificate must:
- Be issued no more than six months before the application date.
- State the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Identify the approved clinic and test details.
Where dependants apply at the same time and have resided in a listed country within the prior six months, they must also provide valid TB certificates.
Section Summary: Accommodation and language evidence complete the Spouse Visa evidential framework. Provide documents that confirm adequate living arrangements and satisfy the English language rules with an approved SELT or UK ENIC-verified qualification. Applicants from TB-listed countries must include a compliant, in-date certificate. Thorough preparation of these documents demonstrates readiness to live legally, safely, and sustainably in the UK.
Section E: Additional Supporting Documents
Beyond the core evidence of relationship, finances, accommodation, and language, the Home Office expects additional documents to verify identity, immigration history, and the sponsor’s eligibility. These supporting materials confirm that the application is validly made and that both the applicant and sponsor meet the ancillary requirements under Appendix FM and the Immigration Rules.
This section explains the supplementary evidence needed to finalise a compliant Spouse Visa submission and how to structure your application bundle for efficient review.
1. Passport and Travel History
The applicant must submit a valid passport or travel document to confirm identity and nationality. Include clear, legible copies of all pages showing personal details, visa endorsements, and entry/exit stamps to provide a record of travel history.
Sponsors who have travelled abroad, particularly to visit the applicant, should also include copies of their passports to support evidence of an ongoing relationship. Applicants with prior UK visas must include all biometric residence permits (BRPs), visa vignettes, and any Home Office correspondence confirming past immigration decisions. From 2025, BRPs are being phased out, so applicants and sponsors proving ILR or settled status should instead provide a share code generated via GOV.UK.
Any past refusals, overstays, or breaches should be disclosed honestly on the application form, supported by documents and explanations where appropriate.
2. Sponsor’s Immigration Status Evidence
The sponsor must prove they are eligible to act as a sponsor under Appendix FM. Evidence will depend on their status in the UK. Acceptable documents include:
- A British passport showing current validity.
- A certificate of naturalisation or registration as a British citizen.
- A biometric residence permit showing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status.
- A share code showing immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme, generated via GOV.UK.
- A Home Office grant letter confirming refugee or humanitarian protection status.
Where the sponsor holds limited leave (for example, pre-settled status), additional evidence may be needed to prove residence and relationship continuity. If dependants apply, include children’s birth certificates and, if applicable, parental consent letters.
3. Cover Letter and Organisation
Although not mandatory, a well-prepared cover letter can significantly improve the clarity of an application. It should:
- Summarise the relationship, financial, accommodation, and language evidence.
- Provide a brief timeline of the relationship and key application facts.
- Cross-reference attached documents using an indexed document list.
- Explain any gaps, such as time living apart or irregular income patterns.
Applicants should avoid overloading the file with irrelevant material. Home Office caseworkers prioritise well-structured submissions where every document has evidential value. Digital bundles should be divided by category, clearly named, and consistent with the application form.
Where represented by a solicitor or adviser, the cover letter may also include a professional certification that the evidence has been verified against Appendix FM-SE requirements.
Section Summary: Supplementary documentation reinforces the completeness of a Spouse Visa application. Correct identity, immigration, and sponsor evidence validate eligibility under Appendix FM. A clear, indexed cover letter supports efficient assessment by the Home Office and demonstrates a professionally prepared, transparent application.
FAQs
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 puts the onus on applicants to provide full evidence up front. Caseworkers have limited discretion (including where refusal would risk a disproportionate outcome engaging Article 8 ECHR), but this should not be relied upon. Use a checklist to verify completeness before submission.
2. Can I send extra documents after submission?
You can usually add or replace uploads via UKVCAS (in-country) or TLScontact (overseas) before your biometrics appointment or within the provider’s stated upload window. Once biometrics are given and the file has moved to UKVI for decision, late evidence is rarely reviewed. If a critical omission is discovered, you may attempt a “further submissions” upload or contact route, but acceptance is not guaranteed.
3. Do I need originals or are scans acceptable?
Digital copies are generally accepted via the UKVCAS/TLScontact portals provided they are clear, complete, and legible. Keep all originals safely in case authenticity checks are requested. Where the Home Office has concerns, it may require sight of originals or direct verification with issuers.
4. How long are documents valid for?
Financial documents must be current and cover the required periods under Appendix FM-SE (typically six consecutive months) and be dated within 28 days of application submission. TB certificates are valid for six months from issue. English test results must be from an approved SELT provider and valid at the date of application. Out-of-date or incomplete evidence risks refusal.
5. What if my documents are not in English?
Provide a certified translation for any non-English or non-Welsh document. The translation must be signed and dated, confirm accuracy and completeness, and include the translator’s name, credentials, and contact details. Without compliant translations, the underlying evidence will be treated as invalid.
Section Summary: Most refusals arise from incomplete, out-of-date, or improperly presented evidence. Upload complete, clearly labelled documents within the provider’s window, ensure financial materials meet Appendix FM-SE timing and format rules, and provide compliant certified translations where needed.
Conclusion
The UK Spouse Visa remains one of the most document-heavy immigration routes under Appendix FM. Success depends not only on meeting eligibility requirements but on presenting each supporting document in the correct form, sequence, and evidential standard set by Appendix FM-SE. Missing, inconsistent, or poorly formatted evidence is a common reason for refusal, even when the relationship itself is genuine.
Applicants and sponsors should take a methodical approach: plan early, label evidence precisely, and verify compliance with the latest Home Office document rules. Certified translations must accompany all non-English evidence, and all uploads should be legible and logically grouped by category. Those switching from a fiancé(e) visa or extending their spouse visa must provide new, up-to-date documentation for every category; reused or outdated material is not accepted.
It is also important to retain copies of all submitted evidence. Each future stage of the 5-year route—extension and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—requires proof of ongoing compliance and relationship continuity. Well-organised records now prevent unnecessary difficulty later.
In summary:
- Double-check all evidence categories — relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and supporting documents.
- Ensure every file meets Home Office content and date standards under Appendix FM-SE.
- Maintain certified translations and clear digital copies of all originals.
- Keep consistency between uploaded documents and information entered in the online application form.
A meticulous, structured application not only satisfies the legal evidential burden but also demonstrates credibility and transparency to the caseworker. Attention to evidential accuracy and presentation remains the most effective route to a positive Spouse Visa outcome.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Appendix FM | The part of the UK Immigration Rules governing family migration routes, including spouse/partner applications. |
| Appendix FM-SE | The evidential appendix specifying the exact documents and formats required to meet Appendix FM. |
| Genuine and Subsisting Relationship | A legally valid, ongoing relationship not entered into for immigration advantage, evidenced by credible documentation. |
| Adequate Accommodation | Housing available without public funds and not overcrowded, assessed against Housing Act 1985 standards. |
| Financial Requirement | The minimum income or savings threshold a sponsor must meet under Appendix FM (currently £29,000 per year for new applicants). |
| Adequate Maintenance | Alternative financial assessment used when the sponsor receives specified benefits; applicant must show sufficient resources without extra public funds. |
| UKVCAS | UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services — collects biometrics and receives digital document uploads for in-country applicants. |
| TLScontact | Overseas visa application partner handling appointments and document uploads outside the UK. |
| SELT | Secure English Language Test approved by the Home Office (e.g. IELTS for UKVI: Life Skills, Trinity GESE). |
| CEFR | Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — the scale for English levels A1, A2, and B1 used in spouse visa applications. |
| Certified Translation | A translation that is signed, dated, and certified as accurate by a qualified translator, including their credentials and contact details. |
| TB Test Certificate | Medical certificate confirming a negative tuberculosis test from a Home Office-approved clinic; normally valid for six months. |
| BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) | Document confirming immigration status, identity, and rights; being phased out by the end of 2025 with digital status used instead. |
| Share Code | A GOV.UK-generated one-time code allowing the Home Office or third parties to verify a person’s immigration status online (e.g. EUSS or digital ILR). |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Apply for a Partner or Spouse Visa | https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse |
| GOV.UK – Financial Requirement Guidance | https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/financial-requirement |
| GOV.UK – English Language Requirement | https://www.gov.uk/english-language |
| GOV.UK – Tuberculosis Test for UK Visa | https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa |
| DavidsonMorris – Spouse Visa UK Guide | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/spouse-visa-uk/ |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
