To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, applicants must demonstrate that their marriage or civil partnership is genuine and subsisting. The Home Office requires verifiable evidence of an ongoing relationship under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. This guide outlines what proof is acceptable as of October 2025, and how to avoid common documentation errors.
What the Home Office Looks For
Visa officers will assess whether your relationship is:
- Legally recognised (marriage or civil partnership valid in UK law).
- Genuine and continuing (not a marriage of convenience).
- Exclusive both partners intend to live together permanently in the UK.
These requirements apply to all new Spouse Visa applications and FLR(M) extensions.
Essential Relationship Evidence
Applicants must submit a combination of documents to demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship. The Home Office recommends evidence covering different periods of the relationship.
Evidence Type
Examples
Purpose
Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
Original or certified copy
Confirms legal relationship status
Joint Financial Evidence
Bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements
Shows shared financial responsibility
Communication Records
Chat logs, call records, social media messages
Demonstrates ongoing contact and emotional bond
Travel History
Boarding passes, photos, hotel bookings
Shows visits and time spent together
Family Evidence
Photos with relatives, joint event invitations
Proves integration and family awareness
How Far Back Should the Evidence Go?
The Home Office typically expects proof covering the full period of the relationship, or at least two years of contact prior to the application date. Each document should be dated and clearly show both partners’ names.
Evidence for Couples Living Apart
If you and your partner have been living in different countries, provide documentation that maintains the connection between you, such as:
- Visa stamps or flight records showing visits.
- Regular call and chat logs.
- Money transfers or shared accounts.
- Photographs together from visits and events.
For full documentation standards, refer to our Spouse Visa Documents Checklist (2025).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting only photographs without financial or legal documents.
- Providing incomplete timelines or undated materials.
- Failing to show consistent contact while living apart.
- Using screenshots that do not include both names or dates.
These issues are among the leading causes of refusal – see Common Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons (2025) for more details.
Translation and Verification
All foreign-language documents must be translated into English or Welsh by a certified translator. Include:
- Original document and translation copy.
- Translator’s name, date, and certification statement.
People Also Asked
What proof do I need for a UK Spouse Visa?
You must provide your marriage certificate, proof of joint finances, communication records, and evidence of living arrangements.
Do we need to show photos together?
Yes, but photos should complement other documents — they alone are not sufficient proof of a genuine relationship.
What if we’ve lived apart for work reasons?
Provide evidence of continued contact such as chats, visits, and money transfers to demonstrate the relationship remains active.
How long should I keep relationship evidence?
Keep all relevant evidence until your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application, as it may be reviewed again.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: November 2025