Applying for a UK Spouse Visa or a Fiancé(e) Visa requires the submission of specific documents to meet UK immigration requirements. Missing paperwork or incorrect submissions can lead to delays or even refusals.
This guide provides a comprehensive document checklist for UK Spouse Visa applications and details all documents required for a Fiance Visa UK, ensuring you meet all criteria for a successful application in 2025.
1. Personal Identification Documents
For the Applicant (Non-UK Partner):
- Valid Passport – Ensure your passport is valid and has enough pages for visa stamps.
- Previous Passports – If you have older passports, provide copies to show travel history.
- National ID Card – If applicable, submit a copy of your national identity card.
- Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable) – If you have previously held UK immigration status.
For the Sponsor (UK Partner):
- British Passport / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Card – Proof of UK nationality or settled status.
- Proof of Legal Residence – If the sponsor is not British but legally residing in the UK (EU Settlement Scheme, Work Visa, etc.), they must provide valid proof.
2. Proof of Relationship
The UK government requires evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship. You must submit:
For Spouse Visa Applicants:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate – Official document confirming marriage.
- Photos Together – Pictures from different times and locations.
- Travel History Together – Flight tickets, hotel bookings, and trip photos.
- Joint Financial Proof – Shared bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements, or mortgage documents.
- Communication Records – Call logs, chat history, social media interactions, and emails over time.
- Letters from Family & Friends – Statements from people who can confirm the authenticity of your relationship.
For Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants:
- Proof of Wedding Arrangements – Wedding venue booking, invitations, receipts for wedding services.
- Correspondence Showing Intent to Marry – Conversations about wedding planning.
Tip: The more evidence you provide, the better your chances of approval.
3. Financial Requirements
To apply for a UK Spouse Visa or Fiancé(e) Visa, the sponsor must meet the financial threshold to prove they can support their partner.
Minimum Income Requirement (2025):
- £29000 per year – If the UK partner is sponsoring only their spouse.
- +£3,800 for the first dependent child.
- +£2,400 for each additional child.
Financial Proofs Required:
- For Employed Sponsors:
- Latest six months’ payslips.
- Employer confirmation letter stating job role, salary, and employment duration.
- Last six months’ bank statements showing salary deposits.
- Latest six months’ payslips.
- For Self-Employed Sponsors:
- Company accounts and latest tax returns (SA302).
- Business bank statements for at least 12 months.
- Letter from a certified accountant verifying income.
- Company accounts and latest tax returns (SA302).
- For Sponsors Using Savings:
- Savings of at least £62,500 (held for at least six months) if not meeting the income threshold.
- Bank statements confirming the amount.
- Savings of at least £62,500 (held for at least six months) if not meeting the income threshold.
- For Sponsors Receiving Certain Benefits:
- If the UK sponsor is on disability benefits, Carer’s Allowance, or Pension Credit, they may be exempt from the financial requirement but need to show adequate maintenance funds.
- If the UK sponsor is on disability benefits, Carer’s Allowance, or Pension Credit, they may be exempt from the financial requirement but need to show adequate maintenance funds.
Tip: Always include a letter of explanation summarizing how the financial requirement is met.
4. Accommodation Requirement
The UK sponsor must provide evidence that the couple has a suitable place to live in the UK.
Documents Needed:
- Tenancy Agreement (if renting) or Mortgage Statements (if owning).
- Utility Bills or Council Tax Bills proving residence.
- Property Inspection Report (optional but recommended) to confirm there is adequate living space.
- Letter from Landlord (if renting) confirming permission for the spouse/fiancé(e) to live there.
5. English Language Requirement
The applicant must prove English proficiency at CEFR Level A1 or higher for entry visas.
Accepted English Tests (2025):
- IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1)
- Trinity College London (GESE Grade 2 or higher)
Exemptions:
- Applicants from majority English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).
- Those with a UK-recognized degree taught in English.
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test (If Required)
- Applicants from certain countries must take a TB test from an approved clinic.
- Valid for six months from the test date.
- A TB-free certificate must be submitted with the application.
Check if your country requires a TB test: GOV.UK TB Testing List
7. Criminal Record Certificate
- Required for applicants from high-risk countries or for those who lived in another country for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Must be issued by the police authority in the applicant’s country.
8. Application Process Overview
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
- Apply via the official GOV.UK website.
- Select the correct visa type (Spouse Visa or Fiancé(e) Visa).
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Visa Fees (2025):
- Spouse Visa: £1,846 (Outside UK) / £1,048 (Inside UK)
- Fiancé(e) Visa: £1,846
- Spouse Visa: £1,846 (Outside UK) / £1,048 (Inside UK)
- IHS Fee: £1,035 per year (applicable to Spouse Visa).
Step 3: Biometric Appointment
- Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Provide fingerprints and photographs.
Step 4: Upload & Submit Documents
- Submit documents online or at the Visa Application Centre.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
- Standard Processing: 3-6 months.
- Priority Service: 6 weeks (£500 extra).
- Super Priority Service: 24 hours (£1,000 extra).
9. Common Reasons for Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them
Insufficient Proof of Relationship → Submit detailed evidence.
Not Meeting Financial Requirement → Provide clear and accurate income proofs.
Incorrect or Missing Documents → Double-check your checklist.
Failure to Meet English Requirement → Take an approved test in advance.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a strong and well-documented application significantly improves your chances of visa approval. By following this detailed document checklist, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Need Help? Consult an UK immigration Solicitors for expert guidance.
