Spouse visa applications can be quite stressful, as you and your partner look to move in together with no restrictions holding you back. The UK Government has put a lot of measures in place to ensure that they restrict the number of fake marriages that slip through the cracks to gain a spouse visa illegally. They have also increased the minimum income requirements from £18,600 to £29,000. This is planned to increase to £34,500 and eventually to £38,700.
The Home Office has a strict stance on deciding whether to approve a spouse visa application or not, as they need to make sure they get the decision correct. This makes it important to ensure that the process is followed properly and that you have all the necessary evidence for the application.
This guide is here to help you with your spouse visa application process to ensure that you have everything you need. Continue reading so that you can experience a more streamlined document submission process.
What are the UK Spouse Visa Document Requirements?
You need to prove that you meet the financial, accommodation and relationship requirements when applying for a spouse visa UK. To ensure that you have everything you need for your application and increase your chances of getting it accepted, you should include the following documents in your application:
- Valid travel documents
- Genuine relationship evidence
- Financial proof
- English language qualifications
- Adequate accommodation evidence
- Completed application form
If you’re from a country that requires you to take a tuberculosis test, you need to ensure that the results are also submitted along with the application. We’ll take a deep dive into each form of documentation throughout this guide, so that you can avoid accounting mistakes when submitting evidence.
Financial Documents
As of 2024, the financial threshold for the UK spouse visa application is £29,000. This money must be earned in the UK and cannot include any earnings that you have made from outside the country. If you don’t have the required funding, you can also include the following in your application:
- Pension
- Maternity pay
- Paternity pay
- Sick pay
- Non-employment pay
- Cash savings of over £16,000
Having a Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments can exempt you from the financial requirements of the spouse visa.
Accommodation Evidence
You will need to demonstrate that you plan to live with your spouse or partner in the UK and that there is enough room at the house for you and any children you may be bringing with you.
To show that you fulfil the accommodation requirement, you could occasionally be required to submit an immigration housing report. A letter from your landlord or the owner of the property where you will be living may also be required, depending on your specific situation.
Genuine Relationship Documents
One of the strictest parts of the spouse visa application process is proving that your relationship is genuine, as the UK Government has clamped down on this to ensure that fake relationships don’t get their hands on a visa. Some valid evidence includes:
- Chat log history to prove continuous communications
- Travel documents to prove you have visited each other
- Pictures you have taken together throughout the relationship
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce papers from any previous marriages
It’s important to send a good amount of evidence with your application, as many applicants get their attempts turned down due to not providing enough evidence. However, sending too much evidence can also lead to a rejection so you need to find the right balance.
English Language Requirement
If you’re originally from a country where the majority of inhabitants speak English, you won’t need to send any other evidence. You are also exempt from this requirement if you are aged 65 or over, have a mental or physical disability or have exceptional circumstances. If the latter is you, we recommend getting in contact with the immigration solicitors who can assist you with this.
Apart from this exception, you will need to provide evidence of having an academic qualification that was taught in English if you’re from a country that doesn’t usually speak English. This qualification needs to be equivalent to a UK’s bachelor’s degree, masters degree of PHD. You can also take a specific test to prove that you have the required knowledge of the English language.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK spouse visa process can be a complex and daunting task. However, by understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documentation and seeking expert guidance, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
It is crucial to seek professional guidance from experienced immigration solicitors to ensure that your application is meticulously prepared and meets all the necessary standards. Investing time and effort into your application, you can embark on a new chapter of your life in the UK with your loved one.