Missing a single document can mean months of family separation. VisaVault generates your personalised spouse visa document checklist and AI-drafted covering letter for £499 — saving up to £2,500 compared to an immigration solicitor.
Sponsor income
£29,000/yr minimum
Processing time
6–24 weeks
Application fee
From £1,938
English level
A1 CEFR
To apply for a UK spouse visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, you and your UK partner must meet all of the following:
You are married, in a civil partnership, or in a genuine relationship of at least 2 years (unmarried partner route)
Fiancé applicants must use the separate fiancé visa route and marry within 6 months of arriving.
Your UK partner (sponsor) is a British citizen, holds ILR, has EU Settled Status, or holds refugee/humanitarian protection status
If your partner is on a Skilled Worker or Student visa they cannot sponsor a spouse visa.
Your sponsor earns at least £29,000 gross per year — or holds qualifying savings
If income is below £29,000, savings can be used. The formula: £16,000 base + (shortfall × 2.5) in savings held for at least 6 months.
You have adequate UK accommodation that is not overcrowded
Must be owned or rented by the sponsor. A landlord permission letter is required for rented properties.
You can demonstrate English at CEFR A1 level or meet an exemption
Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt. Degree holders may qualify via Ecctis verification.
You are both over 18
Both the applicant and the UK sponsor must be 18 or older at the time of application.
These are the documents UKVI requires for a spouse visa application. Your VisaVault checklist is personalised to your circumstances — some documents below may not apply, and others may be added based on your answers.
Valid passport
All pages showing previous UK visas and entry stamps. Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Previous passports
Copies of any previous passports showing your travel history and immigration record.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you currently hold one from a previous UK visa.
Details of any criminal convictions
You must disclose all criminal convictions anywhere in the world.
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Original or certified copy. Non-English documents require a certified translation.
Photographs together over time
Showing your relationship history — family occasions, travel, everyday life.
Communication records
WhatsApp logs, emails, call records — showing regular ongoing contact.
Evidence of time spent together
Flight bookings, hotel records, travel stamps showing visits to each other.
Statements from family or friends
Statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple.
Payslips — last 6 months
From the sponsor's employer. Must show gross salary meeting the £29,000 threshold.
Bank statements — last 6 months
Showing salary credits matching payslips. Official bank statements or official online statements.
Employer letter
Confirming employment, salary, and that it is permanent or ongoing. Must be on company letterhead.
P60 or tax returns
If self-employed, the most recent 2 years' tax returns and SA302 forms.
Savings statements
If using savings to supplement income. Must show funds held for at least 6 consecutive months.
Proof of accommodation
Mortgage statement or title deeds (owned), or tenancy agreement (rented).
Landlord permission letter
Required for rented accommodation — confirming the landlord permits additional occupants.
Accommodation inspection report
If the property is shared — demonstrating it is not overcrowded.
Sponsor's British passport or naturalisation certificate
Proving the sponsor is a British citizen.
Sponsor's proof of settled status
If the sponsor holds ILR or EU Settled Status rather than British citizenship.
SELT test certificate
From an approved provider showing A1 CEFR level or above. Must be from an approved test centre.
Passport from a majority English-speaking country
Exempts applicants from the English language requirement.
English-taught degree certificate
With Ecctis verification letter confirming the qualification is equivalent to a UK degree.
TB test certificate
Required if you have lived for 6+ months in a country where TB testing is mandatory.
Divorce or dissolution certificates
If either party was previously married — proving the previous marriage has legally ended.
Death certificate of previous spouse
If a previous marriage ended by death.
Children's birth certificates
If dependent children are included in the application.
The financial requirement is the most common reason for spouse visa refusals. The rules are more flexible than many applicants realise.
Sponsor earns £29,000+ gross. Provide 6 months of payslips and matching bank statements.
If income is below £29,000, use savings to make up the difference. Formula: £16,000 + (shortfall × 2.5) in savings held 6+ months.
Use the most recent financial year's net profit. Provide SA302 tax calculations and bank statements showing the income.
VisaVault generates your personalised document checklist and AI-drafted covering letter for £499. Most applicants complete the process in 15 minutes.
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VisaVault is a document preparation service, not an immigration adviser. This checklist is based on current UKVI guidance and is intended as a starting point. Requirements can change without notice. Always verify current requirements on GOV.UK before submitting your application. Last reviewed: March 2026.