Most UK spouse visa refusals come down to missing or weak documents — not eligibility. This 2026 checklist walks through the five evidence areas the Home Office wants: identity, relationship, finances, accommodation and English. Get these right and you remove the most common reasons for refusal.
1. Identity
Valid passports for both you and your sponsor, clear copies of the photo pages, and any previous visas or entry stamps.
2. Relationship evidence
Your marriage or civil partnership certificate, plus a genuine picture of your life together:
- 20–40 photographs across different times, places and occasions (with family/friends too) — quality over quantity;
- messages, calls and social media over time;
- travel records of visits to each other;
- joint financial evidence (joint account, tenancy, bills).
3. Financial requirement
To meet the £29,000 requirement (unchanged for 2026), the sponsor typically provides 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements, and an employer letter on headed paper. Relying on savings alone means £88,500 held for at least 6 months.
4. Accommodation
Show where you’ll live and that there’s enough space without overcrowding — a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter if you’ll live with family or friends. The property must meet the Housing Act space standards.
5. English language
An approved English test at A1 for the first application (higher later), unless you’re exempt (a national of a majority English-speaking country, or you hold a degree taught in English).
Tip: any document not in English or Welsh needs a certified translation. This checklist also applies, with updated levels, at the extension and settlement stages.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a UK spouse visa?
Evidence across five areas: identity, relationship, finances, accommodation and English language.
What relationship evidence is best?
Your marriage/civil partnership certificate plus a range of proof you share a genuine life — photos over time, messages, travel records and joint finances.
What financial documents are required?
Usually 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements and an employer letter to show £29,000 — or £88,500 in savings held for 6 months.
What accommodation evidence do I need?
Proof of where you’ll live (tenancy, mortgage or landlord letter) with enough space and no overcrowding.
Do I need an English test?
Yes — usually A1 at the first application, unless you’re exempt by nationality or an English-taught degree.
Do my documents need translating?
Yes — anything not in English or Welsh needs a certified translation.
