The full document checklist & the mistakes that sink applications

A spouse visa lives or dies on its documents. Get the bundle right and a strong case sails through; get it wrong and even a genuine, well-funded couple can be refused.

Identity and immigration

Both passports (and any old ones showing travel history), the applicant's current visa or BRP if they have one, and details of any previous UK applications.

Relationship evidence

Marriage or civil partnership certificate (or two years of cohabitation evidence if unmarried); proof you've met in person; a representative sample of communication; photos across time and places; and a personal letter from each of you about how you met and your plans.

Financial evidence — the critical part

For a salaried sponsor: six months of payslips, six months of matching personal bank statements, and an employer letter confirming role, salary, length of employment and that the job is genuine. For self-employment: tax calculations, tax year overviews and business records. For savings: six months of statements showing the funds held. The documents must match each other exactly.

Accommodation

Proof of where you'll live and that it won't be overcrowded — a tenancy or mortgage, recent bills, and (if staying with family) a letter from them plus proof they own or rent the property.

English language

An approved A1 test certificate, or evidence of an exemption (nationality, an English-taught degree confirmed by Ecctis, or age/disability grounds).

Health

A TB test certificate if the applicant has been living in a listed country.

The mistakes that quietly sink applications

• Payslips and bank statements that don't reconcile.
• Statements outside the required window.
• Untranslated documents — certified translations needed.
• An expired TB certificate (they're valid 6 months).
• The wrong English test or non-approved centre.
• A generic, template supporting letter.
• Over-stuffing — hundreds of identical screenshots burying the good evidence.