Partner Visa Documents Checklist (Spouse/Partner) — What to Prepare & How to Package It

This checklist covers the core documents typically submitted with a UK partner (Spouse/Partner) visa application under Appendix FM. Rules and thresholds do change, so always check the latest Home Office guidance (and your solicitor’s advice) before submitting.

1) Identity & Application Basics

• Applicant’s current passport (plus all previous passports if available).
• Sponsor’s passport or evidence of British citizenship / settled status (e.g. BRP, eVisa share code).
• Passport-style photos if requested by the application centre.
• Completed online application + IHS payment confirmation.
• Biometrics appointment confirmation (if applicable).

2) Relationship Evidence (Genuine & Subsisting)

Provide a clear picture of your relationship from first contact to the present. Aim for quality over quantity and organise chronologically.

• Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if married) or evidence you’ve lived together / been in a durable relationship.
• Photos together over time (captioned with dates/places/people).
• Communication logs (sample message/call histories—summarised, not entire chats).
• Travel history (flight bookings, entry stamps, itineraries for visits together).
• Joint commitments: joint tenancy/mortgage, utility bills, bank accounts, council tax, insurance, HMRC letters.
• Letters of support from friends/family who know you as a couple (keep concise; include contact details).

3) Financial Requirement (Appendix FM-SE)

Evidence depends on the route (employment, self-employment, company director, pensions, or cash savings). Thresholds and categories change—check current rules or ask your solicitor to confirm the right category.

A) Salaried Employment (Category A/B)

• Payslips for the required period.
• Corresponding bank statements showing salary credits.
• Employer letter on headed paper confirming job title, type (permanent/fixed-term), salary, start date, and ongoing employment.
• P45/P60 (where relevant).

B) Non-Salaried / Variable Income

• Evidence over the required monthly/annual period, with bank statements to match.
• Employer letter confirming average hours/rates and typical earnings pattern.

C) Self-Employment (Sole Trader/Partner) or Company Director

• Tax documents (e.g. SA302s and Tax Year Overviews) for the relevant financial year(s).
• Business bank statements and accounts (signed by a qualified accountant if required).
• For company directors: CT600, company accounts, dividend vouchers, Companies House filings.

D) Cash Savings

• Bank statements showing funds held for the required period and in acceptable accounts.
• If using combined income and savings, ask your solicitor to apply the correct calculation method.

Tip: Make a simple income summary sheet that maps each requirement to the exact page(s) in your evidence bundle.

4) Adequate Accommodation

• Tenancy agreement, mortgage or ownership evidence.
• Letter from landlord/agent permitting the applicant to live there.
• Council tax/utility bills as ongoing occupancy evidence.
• Property inspection report (optional but useful) confirming no statutory overcrowding.

5) English Language Requirement

• Approved English test certificate at the correct CEFR level for your stage, or
• Academic qualification taught in English with UK NARIC/ECCTIS confirmation (if applicable), or
• Exemption evidence (nationality, age, disability, etc.).

6) Tuberculosis (TB) Test (if applicable)

If applying from a country where TB testing is required, include a valid TB certificate from an approved clinic.

7) Children (if applying as dependants)

• Birth certificates (showing parentage) and passports.
• Parental responsibility/consent evidence if applicable.
• School letters or residence evidence (if relevant).

8) Cover Letter & Index (Highly Recommended)

• Cover letter: a 1–2 page overview explaining how you meet Appendix FM and FM-SE.
• Numbered index listing each document (with dates) and where it appears in the PDF.
• Use clear, searchable PDFs; avoid duplicates; label files meaningfully (e.g. “3.1 Payslips Jan–Jun 2025”).

9) Certified Translations

Any non-English/Welsh document should be translated by a qualified translator, including a signed declaration of accuracy, date, and credentials.

10) Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Mismatched income evidence: payslips that don’t match bank credits, or missing pages.
• Insufficient relationship proof: only photos, with no shared financial/official evidence.
• Wrong English test provider/level or expired certificate.
• Accommodation letters lacking permission for the applicant to reside.
• Unclear scans, unlabelled documents, or huge unindexed PDFs.

How to Package Your Bundle (Practical Flow)

1. Section A — Application & IDs: passports, application confirmations, photos.
2. Section B — Relationship: certificate, cohabitation/visits, photos (captioned), communications (samples).
3. Section C — Financial: arrange strictly per FM-SE; add a 1 page income summary.
4. Section D — Accommodation: tenancy/mortgage + permission letter + proof of occupancy.
5. Section E — English & TB: test certificate or exemption; TB (if required).
6. Section F — Children: birth certificates, consent/responsibility docs.
7. Section G — Index & Cover Letter: signpost everything clearly.

After You Submit

• Watch for UKVCAS/VAC biometrics booking instructions.
• Upload all documents to the correct document categories in the portal.
• Keep originals safe—some may be requested.
• Priority services may be available; timelines vary by route and location.