Applying for a UK dependent visa for your spouse involves more than just filling out forms—one of the most crucial parts of the process is proving that your relationship is genuine.
The UK Home Office places great emphasis on verifying the authenticity of relationships to prevent misuse of the immigration system.
This guide walks you through what’s required to establish the legitimacy of your relationship, including the essential documents, supporting evidence, and practical tips to strengthen your application.
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK spouse (or partner) visa falls under the family visa category and allows non-UK nationals to join their spouse or partner who is a British citizen, has indefinite leave to remain, or holds refugee or humanitarian protection status.
With this visa, your partner can live, work, and study in the UK—provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Among those, demonstrating a “genuine and subsisting” relationship is one of the most important.
What Does a “Genuine and Subsisting” Relationship Mean?
Simply put, the UK government wants to ensure that your relationship isn’t based solely on securing immigration benefits. You’ll need to show that you and your partner are in a committed, ongoing relationship and plan to live together permanently in the UK.
The Home Office will assess this based on various factors, including the length of your relationship, cohabitation history, communication patterns, and shared responsibilities.
How to Prove Your Relationship Is Real
To support your visa application, you’ll need to gather a wide range of documents that collectively demonstrate the strength and sincerity of your relationship. Here’s what you’ll need to include:
1. Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
This legal document serves as the foundation of your application. If you’re married or in a civil partnership, include the certificate as proof of your union.
Tip: If the certificate is not in English, be sure to submit a certified translation along with the original.
. Evidence of Living Together
Showing that you’ve shared a home is a strong indicator of a genuine relationship. Acceptable evidence includes:
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Joint utility bills or bank statements showing the same address
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Tenancy or mortgage agreements in both names
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Official letters addressed to both of you
Tip: If you’ve been apart due to work or visa issues, explain the reason and provide proof of how you stayed in touch.
3. Photographs Over Time
Photos help tell the story of your relationship. Include images from various stages, such as:
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Holidays and celebrations
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Everyday moments
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Pictures with each other’s family or friends
Tip: Natural, candid photos are often more convincing than posed ones.
4. Records of Communication
If you and your partner have spent time apart, show that you’ve stayed in regular contact. This could be:
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Screenshots of WhatsApp chats, messages, or call logs
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Email correspondence
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Evidence from video calls
Tip: Choose a variety of samples from different points in your relationship rather than submitting entire logs.
5. Joint Financial Documents
Sharing financial responsibilities can also support your claim. Include:
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Joint bank account statements
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Shared bills (rent, utilities)
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Receipts for shared purchases
Tip: Even if you don’t have a joint account, any evidence of shared financial commitments can help.
6. Proof of Time Spent Together
If you’ve visited each other or gone on trips, provide evidence such as:
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Travel tickets or boarding passes
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Hotel bookings
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Photos during those trips
Tip: Supporting documents like itineraries or receipts can strengthen this evidence.
7. Letters from Friends and Family
Personal statements from people who know you both well can add credibility. These affidavits should include:
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How long the person has known you as a couple
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Events they’ve seen you attend together
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Their opinion on the authenticity of your relationship
Tip: Make sure these letters are genuine, detailed, and signed.
What the Home Office Will Assess
The UK immigration authorities will review several key aspects:
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Length and history of your relationship
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Cohabitation records or reasons for any separation
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Ongoing communication during long-distance periods
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Variety and consistency in your supporting documents
Their goal is to determine whether your relationship is both real and long-term.
Warning Signs That May Trigger Scrutiny
There are certain factors that might raise concerns with the Home Office. These include:
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Getting married shortly before applying for a visa
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Minimal time spent together or limited visits
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Contradictory or missing documents
Tip: If any of these apply to you, address them directly in your application and provide clear, honest explanations.
How to Prepare Your Application
Once you’ve gathered your evidence, it’s important to organize everything carefully. Make your application easy to review by:
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Clearly labeling each document
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Providing a table of contents or cover letter
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Including certified translations where needed
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Ensuring all documents are recent and relevant
Tip: A well-structured application makes a good impression and helps the Home Office assess your case efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Proving the authenticity of your relationship is one of the most critical elements of a successful UK spouse visa application. A strong, well-documented case—backed by evidence of shared life, communication, and commitment—can greatly improve your chances of approval.
Remember, the Home Office isn’t just looking for legal paperwork; they’re looking for proof that your relationship is real, ongoing, and built on genuine intentions.
With the right preparation and documentation, you’ll be in a strong position to secure your visa.
Good luck with your application!