The United Kingdom offers dependent visas to spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners of individuals living, working, or studying in the UK. Applying for a UK dependent visa requires you to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Immigration authorities take this requirement very seriously to prevent fraudulent applications. Therefore, understanding how to demonstrate your relationship properly is crucial for a successful UK spouse visa application.
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, required documents, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid when proving your relationship for a UK dependent visa for your spouse.
Understanding the UK Dependent Visa for Spouse
A UK dependent visa for a spouse allows the partner of a UK visa holder to live and, in most cases, work in the United Kingdom. This visa is applicable to:
- Spouses (legally married couples)
- Civil partners (legally registered civil partnerships)
- Unmarried partners (partners in a relationship lasting at least 2 years)
To qualify, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including proving the authenticity and subsistence of the relationship.
Why Proving Your Relationship Matters
The UK Home Office prioritizes genuine relationships to prevent immigration fraud. Failure to provide sufficient evidence can lead to:
- Visa refusals
- Delays in processing
- Requirement for additional documentation
- Potential bans from reapplying
Proving your relationship is not about simply showing marriage; it is about demonstrating a long-term, committed, and ongoing partnership.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Spouse
To apply as a spouse or partner, you must meet the following criteria:
For Married Spouses:
- Must be legally married according to the law of your home country or the UK
- Marriage must be genuine and subsisting
- Both parties must be over 18 years old
For Civil Partners:
- Must be legally registered as civil partners
- Relationship must be genuine and subsisting
For Unmarried Partners:
- Must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 consecutive years
- Must provide proof of cohabitation and financial interdependence
Documents Required to Prove a Genuine Relationship
The Home Office looks for primary evidence and supporting evidence to establish that the relationship is authentic. You must present as much credible evidence as possible.
1. Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate
- Official certificate showing date and place of marriage or civil partnership
- Must be translated into English if issued in another language
2. Passport Copies
- Both applicant and sponsor passports
- Include relevant pages showing personal details and travel history
3. Evidence of Living Together
Especially for unmarried partners:
- Joint tenancy agreements
- Shared utility bills (gas, electricity, water)
- Joint bank statements
- Letters addressed to both partners at the same address
4. Communication Records
- Emails, chat logs, phone call records
- Social media interactions over the years
- Letters or cards exchanged, especially if the relationship was long-distance
5. Financial Evidence
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared loans or mortgages
- Financial support provided to each other
6. Photos and Travel Evidence
- Photos together over the years
- Travel itineraries showing shared trips
- Tickets or boarding passes from trips together
7. Affidavits from Friends and Family
- Sworn statements verifying your relationship
- Can help confirm long-term cohabitation and commitment
Tips for Presenting Evidence
1. Provide Chronological Evidence
- Organize documents by date to show a continuous relationship
- Include a timeline of significant events (e.g., meeting dates, trips, engagement, marriage)
2. Translate Non-English Documents
- All documents must be translated by a certified translator
- Include copies of the original and translation
3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
- Include relevant, verifiable evidence
- Avoid random or unrelated documents
4. Show Emotional and Financial Interdependence
- Highlight ways you support each other
- Demonstrate shared responsibilities
5. Include Official Proof of Cohabitation
- Utility bills, tenancy agreements, or council tax documents are highly effective
- If living apart temporarily, explain reasons clearly
Specific Guidance for Married Couples
Married couples must show that the marriage is genuine, not entered into solely for visa purposes. Indicators of a genuine marriage include:
- Shared financial responsibilities
- Evidence of living together or planning to live together
- Joint commitments like insurance, loans, or travel plans
- Photos or social media posts showing genuine interactions
Avoid exaggeration or fake evidence, as the Home Office may conduct interviews or cross-check information.
Specific Guidance for Unmarried Partners
Unmarried partners must prove that their relationship has been ongoing and akin to marriage for at least two years. This is often the most challenging category. Essential proofs include:
- Joint addresses for two or more years
- Shared bank accounts or financial transactions
- Proof of joint travel
- Statements from friends and family
- Communication logs confirming ongoing relationship
Financial Requirement for Spouse Visa
Apart from relationship evidence, applicants must satisfy financial requirements:
- Minimum income of £18,600 per year for the sponsor (higher if children are included)
- Evidence can include salary slips, bank statements, or self-employment documents
Meeting financial requirements demonstrates the couple can support themselves in the UK, which reinforces relationship authenticity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete Documentation: Providing only a marriage certificate is insufficient.
- Fake or Misleading Evidence: The Home Office performs checks and may interview applicants.
- Lack of Cohabitation Proof: Unmarried partners must show at least two years together.
- Poor Organization: Submit evidence in a clear, chronological order.
- Ignoring Translation Requirements: All non-English documents must have certified translations.
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
- Keep digital and hard copies of all documents
- Write a detailed cover letter explaining your relationship and included evidence
- Be honest and consistent in all statements
- Include recent evidence to show the relationship is ongoing
- If previously separated or living apart, provide clear explanations
What Happens After Submission
Once you submit your application:
- Document Verification: UKVI will check submitted evidence
- Biometric Appointment: Fingerprints and photo for identity verification
- Decision: Approval or refusal, usually within 12 weeks for outside the UK applications
- Visa Grant: If approved, the spouse can travel to the UK and start living together
FAQs About Proving Your Relationship for a UK Dependent Visa
Q1: Can long-distance relationships qualify?
Yes, but you must provide clear evidence of regular communication and visits.
Q2: Are social media messages accepted?
Yes, but they should be consistent, authentic, and backed by other evidence.
Q3: What if I married recently?
Even recent marriages can qualify if genuine, but more evidence of commitment may be required.
Q4: Can I include children in the application?
Yes, dependent children can be included under the same visa, but additional financial proof is needed.
Q5: Is an interview mandatory?
Not always, but the Home Office may request one to verify your relationship.