3.1 Relationship

To be granted a UK Spouse/Partner visa, you must prove that your relationship is both genuine and subsisting. This means the Home Office must be satisfied, on the “balance of probabilities,” that your relationship is real and ongoing, rather than one entered into primarily to gain immigration status.

What does this mean?

• Genuine: The relationship is authentic and not a sham.

• Subsisting: The relationship is currently active and you intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Understanding How Evidence is Assessed

The Home Office provides official guidance to their staff on how to assess these requirements. They categorize evidence into Strong, Acceptable, and Weak to help determine how much weight to give each document.

You can read the full official guidance document here: Relationship with a Partner (Version 7.0).

Evidence Categories (Reference: Pages 26–27)

The following table summarizes how different types of evidence are generally viewed by decision-makers. Please note that while “Strong” evidence carries the most weight, you are not required to provide every type of document listed.

Important Tips for Your Evidence

• Quality over Quantity: You do not need to provide an excessive amount of documents covering every single day. If you already have strong evidence in that category, you don’t necessarily need to include more weak evidence in the same category. For example, If you are already providing mortgage agreements or ownership deeds, written statements from relatives doesn’t add much and only adds noise to your case.

• Official Weight: Documents issued by official organizations (banks, utility providers, government bodies) generally carry more weight because they involve independent verification of your details.

• Explain Your Circumstances: If you have limited evidence (e.g., because you live in different countries or for cultural reasons), provide a clear explanation. The Home Office considers the “wider circumstances” of your relationship rather than just checking a box for specific documents.

• Consistency: Where possible, try to show both partners’ names on documents, or ensure that different documents covering the same period link both of you to the same address.

Relationship Evidence List:

To build a strong evidence portfolio, focus on documents issued by official organizations that perform identity, address, or financial checks. These documents carry the most weight because they are official and verifiable by the issuing body.

Here is a recommended list of strong evidence to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship:

• Official Marriage/Civil Partnership Documentation: A marriage certificate or certificate of civil partnership issued in accordance with the law of the country where the ceremony took place.

• Joint Financial Responsibility:

  • Bank statements from a joint account.

  • Individual bank statements that demonstrate ongoing financial support between partners.

  • Joint mortgage agreements.

• Joint Living Arrangements:

  • Tenancy agreements naming both partners.

  • Official mortgage agreements.

  • Letters from a landlord or documents of ownership deeds (e.g., property deeds).

• Official Address Verification:

  • Utility bills (e.g., council tax, electricity, gas, or water) that link both partners to the same address over time.

  • Other official documents linking both partners to the same address, such as driving licences, GP or medical letters, payslips, or DWP/HMRC correspondence.

  • Electoral register confirmation.

• Evidence of Contact (when living apart):

  • Records of money transfers or bank transactions between partners.

  • Temporary work contracts or formal employment letters.

  • Documentation from a student finance body confirming a UK address.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. Always cross-reference your specific situation with the official GOV.UK Family Visas portal before submitting an application.