UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist: What UKVI Wants

Key takeaways

01UKVI decides spouse visa applications on the documents in the file at the date of decision; missing documents are not chased.
02Appendix FM-SE divides evidence into four blocks: relationship, finance, English, and accommodation. Each block has prescribed documents.
03Bank statements covering the last six months must end no more than 28 days before the date of application.
04Financial evidence requires last six months of signed or stamped payslips, corresponding bank statements, employer letter, contract, and P60 for the last full tax year.
05English evidence can be IELTS for UKVI, Trinity GESE, an approved SELT at A1 (entry clearance) or A2 (extension), a degree taught in English with UK NARIC/ENIC equivalence, or nationality of a majority-English-speaking country listed in Appendix FM.
06Accommodation requires a property inspection report from a qualified surveyor confirming the property is not overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985.

Last updated2026-05-09Reviewed byDenise Platter Cabrera

In 60 seconds

Primary authority: Immigration Rules Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE; Home Office "Family migration: financial requirement" guidance.
Core rule: applications are decided on the documents in the file at the date of decision. Missing documents are not chased.
Documents: relationship evidence, financial evidence, English language evidence, accommodation evidence — each with prescribed form.
Timing: bank statements must end no more than 28 days before the date of application. Other dated evidence has its own validity windows.
Main risk: bank statements that fail the 28-day rule, or payslips not signed/stamped per FM-SE.
Reviewed by Denise Platter Cabrera, Esq. (CA Bar #298948, Certified Specialist — Immigration & Nationality Law).

The rule in plain English

UKVI decides spouse visa applications on the documents in the file. The controlling sources are Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. FM-SE specifies the exact form each document must take. A document that meets FM but fails FM-SE is treated as missing.

Read The UK spouse visa financial requirement in 2026: how to actually meet it for the financial-evidence walkthrough that pairs with this checklist.

Who this guide is for

Likely fit

You are applying for entry clearance or leave to remain as the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person, under Appendix FM.

Needs review

Your sponsor is on a work visa with limited leave; you are applying under the 'partner of a points-based migrant' route.

Usually not a fit

You are applying as a fiancé(e) (six-month visa, separate rules); you are applying outside Appendix FM under Article 8 ECHR exceptions.

The four document categories

Appendix FM-SE divides evidence into four blocks: relationship (you are a couple), finance (the financial requirement is met), English (the language requirement is met), and accommodation (housing in the UK is suitable). Each block has prescribed documents.

Relationship evidence

Marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate) with apostille if foreign. Evidence of cohabitation if married more than six months: joint tenancy, joint utility bills, joint bank statements, household correspondence to both names at the same address, photographs across the duration of the relationship dated. If unmarried, two years of cohabitation must be documented with at least three forms of evidence per six-month period.

Financial evidence

Last six months of payslips (signed or stamped by employer), corresponding bank statements (every transaction visible), employer letter confirming salary, contract of employment, P60 for last full tax year. For self-employed sponsors: HMRC SA302, tax year overview, business bank statements, accounts. Read The UK spouse visa financial requirement in 2026: how to actually meet it for the categories A through G in detail.

English language evidence

IELTS for UKVI, Trinity GESE, or another approved Secure English Language Test at A1 (entry clearance) or A2 (extension). Or a degree taught in English with UK NARIC/ENIC equivalence statement. Or nationality of a majority-English-speaking country listed in Appendix FM.

Accommodation evidence

Tenancy agreement or property deeds, recent council tax bill, utility bill, and a property inspection report from a qualified surveyor confirming the property is not overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985. Where the sponsor lives with relatives, written permission from the property owner is required in addition.

The 28-day rule

Bank statements covering the last six months must end no more than 28 days before the date of application. A statement ending 30 days before application is treated as missing the most recent month — even if other statements are included. The fix is to refresh the statement before submission.

Common rejection reasons

Bank statements ending more than 28 days before application.

Financial requirement deemed not met.

Unsigned payslips with no employer stamp.

Payslips treated as inadmissible under FM-SE.

Marriage certificate without apostille for foreign marriages.

Marriage not accepted as documented.

English test certificate from a non-approved provider.

English requirement deemed not met.

Property inspection report not signed by a qualified surveyor.

Accommodation requirement not met.

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit photocopies?

Most documents must be originals or certified copies. UKVI specifies in the application what may be uploaded as a scan.

Do I need to translate documents?

Yes. Foreign-language documents require a certified translation alongside the original.

How long does decision take?

Standard processing for entry clearance is around 12 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available at extra cost.

Can my sponsor combine income from two jobs?

Yes, under Category A or B, with separate FM-SE evidence for each. Read The UK spouse visa financial requirement in 2026: how to actually meet it.

What if my marriage was performed abroad?

Foreign marriage certificates require apostille from the issuing country. Ceremony recognition follows English private international law rules.

Can I apply from inside the UK?

Yes if you already hold valid leave that permits switching. You cannot switch from a visit visa.

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. A licensed attorney or regulated adviser should review your documents before you rely on a strategy or deadline.

UK spouse visa doc checklist (2026): what UKVI wants