When applying for a UK spouse visa, it is crucial for applicants to demonstrate that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship. This requirement ensures that their relationship is legitimate, honest, and continuous, and hasn’t been fabricated solely for immigration purposes. Unlike other visa requirements, there is no official checklist for this criteria checklist, making it even more essential to provide tailored, clear, and concise evidence to support your application.
Examples of Proof of a Genuine Relationship Documents
Providing a comprehensive set of documents is essential to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship.
Below we’ve outlines various types of evidence that you should consider including in your application:
Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate
If applicable, this official document is a fundamental piece of evidence to confirm the legal status of applicants relationship.
Proof of Cohabitation
- Utility Bills: Gas, electricity, water bills showing both names.
- Tenancy Agreements: Rental contracts listing both of applicants as tenants.
- Official IDs: Driving licenses or other forms of ID showing the same address.
Shared Finances
- Joint Bank Accounts: Statements showing joint financial management.
- Bills: Shared expenses such as phone bills or insurance policies.
- Life Insurance Policies: Policies with each other named as beneficiaries.
Evidence of any Children Together
- Birth Certificates: For any children you have together.
- Adoption Certificates: If applicable, these documents prove parental responsibilities.
Proof of Previous Relationships Ending
- Divorce Certificates: Official documents to confirm the end of previous marriages or civil partnerships.
Evidence of Future Plans Together in the UK
- Accommodation Plans: Documentation showing plans for living arrangements in the UK.
- Financial Plans: Joint savings plans or investment documents.
Communication, Travel, & Experiences Shared
- Messages: Text messages, emails, and social media interactions.
- Photos: Pictures of applicants together at various events.
- Travel Tickets: Proof of trips taken together, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings.
Supporting Letter
- A personal letter from the spouse providing a narrative of the relationship, including:
- How and when applicants met.
- Development of your relationship.
- Details about your life together.
- Reasons for wanting to live in the UK.
- Future plans together.
By gathering a set of compelling and thorough collection of these documents, any UK spouse visa applicants can effectively demonstrate the genuine and subsisting nature of your relationship to the UK Home Office.
Supporting Letter for Spouse Visa
A supporting letter from your spouse is a critical component of the UK spouse visa application. This letter serves to provide a personal narrative that ties together the evidence and highlights the genuine nature of your relationship.
Importance of a Supporting Letter
The supporting letter offers a detailed and personal account of your relationship, providing context that documents alone might not fully convey. It helps to clarify any ambiguities and reinforces your intention to live together permanently in the UK.
Content of the Letter
The supporting letter should cover several key aspects of your relationship:
- How & When you Met: Describe the circumstances of your first meeting, including when and where it happened.
- Development of Your Relationship: Explain how your relationship progressed from the initial meeting to the present day.
- Details About Your Life Together: Include information about your daily lives, significant events you’ve shared, and your living arrangements.
- Reasons for Wanting to Live in the UK: Outline why you wish to settle in the UK, including personal and professional reasons.
- Future Plans: Discuss your plans for the future, including accommodation, financial plans, and family goals.
Additional Considerations
When writing the supporting letter, all applicants should keep the following points in mind:
- Conciseness: The letter should be concise and to the point, ideally no longer than two pages.
- Persuasiveness: Be honest but persuasive, reinforcing the genuine nature of the relationship.
- Intention of Permanent Residency: Clearly state the intention to live together permanently in the UK.
Conclusion
In conclusion, demonstrating a genuine and subsisting relationship is a crucial aspect of the UK spouse visa application. It requires you to provide comprehensive and case specific evidence that illustrates the authenticity and continuous nature of your relationship. By selecting and presenting a variety of documents, you can demonstrate your involvement, commitment, and support for each other.
It’s important to remember that each relationship is unique, and the evidence provided should reflect applicants specific circumstances and experiences. For additional guidance and professional advice on how to complete the full spouse visa application as well as the genuine relationship requirement, reach out to our immigration lawyers for expert guidance and legal support.
For more information and professional assistance with your UK spouse visa application, including how to effectively demonstrate a genuine relationship, contact our Immigration and UK Spouse visa specialists at UKSpouseVisa.co.uk today!