How do I prove my relationship for a UK visa application?

For a number of UK visa applications an individual needs to provide evidence to the authorities that the relationship their visa is based on is genuine and subsisting at the time of application. This is required so the UK authorities can ensure that the relationship is not a “sham” union.

What type of relationships qualify for a UK visa?

The main visas that require proof of an existing relationship are the family visa (also called a spouse visa or an Appendix FM visa) and visas where there is a main applicant who wants to bring their partner with them to the UK. Here are the relationships that qualify:

• Married partners: In this case, if you have a marriage certificate that has been issued by the authorities in the country of marriage, it is generally recognised in the UK. You will still need to submit a few documents showing that you and your partner are still in a subsisting relationship.
• Unmarried partners: In this category, you must have lived together for at least two years prior to the application date in a relationship that is “equivalent to marriage.” The Home Office usually expects this period to have occurred immediately before the date of the application unless there are good reasons as to why they should accept a different time period. Documentary evidence is required to cover cohabitation for the full 2 years.
• Civil partners: If you have a civil partnership certificate, whether same-sex or heterosexual, that has been issued by the authorities in the country where the partnership was concluded, it is generally recognised in the UK. You will still need to submit a few documents showing that you and your partner are still in a subsisting relationship.
• Fiancée/Proposed civil partner: This visa allows the applicant to come to the UK to get married and afterwards switch into a family visa in the UK. Again, you will need to submit evidence of an existing relationship and of a serious intention to get married (such as a church/reception booking, invitations, etc.).

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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