How to Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine for a UK Spouse Visa

Why relationship evidence matters

Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, the Home Office must be satisfied that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. This means you need to show that you and your partner are in a real, committed relationship — not one entered into primarily for immigration purposes. The burden of proof is on you.

Communication evidence

The Home Office expects to see a history of regular communication. This includes call logs, messaging app screenshots, video call records, and social media interactions. The key is consistency — sporadic communication with long gaps raises questions. We recommend compiling a timeline showing regular contact over the full duration of the relationship.

Photographs

Photographs should show you together in different settings and at different times. Include dates (check photo metadata), locations, and context. Pictures with family members, at events, and in everyday situations are more persuasive than a collection of posed selfies. Aim for breadth: holidays, weddings, daily life, visits to each other’s home country.

Joint financial commitments

Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint tenancy agreements, and transfers between your accounts all demonstrate financial interdependence. If you do not have joint accounts, regular transfers between individual accounts can serve a similar purpose. Include bank statements showing these transactions.

Witness statements

Statements from family and friends who know your relationship well add credibility. Each statement should include the witness’s full name, relationship to the couple, how long they have known about the relationship, and specific observations about the couple’s commitment. Two to four statements from different people are usually sufficient.

What to avoid

Do not submit generic evidence or evidence that could apply to anyone. A single photograph and a few text messages will not satisfy the caseworker. Equally, do not fabricate or exaggerate — the Home Office cross-references evidence and inconsistencies lead to refusals. Present your relationship honestly, comprehensively, and in an organised format.