How to Prove a Genuine Relationship for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa (2025 Rules)

One of the main reasons the Home Office refuses family visa applications is lack of evidence that the relationship is real. If you are applying for a UK Spouse Visa or Partner Visa, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

The rules are stricter in 2025, and caseworkers now expect clearer, well-organised evidence.
At AHJ Immigration, we help couples present their story with accuracy and warmth, showing the strength of their connection while meeting every technical rule.

Why You Must Prove Your Relationship

Home Office officers cannot rely on emotion or trust. They need written and visual proof that your marriage or partnership is genuine, that you live together, and that your relationship is ongoing.

A weak or disorganised submission often leads to refusal, even for genuine couples.
Our job is to make your relationship story easy for the caseworker to understand and verify.

Evidence That Proves a Genuine Relationship

1. Communication and Contact

Provide examples that show regular contact:

• Screenshots of text or WhatsApp messages
• Call logs showing regular contact
• Emails or social-media chats

Choose representative samples rather than large bundles. Highlight key dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or travel plans.

2. Photos Together

Include photos from different times and places.
Add captions that explain where and when they were taken.
Avoid large group photos unless they show family involvement or events such as weddings or holidays.

3. Visits and Travel Records

Show evidence of visits to each other.
Include flight confirmations, entry stamps, hotel bookings, or travel itineraries.
If you travelled together, include both names on receipts or tickets.

4. Financial Ties

Joint financial activity is strong evidence of a real relationship.
Provide:

• Joint bank statements
• Shared utility bills or tenancy agreements
• Joint insurance or council-tax records

If you do not share accounts yet, include proof that you contribute jointly to living costs.

5. Marriage or Civil-Partnership Documents

If you are married, include your marriage certificate.
If not married, provide proof that you have been living together for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage.

6. Family and Community Proof

Statements from friends, family, or community leaders can strengthen your case.
Each statement should include the person’s full name, contact details, and how they know you as a couple.

How to Organise Your Evidence

The Home Office prefers evidence grouped by type and date.
Create a clear order:

1. Relationship evidence (communication, photos, visits)
2. Financial and accommodation documents
3. Official forms and certificates

Label every file with both names and the date range, for example: “John-Sara Chat Logs Jan–Jun 2024.”
This makes it easy for a caseworker to review your file quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending hundreds of screenshots without context
• Providing inconsistent timelines
• Forgetting proof of in-person meetings
• Relying only on letters without documents
• Submitting unclear or low-quality images

Quality is more important than quantity. Focus on evidence that clearly shows an ongoing relationship.

Relationship Evidence for Fiancé and Spouse Visas

Fiancé Visa applicants must also show intent to marry within six months. Include:

• Venue booking confirmations
• Receipts for rings, invitations, or deposits
• Letters from family confirming wedding plans

Spouse Visa applicants should show ongoing commitment, shared living, and joint responsibilities.

What Happens After Submission

The Home Office will review your documents and may contact you for more details.
If satisfied, your visa will be approved for 2 years and 6 months.
If the officer is unsure, you may receive a refusal letter outlining missing or unclear information.

We can help you appeal or reapply if that happens.

How AHJ Immigration Helps

Proving a genuine relationship takes care and precision.
We know what the Home Office expects and how to present it clearly.

Our service includes:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Discuss your relationship evidence and next steps.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Detailed document review (fee deducted from final cost).
• Application preparation: We draft, check, and upload everything correctly.
• Communication: We handle Home Office queries and updates.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to start preparing your evidence today.

Spouse Visa Refusal FAQs

1. How much evidence should I include?
Choose clear examples covering the full relationship period, not every message or photo.

2. Do online relationships qualify?
Yes, but you must have met in person at least once before applying.

3. Can I submit letters from friends?
Yes, include signed statements that confirm your relationship and how long they have known you both.

4. What if we lived apart for work or studies?
Explain the reason and include proof of continued contact during that period.

5. Will the Home Office interview us?
Sometimes. If your case raises questions, you may be invited for an interview to confirm details.

Build a Strong Application Together

Your relationship deserves to be recognised.
Let us help you present the evidence properly so your application is approved the first time.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 for a free 30-minute consultation, or book a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a detailed review of your documents.