Spouse Visa ILR Documents Checklist
Everything a spouse visa holder needs to gather for an Indefinite Leave to Remain application.
Last updated: 30 August 2026
Standard Documents (All Applicants)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current passport(s) | All valid passports held during the qualifying period. |
| BRP or eVisa share code | Your current BRP or digital eVisa share code. |
| Life in the UK test pass certificate | Reference number from your passed test. |
| English language evidence | B1 SELT pass certificate or qualifying UK ENIC-recognised degree. |
| Continuous residence evidence | Council tax letters, utility bills, tenancy agreements, NHS letters covering the full 5-year period. |
| Absence records | List of all trips outside the UK with dates and reasons. |
Spouse Visa Route-Specific Documents
In addition to the standard documents above, spouse visa ILR applicants must provide evidence of the genuine and continuing relationship and that the financial requirement is met.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Marriage / civil partnership certificate | The original certificate. If not in English, include a certified translation. |
| Proof of cohabitation | Joint utility bills, joint bank statements, joint tenancy agreement or mortgage, or letters addressed to both partners at the same address. Aim for 2–3 items per year of the qualifying period. |
| Sponsor financial evidence | Sponsor's payslips (typically 6 months), bank statements, and employer letter. If using savings, bank statements showing the required amount held for at least 6 months. |
| Sponsor passport / settled status proof | Your sponsor's British passport, ILR BRP, or proof of settled/pre-settled status. |
| Previous visa grant letters | Grant letters for each spouse visa held during the qualifying period. |
| Accommodation evidence | Tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, property inspection report, or letter from the landlord/housing authority confirming adequate accommodation. |
Important: The Home Office looks for evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship. Provide a range of cohabitation evidence spread across the full qualifying period, not just recent months. If you and your sponsor have lived at separate addresses for any period, include a clear explanation. Seek advice from an OISC-registered immigration adviser if your situation is unusual.
Tips for Spouse Visa Applicants
- Start collecting cohabitation evidence now — do not wait until application time.
- Keep at least one joint document per quarter throughout your qualifying period.
- If your sponsor is self-employed, the financial evidence requirements are more complex — seek advice.
- Ensure your marriage certificate is the original or a certified copy.
- Check that your sponsor's passport or settled status is current and valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof of cohabitation do I need for spouse visa ILR?
You should provide documents showing that you and your partner have been living together throughout the qualifying period. Acceptable evidence includes joint utility bills, joint bank statements, joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents, and letters addressed to both of you at the same address. Aim for at least 2-3 items per year of the qualifying period.
Does my sponsor need to provide financial evidence?
Yes. Your sponsor (the British or settled partner) must provide evidence that the financial requirement is met. This typically includes payslips, bank statements, and an employer letter. The exact evidence depends on whether you are using employment income, savings, or a combination of income sources.
Do I need to provide evidence of our relationship for ILR?
Yes. You should provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate. If you have been in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years but are not married, you will need substantial evidence of cohabitation and commitment. For married applicants, the marriage certificate plus proof of cohabitation is typically sufficient.
What if we have lived at different addresses during the qualifying period?
If you have lived at different addresses, you should provide a clear explanation and evidence of why this was temporary (e.g., work assignments, family illness). The Home Office expects spouses to live together. Extended periods at separate addresses can raise questions about the genuineness of the relationship.
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