Key Points
- Quality and spread over time matter more than volume.
- Official documents in both names carry the most weight.
- Couples who live apart can still show a genuine relationship.
- The evidence should match what you say in the application form.
Evidence may include
- Marriage certificate
- Joint tenancy or ownership documents
- Council Tax records
- Utility bills
- Joint bank documents
- Correspondence addressed to both partners
- Travel records
- Evidence of visits
- Photographs
- Communication records where relevant
- Evidence relating to children
- Financial support where relevant
How much is enough?
There is no fixed number of photographs or messages. A small, well chosen set that covers the whole relationship is more persuasive than a large, unsorted one.
For photographs, a selection across different dates, places and occasions, ideally with family or friends present, usually does the job. For messages, short samples from across the period show regular contact without burying the decision maker.
If you have never lived together
Couples can have genuine relationships despite living separately because of work, study, immigration restrictions, cultural circumstances or other reasons.
The evidence should reflect how the relationship has continued despite the distance: visits, time spent together, regular contact, money sent, and plans made for life in the UK.
Common problems
- Dates in the form that do not match the documents
- Evidence from one short period only
- Documents in another language without a certified translation
- No explanation for long gaps between visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Do WhatsApp messages count as relationship evidence?
They can help show regular contact, especially for couples living apart. Send a readable sample covering the whole period, not the entire chat history.
How many photos should I provide?
There is no set number. A modest selection across the length of the relationship, with dates and a short caption, is normally more useful than dozens from a single event.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.