Applying for a UK marriage visa can be a stressful process, and unfortunately, according to UKVI statistics, between 25-30% of UK Spouse Visa applications are refused, which means nearly 1 in 4 couples receive a rejection letter. Understanding the most common problems that lead to refusals can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid costly mistakes that could separate you from your partner for months or even years.
One of the most common reasons for a spouse visa refusal is the absence of adequate evidence to prove the authenticity of the relationship, with the Home Office expecting substantial proof that your connection with your UK partner is honest and ongoing. UKVI case officers are always alert to spouse or partner visa applications that are not genuine, and if the Home Office has any reason to suspect that you are not in a genuine relationship with your British or settled partner in the UK, they will simply refuse the application.
To avoid this problem, you need to provide comprehensive documentation including photographs together, communication records such as emails and WhatsApp messages, joint financial documents, and testimonies from friends and family. For couples who cannot provide evidence of cohabitation due to cultural, religious reasons, or long-distance relationships, suitable proof includes texts, emails, letters and any form of communication to prove that the couple has kept in touch whilst apart.
One of the most common reasons for Spouse Visa refusals is failing to meet the minimum income threshold, which currently stands at £29,000 per year for applicants that first applied for a Spouse Visa after April 2024. Every year, a significant number of Spouse Visa applications is refused because couples fail to meet the financial conditions.
Financial refusals often occur for several reasons: the income claimed is below the minimum required amount, relying on income sources that don’t count such as cash-in-hand employment, submitting incomplete or incorrect financial documentation that does not comply with Appendix FM-SE rules, or using savings but failing to meet the strict savings calculation rules. In some cases, spouse visa refusals occur due to not providing enough payslips, and it is recommended to provide at least six months’ worth of the most recent payslips with your application.
The Home Office typically won’t chase you for missing documents—they’ll consider refusing your application. All financial documents must be dated or end within 28 days of submission, and failing to meet this requirement can lead to delays or refusals . Missing documents, incomplete paperwork, or using incorrect forms can all lead to automatic refusals.
All translations must be certified and formatted correctly , and you should ensure that every document meets the specific requirements outlined in Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules.
When applying for a UK spouse visa, you need to show that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale, and if you don’t meet this standard, your application may be refused, A common mistake is that applicants think any English test taken at level A1 or higher will be accepted by the Home Office, but you must pass an approved A1 English test in Speaking and Listening only at a UKVI-approved test centre.
If you complete the wrong application form or make errors in the Spouse visa application, your visa could be refused. Incomplete application forms are a significant problem, making it essential to complete every applicable box on your application form and ensure that every box you tick is correct given your circumstances, as many applications are refused simply due to an incorrect box being ticked.
The Home Office assesses the suitability of each applicant and will take into consideration criminal records, a history of non-compliance with immigration rules, and other factors, with failure to meet suitability requirements leading to refusal. If you have a previous immigration history that raises concerns, such as overstaying a previous visa or providing false information, it can result in a visa refusal.
Upon receiving a refusal, you will be provided with a refusal letter from the Home Office that will detail the grounds for the conclusion, and before deciding on the next steps, it’s vital to understand these causes exhaustively. If your UK spouse visa is refused, you can either appeal the decision, request an administrative review, or reapply for a Spouse visa with additional evidence. You’ll start by completing an appeal form, and depending on where you are, you’ll have a specific set time to file the appeal: 14 days if inside the UK and 28 days if outside the UK.
Given that most refusals stem from inadequate evidence or documentation errors rather than genuine ineligibility, seeking professional immigration advice before submitting your application can significantly reduce your risk of refusal and help ensure your application is properly prepared the first time.