Spouse and partner visa applications are refused when UKVI is not satisfied the relationship is genuine and subsisting under the UK Immigration Rules. Insufficient evidence of ongoing communication between the couple.
Proving a genuine relationship to UKVI requires more than a marriage certificate. Caseworkers need to see a consistent, ongoing pattern of communication, cohabitation or visits, and shared life planning. Weak or thin evidence is one of the leading causes of spouse visa refusal.
Based on current UK Home Office immigration rules (updated 2026)
Spouse and partner visa applications are refused when UKVI is not satisfied the relationship is genuine and subsisting. Caseworkers assess the totality of evidence — communication history, visits, financial interdependence, and future plans — to form a view on whether the relationship is authentic.
Check your application against current Immigration Rules before paying non-refundable visa fees. Run the UK Visa Risk Checker before submitting →
There is no fixed amount, but UKVI expects to see regular and ongoing contact. Aim for at least 6 months of communication logs — calls, messages, video chat records. Quality and consistency matter more than volume.
Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage, and other messaging platforms are accepted. Print key conversations showing regular contact, emotional connection, and future planning. Ensure dates and contact details are visible.
A short courtship does not automatically mean refusal, but caseworkers will scrutinise the evidence more carefully. You need to show the relationship developed genuinely, even if quickly, with strong supporting evidence.