Complete your document collection with remaining mandatory items.
Personal Documents
Collect:
- Current passport (valid throughout your stay)
- All old passports from last 10 years
- Full birth certificate
- Marriage certificate with certified translation if needed
- Divorce decree absolute or death certificate if previously married
- Police certificates from countries where you lived 12+ months (if required)
- TB test certificate from approved clinic (if applying from listed country)
What to do:
- Check passport expiry dates—renew if necessary
- Request certified copy of birth certificate if you don’t have one
- Obtain certified translations for all non-English documents
- Request police certificates (valid 6 months) from relevant countries
- Book TB test at approved clinic if required (valid 6 months)
- Ensure marriage certificate is original or certified copy
Step 8: Prepare Supporting Letters
Write comprehensive cover letters explaining your application and circumstances.
Sponsor’s Cover Letter
Your UK spouse should write a detailed letter including:
- How and when you met
- Relationship timeline and key events
- Why you’re applying for this visa route
- Financial circumstances and how requirements are met
- Accommodation details
- Plans for your life together in the UK
- Any special circumstances that need explanation
Applicant’s Cover Letter
Write your own letter covering:
- Your personal background
- Your relationship story from your perspective
- Why you want to join your spouse in the UK
- Your understanding of the visa conditions
- Your plans for integration and contribution to UK society
- Future aspirations
What to do:
- Draft letters that are honest, detailed, and sincere
- Address any potential concerns proactively
- Keep tone professional but personal
- Have someone proofread for clarity and errors
- Sign and date both letters
- Include these as the first documents in your application