Your Question: "We are preparing for our spouse visa extension and are feeling confused and worried about the 'cohabitation' evidence. What exactly does the Home Office want to see, how many documents do we really need, and how should they be organised?"
This is the single most important question for any couple approaching their partner visa extension. While your initial visa focused on the history of your relationship before living together in the UK, this application is all about proving the life you have built since then. The cohabitation requirement is the Home Office's primary method for verifying that your relationship has been genuine and subsisting throughout your time in the UK.
Getting this evidence right is not just important; it is the absolute key to a successful outcome. At Immigration Solicitors4me, we understand that this can be a daunting and time-consuming task. We specialise in helping couples build a perfect, decision-ready portfolio of evidence. To answer your question, here is our definitive guide to mastering the cohabitation rule.
What is the Cohabitation Rule and Why Does it Exist?
The rule is straightforward in principle: you must prove to the Home Office that you and your sponsoring partner have lived together continuously, at the same address, for the entire period of your last grant of leave (typically the last 2.5 years). This evidence demonstrates that you have shared a home and a life, which is the core of a genuine spousal relationship in the eyes of the immigration authorities. It is the main test you must pass for your spouse visa extension.
The 'Gold Standard': What are Jointly Addressed Documents?
The most powerful and persuasive evidence you can provide is official correspondence that is addressed to both you and your partner at the same address. The Home Office gives the highest weight to these documents as they are undeniable proof of a shared household and joint responsibilities. The best examples include:
- Council Tax Bills:These are often considered the strongest single piece of evidence.
- Tenancy Agreements or Mortgage Statements:Showing both names as occupants or owners.
- Utility Bills:Such as joint accounts for gas, electricity, or water.
- Joint Bank Account Statements:Demonstrating a shared financial life.
How Many Documents Do We Need, and From How Many Sources?
This is the practical question that causes the most confusion. While there is no magic number set in stone, Home Office guidance and best practice provide a clear target. For a successful spouse visa extension, you should aim to provide:
- Quantity:At least six pieces of jointly addressed correspondence.
- Sources:These documents should come from at least three different official sources.
- Spacing:Crucially, the documents must be spaced out evenly over the entire 2.5-year period.
What if We Don't Have Enough Joint Documents?
This is a very common situation for many couples. Do not panic. If you cannot provide enough jointly addressed documents, you can supplement them with items addressed to each of you individually at the same address.
The Rule of Thumb: If you are using individually addressed documents, you will need to provide more of them to create the same robust picture. You should aim to provide six to eight documents addressed to your partner and six to eight documents addressed to you, all at the same address and spread out over the 2.5 years. The goal is to create an overlapping timeline of evidence that proves you were both resident at the property throughout the entire period.
Creating the Timeline: Why the 'Spacing' of Evidence is So Important
You cannot simply provide a large pile of recent bills. This is a common mistake. You must demonstrate continuous cohabitation. An expert solicitor will help you select documents from the beginning, middle, and end of your 2.5-year visa period. For example, you might provide a joint council tax bill from two years ago, a joint copyright from last year, and a recent joint utility bill, along with other pieces in between. This chronological spread is a key part of a successful spouse visa extension.
Our Role at Immigration Solicitors4me: Building Your Cohabitation Portfolio
Our expert solicitors take the stress and guesswork out of this demanding process. When you instruct us for your spouse visa extension, we will:
- Provide you with a clear, bespoke checklist of the exact evidence you need.
- Review the documents you have gathered to ensure they are the correct type.
- Help you select the strongest pieces of evidence and ensure they are spaced out correctly over the required period.
- Meticulously organise the evidence bundle into a professional, easy-to-follow format for the Home Office caseworker.
The story of your life together in the UK must be told through official paper and digital records. To ensure that story is told clearly, persuasively, and successfully, contact the specialists at Immigration Solicitors4me today.