Help please!! FLR(M) cohabitation

Hello everyone,

First time poster here.

I was hoping to get some advice for my spouse visa application.

About me - currently living in the U.K. on tier 2 visa, but married in August 2018 and trying to switch to the spouse visa. I have a premium appointment booked for next week and this is my first application for this category.

My concern:

We have recently moved in together and therefore I don’t have much correspondence to prove cohabitation. I’m wondering what I can do. I am trying to get onto the tenancy agreement and also council tax, but this is taking time and I’m doubtful that I will have either in time for my appointment.

Would it be advisable to get a letter from the landlord confirming that I can live in the apartment?

Should I include email correspondence that I have had with the agency about the move in process?

I have a few items with my name on them at the address (new drivers license, bank statement)... would these be good to include?

Any help or advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Mainly I am wonder if they would reject my application if we don’t have much evidence that we live together?

Thank you!!!

Welcome to UKY!

Solid cohabitation evidence is more important (crucial) for unmarried partners.  As you are married, there is no requirement to have previously lived together - and for most long distance couples, that's actually impossible until the visa is granted.

You will need evidence of your relationship - so your marriage certificate, a few photos, any evidence for the time you have been living together, communication records for times you weren't, and so on. 

You will need evidence of accommodation, so you will need documented permission from the homeowner that you can reside there.  This isn't to prove your relationship, but to prove you and your partner have available and adequate housing.  It is a required component, and the application will not be successful without it.

Hi Franky, welcome!

Would it be advisable to get a letter from the landlord confirming that I can live in the apartment?

You must provide this along with the lease.

Should I include email correspondence that I have had with the agency about the move in process?

Not necessary. You will need an original wet signed letter granting you permission to live there.

I have a few items with my name on them at the address (new drivers license, bank statement)... would these be good to include?

Have a look at page 63/4 of form FLR(M) this outlines the requirements for mail. Send what you have (you will also need mail from your partner) and explain as instructed why you can't provide the full amount.

Also, to double check, I presume you are aware that your clock to ILR will be reset by switching to a spouse visa?

Thank you very much for the replies!

Okay, I have the original tenancy with my wife's name on it. I will try and get a letter from the homeowner to say they approved of me living there. Hopefully the council tax bill will arrive, and I will also just include whatever correspondence I can and make sure to have some evidence of our relationship! Hopefully this will do the trick.

I am aware of resetting the clock. It's unfortunate but what can you do...