Preparing for a UK spouse visa interview can feel daunting, but understanding what questions the Home Office asks makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers over 30 common spouse visa interview questions with proven answers, helping you demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
- What is a UK Spouse Visa Interview?
- Who Gets Called for a Spouse Visa Interview?
- Relationship History Questions and Answers
- Home Office Marriage Interview Questions
- Financial and Employment Questions
- Living Arrangements and Future Plans Questions
- Spouse Visa Interview Success Tips
- After Your Interview: Outcomes and Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding UK Spouse Visa Interview Questions and Answers
A UK spouse visa interview is a credibility assessment conducted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify that your marriage or civil partnership is genuine and subsisting. Not every applicant is interviewed—UKVI typically requests one when they need additional information about your relationship, finances, or immigration history.
The interview process applies to various family visa routes under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, including the UK Spouse Visa, Unmarried Partner Visa, and Fiancé(e) Visa. Understanding the types of spouse visa interview questions asked and preparing thoughtful, honest responses significantly improves your chances of success.
What is a UK Spouse Visa Interview?
A UK spouse visa interview is a credibility assessment conducted by UKVI to verify that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The interview typically lasts 30-60 minutes and covers your relationship history, marriage details, financial situation, and future plans as a couple in the UK.
The Home Office conducts spouse visa interviews to verify that applicants meet the "genuine and subsisting relationship" requirement under Appendix FM. This means proving that your marriage is real, that you intend to live together permanently in the UK, and that the relationship existed before the visa application was submitted.
What Does UKVI Assess During the Interview?
The interview officer evaluates several key areas:
- Relationship authenticity: Whether your marriage or partnership is genuine and not arranged for immigration purposes
- Financial stability: Whether your sponsor meets the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year
- Intent to cohabit: Whether you genuinely plan to live together in the UK
- Consistency: Whether your answers align with your application and supporting documents
- Immigration history: Whether you have any previous refusals, overstays, or concerns
Who Gets Called for a UK Spouse Visa Interview?
Not all spouse visa applicants receive an interview. UKVI typically requests interviews when there are inconsistencies in the application, a short relationship history, limited time spent together, previous visa refusals, or concerns about a potential sham marriage.
UKVI uses risk assessment criteria to identify applications requiring additional scrutiny. Understanding these triggers helps you prepare a stronger application and anticipate potential interview questions.
Common Interview Triggers
You are more likely to be called for a UK spouse visa interview if:
- Short relationship timeline: You met recently or married quickly after meeting
- Limited physical time together: You have spent minimal time in person before applying
- Cultural or language barriers: Significant differences that may raise questions about communication
- Financial concerns: Unclear income documentation or unexplained large deposits
- Previous sponsorship: Your UK spouse has previously sponsored another partner
- Immigration history: Previous visa refusals or overstays on record
- Application inconsistencies: Contradictions between forms and supporting documents
| Interview Format | Duration | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | 30-60 minutes | Complex cases, serious credibility concerns |
| Video Call | 20-45 minutes | Overseas applicants, remote locations |
| Telephone | 15-30 minutes | Routine credibility checks, clarifications |
Relationship History Questions and Answers
Relationship history questions assess whether your partnership is genuine by exploring how you met, how your relationship developed, and how you maintain contact. Answers should be specific, consistent with your application, and demonstrate genuine knowledge of your partner.
These spouse visa interview questions form the foundation of the credibility assessment. UKVI officers compare your answers with information in your application and any evidence you have submitted. Specific, detailed responses demonstrate authenticity.
How and when did you meet your spouse?
Sample Answer: "We met in March 2022 through a mutual friend at a university event in Manchester. We exchanged numbers that evening and started messaging regularly. Our first proper date was two weeks later at a café in the city centre. Over the following months, we met frequently and our relationship became serious by summer 2022."
Why this works: The answer provides specific dates, locations, and context. It shows a natural progression rather than vague generalities.
How often do you communicate with your spouse?
Sample Answer: "We speak every day, usually video calling in the evening for about an hour. We also message throughout the day on WhatsApp—sharing photos from our day, discussing plans, or just checking in. When there is a time difference, we adjust our schedule to make sure we talk before bed."
Have you lived together before?
If Yes: "Yes, we lived together in Birmingham for eight months before I had to return home for family reasons. During that time, we shared a two-bedroom flat on [street name] and split household responsibilities equally."
If No: "No, we have not lived together due to visa restrictions. However, we have spent extended periods together during visits—I stayed with my spouse for three weeks during my last visit, and they visited my country for two weeks last summer. We have a clear understanding of each other's daily routines and habits."
What do you know about your spouse's family?
Sample Answer: "My spouse has two siblings—an older brother named James who works as an accountant in Leeds, and a younger sister called Sarah who is studying nursing. Their parents, David and Margaret, live in Sheffield. I have met all of them during visits and we video call regularly. We attended their mother's birthday celebration last year."
Home Office Marriage Interview Questions
Home Office marriage interview questions focus on your wedding ceremony, who attended, how you proposed, and your legal marriage details. Officers look for specific recollections that demonstrate you were genuinely present and emotionally invested in the event.
Marriage-related questions help UKVI verify that your wedding was a genuine celebration of your relationship rather than an arrangement for immigration purposes. Be prepared to discuss specific details about your ceremony, guests, and the emotions of the day.
When and where did you get married?
Sample Answer: "We married on 15th June 2024 at Manchester Town Hall. It was a civil ceremony conducted by the registrar, followed by a reception at The Midland Hotel. The ceremony started at 2pm and lasted about 45 minutes."
How did you or your spouse propose?
Sample Answer: "My spouse proposed in December 2023 during a trip to Edinburgh. We were walking along the Royal Mile in the evening, and they got down on one knee near St Giles' Cathedral. They had planned it for weeks and even asked my father's blessing beforehand."
How many people attended your wedding?
Sample Answer: "We had 65 guests at our wedding. My spouse's parents, brother, sister, and their families attended, along with about 20 of their friends. From my side, my parents travelled from abroad, along with my brother and three close friends. The rest were mutual friends we made during university."
What did your spouse wear on your wedding day?
Sample Answer: "My spouse wore a navy blue three-piece suit with a light blue tie and brown leather shoes. They chose navy because it is their favourite colour. I wore a traditional white wedding dress with lace sleeves that I bought from a bridal shop in Birmingham."
Did your spouse's family attend the wedding?
If Yes: "Yes, all of my spouse's immediate family attended. Their parents gave speeches at the reception, and their brother was the best man. Their grandmother also attended despite being elderly."
If No: "Unfortunately, my spouse's father could not attend due to health issues—he had surgery scheduled that week. However, we video called him during the ceremony and reception so he could participate. We have submitted medical evidence explaining his absence."
Financial and Employment Questions
Financial questions verify that your UK sponsor meets the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year (for applications from April 2024 onwards). Be prepared to explain your sponsor's employment, income sources, and how you will support yourselves in the UK.
Meeting the UK spouse visa financial requirement is essential for approval. Your answers should demonstrate a clear understanding of your household finances and how you will maintain yourselves without recourse to public funds.
What does your spouse do for a living?
Sample Answer: "My spouse works as a Software Developer at a technology company in Manchester. They have been with the company for four years and currently earn £42,000 per year. Their role involves developing mobile applications and they work Monday to Friday, usually from 9am to 5:30pm."
How will you financially support yourselves in the UK?
Sample Answer: "My spouse's salary of £42,000 exceeds the minimum income requirement. We have submitted six months of payslips and bank statements showing regular salary deposits. We also have £15,000 in joint savings as a financial buffer. Once I receive my visa, I plan to seek employment in my field, which will provide additional household income."
Does your spouse receive any government benefits?
Sample Answer: "No, my spouse does not receive any public funds or government benefits. They are fully employed and financially independent. We have provided documentation confirming their employment income meets the visa requirements."
Are you planning to work in the UK?
Sample Answer: "Yes, I plan to work once I arrive in the UK. I have a degree in Marketing and several years of experience in my field. The Spouse Visa allows me to work without restrictions, and I intend to start job searching immediately after arriving. In the meantime, my spouse's income comfortably supports both of us."
Living Arrangements and Future Plans Questions
Future plans questions assess whether you have genuinely planned your life together in the UK. Be prepared to describe where you will live, your accommodation arrangements, and your medium to long-term goals as a couple, including potential family plans.
These spouse visa interview questions verify that you have concrete plans to build a life together in the UK. Vague answers suggest a lack of genuine commitment, while specific details demonstrate that your relationship has substance and future direction.
Where will you live in the UK?
Sample Answer: "We will live at my spouse's current address in Birmingham—a two-bedroom flat that they have rented for three years. The flat has adequate space for both of us, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms. We have submitted the tenancy agreement and utility bills as proof of accommodation."
Do you plan to have children?
Sample Answer: "Yes, we have discussed starting a family in the future, probably within the next few years. We want to settle into life together first, ensure our finances are stable, and perhaps move to a larger property before having children."
Alternative Answer: "We are focusing on building our careers and enjoying life together first. Children may be something we consider later, but it is not our immediate priority."
What are your long-term plans as a couple?
Sample Answer: "Our plan is to build a permanent life together in the UK. After my initial visa, we will apply for an extension after 2.5 years, then Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. Eventually, I hope to become a British citizen. We also want to buy a house together within the next five years."
What daily routine do you expect when living together?
Sample Answer: "My spouse leaves for work around 8:30am after we have breakfast together. They return around 6pm. We cook dinner together most evenings—we both enjoy cooking and take turns preparing meals. Weekends are usually spent running errands, visiting family, or exploring new places together."
Spouse Visa Interview Success Tips
Success requires thorough preparation, consistent answers that match your application, and calm confidence during the interview. Review your application documents carefully, practise discussing your relationship naturally, and bring organised copies of all supporting evidence.
Before the Interview
Preparation is your greatest advantage. Review every document you submitted—dates, figures, timelines, and stated plans. Ensure you can explain any aspect of your application without hesitation. Coordinate with your spouse so you both provide consistent information if they are also contacted.
- Review your entire visa application form
- Know all dates: when you met, first visit, engagement, wedding
- Understand your sponsor's employment and income details
- Prepare to explain any large bank deposits
- Coordinate answers with your spouse
- Organise document copies in labelled folders
- Arrive 15 minutes early and dress professionally
During the Interview
Maintain calm confidence throughout. Answer questions directly without volunteering unnecessary information. If you do not understand a question, politely ask for clarification rather than guessing. Speak naturally—rehearsed, robotic answers sound suspicious.
What to Avoid
- Vague answers: Generic responses like "we love each other" without specific examples
- Inconsistencies: Contradicting your application or your spouse's statements
- Over-explaining: Volunteering extra information that creates new questions
- Memorised scripts: Reciting prepared answers word-for-word
- Arguing with the officer: If corrected, accept politely and clarify calmly
- Showing excessive nervousness: Some anxiety is normal, but extreme nervousness raises concerns
After Your Interview: Outcomes and Next Steps
After the interview, your application returns to the decision queue for final assessment. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks for overseas applications. You will receive notification when a decision is made, then instructions to collect your passport or Biometric Residence Permit.
The interview officer will not provide an immediate decision. Your application is assessed alongside the interview notes and all submitted evidence. Check current UK visa processing times for accurate timeframe estimates.
If Your Visa is Approved
Upon approval, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 30 days. You must enter the UK within this window to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which serves as your actual visa for the 2.5-year initial grant period.
If Your Visa is Refused
A refusal letter will explain the specific reasons for the decision. Common reasons include credibility concerns from the interview, insufficient financial evidence, or relationship authenticity doubts. You may have the right to appeal based on Article 8 human rights grounds, or you can submit a fresh application addressing the refusal reasons.
- The interview assesses whether your relationship is genuine—not a test to fail
- Consistency between your answers and application documents is essential
- Specific, detailed responses demonstrate authenticity better than generic statements
- Prepare with your spouse to ensure you both give consistent information
- The minimum income requirement is £29,000 for applications from April 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Spouse Visa Interviews
Does everyone applying for a UK spouse visa need an interview?
No, UKVI only calls selected applicants for interviews based on risk assessment criteria. Most straightforward applications with strong supporting documents and clear relationship evidence do not require interviews. Interviews are typically requested when additional verification is needed.
How long does a UK spouse visa interview take?
Most UK spouse visa interviews last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Telephone interviews for routine credibility checks may be shorter at 15-30 minutes. The duration depends on how many questions the officer needs to ask to satisfy their assessment.
What are the most common spouse visa interview questions?
Common spouse visa interview questions cover how you met, your relationship timeline, wedding details, your spouse's employment and income, where you will live in the UK, and your future plans as a couple. Officers also ask about your knowledge of each other's families, daily routines, and communication habits.
Will my UK spouse also be interviewed?
Not always, but UKVI may contact your UK-based spouse separately to verify relationship details, finances, and living arrangements. Both partners should be prepared to answer questions consistently. Contradictions between your answers and your spouse's answers can raise serious credibility concerns.
What is the minimum income requirement for a UK spouse visa in 2026?
For first-time spouse visa applications submitted on or after 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 gross per year. Those who applied before this date remain under the previous £18,600 threshold for their entire 5-year route. The income threshold applies regardless of whether children are included.
Can I bring an interpreter to my spouse visa interview?
Yes, if you are not comfortable conducting the interview in English, you can request a professional interpreter. Family members are not permitted to interpret. Arrange this in advance by contacting the Visa Application Centre when scheduling your interview.
What happens if I fail the spouse visa interview?
If UKVI has credibility concerns after your interview, your visa may be refused. You will receive a refusal letter explaining the specific reasons, often including a transcript of your interview. You may have the right to appeal on human rights grounds (Article 8) or can submit a fresh application addressing the concerns raised.
How soon after the interview will I receive my spouse visa decision?
Standard processing after a spouse visa interview typically takes 8-12 weeks for overseas applications. In-country applications may be processed within 8 weeks. Priority services, where available for an additional fee, can reduce this timeframe. Processing times vary by location and season.