Unmarried Partner Visa
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Overview Of The Unmarried Partner Visa
The Unmarried Partner Visa enables the partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK to live with their partner in the UK. This immigration route is designed for couples who are in a genuine and committed relationship but are not married or in a civil partnership.
An Unmarried Partner Visa can provide a pathway to Settlement and, ultimately, British citizenship, provided the relevant immigration requirements continue to be met.
An Unmarried Partner Visa allows a person to join or remain with their partner in the UK where the sponsoring partner is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), has settled status, or otherwise qualifies under the Immigration Rules. Unlike a Spouse Visa, applicants are not required to be legally married or in a civil partnership. Instead, they must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, durable and comparable to a marriage or civil partnership.
Requirements For An Unmarried Partner Visa
Applicants must satisfy a number of eligibility requirements, including:
- Both partners are aged 18 or over.
- They are in a relationship that has lasted for at least two years.
- The relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- They intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- They satisfy the financial requirement.
- They satisfy the adequate accommodation requirement.
- They meet the English language requirement.
- They do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.
Genuine And Subsisting Relationship Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is what the Home Office calls ‘genuine and subsisting’. The applicant and their partner must have met in person under this route, but do not have to be married or in a civil partnership. Any previous relationships have permanently broken down.
The main evidence that a Home Office caseworker would consider includes:
- Any documentation regarding children.
- Evidence of living together including utility bills and rental agreements.
- Joint financial commitments, including bank statements, property and expenses for any children.
- Travel records demonstrating frequent visits to each other, if required.
- Photographs and communication records, especially if there have been periods of living separately.
- Evidence of future plans together.
Applications are often scrutinised carefully, particularly where couples have spent significant periods apart or have relatively recent relationships. In general, the more evidence of cohabitation, the stronger the application. If there have been minimal periods of cohabitation, or no cohabitation, the application becomes more difficult but not impossible.
Financial Requirements
Meeting the financial requirement is one of the most important aspects of the Unmarried Partner Visa application and has changed frequently in the last few years.
New applicants will have to demonstrate earnings of at least £29,000 or that between themselves and their partner they have cash savings of at least £88,500.
Those making an extension application may be able to rely on the previous thresholds of earning at least £18,600 or having cash savings of £62,500.
The applicant’s own income can only be taken into account if the applicant is living and working in the UK lawfully. Otherwise, only the British or settled person’s income is considered, whether they work in the UK or abroad.
Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be able to rely on:
- Employment income.
- Self-employment income.
- Savings.
- Pension income.
- Rental income.
- A combination of permitted sources.
The evidence requirements are detailed and strictly enforced by the Home Office. Even where the income threshold is met, applications can be refused if the required documentation is not provided in the correct format. Careful preparation is therefore essential before submitting an application.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants must demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the English language. This can usually be satisfied through:
- An approved English language test.
- A degree taught or researched in English.
- Nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
- Another recognised exemption.
The level of English required may vary depending on the stage of the immigration journey.
How Do I Apply For An Unmarried Partner Visa?
Applications can be submitted either from outside the UK or inside the UK, if making a valid switching application. The form is available here.
The application process typically involves:
- Completing the online application.
- Paying the relevant fees.
- Enrolling biometric information.
- Submitting supporting documents.
- Awaiting a Home Office decision.
Length And Conditions Of Stay
Successful applicants are typically granted a period of permission of two and a half years if applying from within the UK, and two years and nine months if applying from outside of the UK.
This allows them to live in the UK with their partner before moving towards Settlement. During this period, visa holders are generally permitted to:
- Work in the UK.
- Change employers.
- Study.
- Undertake voluntary work.
- Travel in and out of the UK.
Before the initial period of leave expires, applicants can apply for a further grant of permission. To obtain an extension, applicants will usually need to demonstrate that:
- The relationship remains genuine and subsisting.
- They continue to meet the financial requirement.
- They satisfy the relevant English language requirement.
Early preparation is advisable to ensure that all requirements can be met by the expiry date of the visa.
Marrying or entering into a civil partnership does not cancel the Unmarried Partner Visa. The Unmarried Partner Visa is part of the wider Partner Visa route, and applicants have permission to marry in the UK under this route.
Once married, visa permission and visa length do not change, and there is no requirement to inform the Home Office of this change. In any new immigration application or extension, they would have to provide details of their marriage or civil partnership and provide the relevant certificate.
Settlement And British Citizenship
For many applicants, the route provides a pathway to Settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Applicants will generally be required to demonstrate that:
- They have completed the required qualifying period.
- They have complied with UK immigration laws.
- The relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
- They continue to live together in the UK.
- They satisfy the English language requirement.
- They have passed the Life in the UK Test.
Obtaining ILR removes immigration time restrictions and provides greater security for individuals and their families. Following a grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain, many individuals may become eligible to apply for British citizenship, provided they satisfy the nationality requirements in force at the time of application.
How Our Immigration Partners Can Help
Unmarried Partner Visa applications are subject to detailed scrutiny by the Home Office. Applications may be refused where the Home Office is not satisfied that the relationship is genuine, the financial requirements have been met, or the supporting evidence is sufficient.
Our immigration Partners can assist with:
- Assessing eligibility.
- Advising on the financial requirement.
- Preparing supporting evidence.
- Drafting legal representations.
- Managing complex relationship circumstances.
- Assisting with extensions and Settlement applications.
- Providing strategic immigration advice throughout the process.
We offer practical, commercially focused advice designed to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.
If you would like to discuss your circumstances, please contact us or complete our enquiry form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apply From Inside The UK?
In many circumstances, applicants who already hold valid immigration permission may be able to switch into the Unmarried Partner Visa route from within the UK.
Can I Work On An Unmarried Partner Visa?
Yes. Unmarried Partner Visa holders are generally permitted to work without restriction.
What Happens If My Circumstances Change After I Receive My Visa?
Changes in employment, finances or personal circumstances may affect future extension or Settlement applications. Professional advice should be sought wherever there is uncertainty.
Can Children Be Included In An Application?
Dependent children may be able to apply alongside a parent, provided the relevant requirements are met.