Unmarried Partner Visa in UK

The Unmarried Partner Visa lets you stay in the UK with your long-term partner. This partner can be a British or Irish citizen or someone with various types of legal status in the UK. The visa even works if your partner is currently abroad but plans to return to the UK with you. After 5 years, this visa could lead to permanent UK residence.

Key Requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa. To get this visa, you must:

Be at least 18 years old, as should your partner.
Have met your partner in person.
Have lived together for at least 2 years.
Prove your relationship is real and ongoing.
Plan to live together in the UK forever.
Show that any past relationships are permanently over.
Meet specific financial criteria.
Have suitable living arrangements.
Meet the required level of English language.

Legal advice can vary based on your situation, so speaking to an immigration lawyer might be a good idea.

Partner's Eligibility

Your sponsoring partner must be:

Age Limit: Both you and your partner must be 18 or older when you apply.

Relationship Criteria

Your relationship must meet several conditions:

Proving a Genuine Relationship

You need to show the Home Office that your relationship is real and ongoing. Various factors like the longevity of the relationship, cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities, and visits to each other’s home countries will be considered.

Financial Requirements

You have to show that you or your partner earns at least:

These amounts could change if your partner is on specific state benefits.

Consultations

Explore Visa Solutions: Claim Your Consultation Session.

How to Meet the Financial Requirements?

You can meet this criteria in various ways like employment income, non-employment income, cash savings over £16,000, or pensions.

Section 1: Unmarried Partner Visa Housing Requirements

When you apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa, whether it’s your first time or you’re extending your stay, it’s crucial to show that you have suitable housing available. This accommodation must be solely for you and your unmarried partner, and you shouldn’t rely on public assistance to afford it.

You’re required to show evidence of your exclusive rights to this housing. Whether you own or rent the place, it must be legally yours to occupy. Plus, it must comply with all public health standards and not be overcrowded.

Section 2: English Language Proficiency for Unmarried Partner Visa.

Unless you are exempt, you need to prove your English language skills as part of your Unmarried Partner Visa application.

For first-time applications or switching into the Unmarried Partner Visa category, you must show English competence of at least CEFR level A1. For extensions, you’ll need a minimum of CEFR level A2.

You can meet the English language criteria by:

Exceptions include those over 65 years old, those with a disability that prevents them from taking the test, or other special circumstances.

Section 3: Duration of the Unmarried Partner Visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get an initial 33-month visa. For extensions, you’ll receive a 30-month permit. Before this runs out, you’ll have to apply to extend your stay.

Section 4: Switching Visa Categories Within the UK

If you are already in the UK, you can switch to an Unmarried Partner Visa unless you’re a visitor or your existing visa is less than 6 months.

Section 5: Employment Rights

Holders of an Unmarried Partner Visa are fully entitled to work in the UK.

Section 6: Pathway to Permanent Residence

After living in the UK for 5 years with an Unmarried Partner Visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain. Additional criteria will apply.

This information aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the Unmarried Partner Visa process in the UK. If you fulfill these requirements, you’ll be well on your way to building a life together with your partner in the UK.

Housing Criteria for Unmarried Partner Visa

If you’re seeking either initial entry or an extension under the Unmarried Partner Visa, it’s essential to show that both you and your partner will have a proper place to live. This housing must be privately funded and exclusively yours.

You’ll also need to furnish details that confirm your legal right to live in that property and ensure it meets public health standards.

Language Proficiency for Unmarried Partner Visa

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, except in specific cases. For initial entry, the language requirement is at CEFR level A1, while for extension, it is at level A2.

Ways to meet the language requirement include:

Certain exceptions can be made if you’re over 65, have a disability, or face other exceptional circumstances.

Duration and Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa

Initial grants last for 33 months. Extensions last 30 months. After five years in the UK, you can apply for indefinite stay.

Applying from Within the UK

If you’re already in the UK, you can apply for an extension as long as your initial stay was more than six months. Visitors must apply from outside the UK.

Working in the UK

Holders of this visa have full working rights in the UK.

Permanent Stay Eligibility

After five years, you may apply for permanent stay, also known as indefinite leave to remain.

testimonial

We Devote Time And Effort To Provide Quality Services

      
   Unique Visa Services Ltd (UVS)
   111 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   max holland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Raj and the team are very professional and knowledgeable. Their sevice is attentive, courteous, and efficient. My China visa application process was smooth and trouble-free thanks to their help. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mohamed Mirshad 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five star service,highly professional and very quick response worth for money and very friendly
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paula Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic stress free service. Highly recommend Raj and his team. Fast, friendly and reliable. 5 *
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   steven lorenzini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My tourist visa for India was handled seamlessly in 24 hours. Personal staff, really helpful. Much easier than wrestling with the Indian visa website
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hugh Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sunita and Raj provide a first class,professional service that is characterised by their efficiency,thoroughness and clarity in all their dealings with their clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   VEDAA RADHEY 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing experience with Unique Visa services(UVS)
Team is highly qualified and knows their role very well.
Especially Our Advisor Mrs Sunita guide us with every single step with elaborate explanation in every single calls and e-mails.
Their response rate is exceptionally high.
Highly recommended (UVS)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Tweedie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. I applied for an Indian visa. There was a small problem with the photo I first submitted. Raj kept in touch by phone and gave advice. I submitted another photo and got my visa in 2 days. Thanks Raj, if I had tried to do it myself I would’ve had all sorts of problems. Brilliant.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Omar Al-Ani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If there is more than 5 stars, I would give it without hesitation.
Sunita was very supportive with me, and she has ended up my 4 years stress by getting the Visa.

Highly professional , and respond quickly..

Many thanks from my heart 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kristell Kirsten 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful team that helped me when I couldn’t get an appointment for over 3 weeks. So grateful for all the assistance and very grateful for the appointment. I would definitely recommend their services
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Juli Das 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very smooth experience with UVS. Raj is team are very supportive and helpful.

How to Apply for the Visa?

Applications are made online and differ based on whether you’re inside or outside the UK. Always consult with an immigration lawyer to get the appropriate form and documentation.

Applying for British Citizenship

After obtaining indefinite leave to remain, you can apply for British citizenship. The usual path is a five-year route to permanent settlement, with some exceptions.

What If My Application is Denied?

If your application is refused, you generally have a right to appeal, which will be processed by a specialized immigration tribunal in the UK.

Alternatives If You Don't Meet the Requirements

If you fail to meet the criteria, you might still qualify under human rights provisions, especially if you have a child who is a UK citizen, or if separating from your partner would cause significant hardship.

Please note that this content is meant to be a general guide. For specific advice, consult an immigration lawyer.

Unmarried Partner Visa