Unmarried partners may join their British or settled partners in the UK. We can assess your situation if you are unsure whether you are eligible for this visa.
Unmarried partners are “people living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership“. It also means they lived under the same roof for two years or more”.
An individual can apply for this visa to the British High Commission/Embassy/Consulate in the country of nationality. In the UK, an applicant can switch to an unmarried partner visa. It may also be possible if they have a permit issued for longer than six months. The application should be submitted to the Home Office, UKBA.
The Immigration Rules for an Application
The Immigration Rules have changed for an application for Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner from 9th July 2012. If you received your visa before 9th July 2012, you could apply for ILR on the completion of two years. If your initial entry clearance or leave to remain an unmarried partner were granted on or after 9th July 2012, you would have to complete five years of residence in the UK. Subsequently, you can apply for ILR to the Home Office.
An unmarried partner of a British Citizen or settled person in the UK can make the following immigration applications:
- Entry Clearance as an Unmarried Partner
- Switching to an Unmarried Partner Visa
- Extension of Stay as an Unmarried Partner
- ILR as an Unmarried Partner
From 1st January 2021, you can now also join your unmarried partner who has settled status or proof of permanent residence as a national from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, or pre-settled status (leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme) if they have started living in the UK before 1st January 2021.
Family visa application
Complete representation services for the family visa application. Entry clearance/leave to remain for individuals outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who wish to join their settled or British partners.
Essential requirements – the UK unmarried partner visa
- All applicants must be 18 years old or over.
- The relationship as an unmarried partner of a person who is presented and settled in the UK must be genuine and subsist.
- An applicant also must meet the financial requirement. For example, the applicant’s partner must earn at least £29,000 gross per year or save £88,500.
- Besides, an applicant must meet the English language requirement. According to the UK Immigration Rules, they must show English knowledge at CEFR level A1. The applicant might be a national from a majority English-speaking country. Then, they may have an exemption from the English Language requirement.
- An individual must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Nationals from certain countries are required to pass a Tuberculosis Test
- The applicant must have an adequate place to stay. The UK unmarried partner has to have accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds.
Exemption From Financial Requirement
The applicant will be exempt from meeting the above financial requirement in case if the applicant’s partner is receiving one or more of the following:
- disability living allowance;
- severe disablement allowance;
- industrial injury disablement benefit;
- attendance allowance; or
- carer’s allowance; and
Besides, the applicant may be exempt from meeting the financial requirement. Due to that, they must provide detailed evidence that their partner can adequately maintain and adequately accommodate themselves, the applicant, and any dependents in the UK. Besides, they will not be able to have access to public funds.
Adequate Accommodation Requirement
The proper accommodation will not be regarded as adequate if:
- it is, or will be, overcrowded; or
- it contravenes public health regulations.
If the applicant meets the requirements for entry clearance, they will get entry clearance for an initial period not exceeding 33 months. It is subject to a condition of no recourse to public funds.
UK unmarried partner visa extension
An applicant may extend this visa for a further term of 30 months. They must show that their relationship with a partner is genuine and subsisting and you continue meeting the financial requirement.
The Home Office changed the Immigration Rules so that applicants whose leave to remain as partners expire on or after 1 May 2017 must also meet the English language requirement at level A2 of the CEFR when applying for their visa renewal.
UK unmarried partner visa route leads to settlement (ILR).
If our team of professionals works with you and your application, you can expect to enjoy the following services:
- Firstly, obtain detailed instructions regarding immigration regulations and procedures relevant to your case.
- You receive answers to any questions about your case while identifying its benefits and drawbacks.
- Secondly, explain all documentation you must submit alongside your UK unmarried partner visa application.
- Examine the documents and discuss how they are relevant to your case.
- Complete the application forms and answer any questions that you may have.
- If needed, our immigration lawyers will prepare a sponsorship declaration and explain the process.
- We are drafting a cover letter to support and submit the UK unmarried partner visa application.
- We will protect your interests throughout the process and keep you informed while the application is pending with the Home Office.
- Our lawyers will communicate with the immigration departments on your behalf.