Moving to the UK to be with your partner is an exciting step, but the immigration process can feel overwhelming—especially if you're not married. Luckily, the Unmarried Partner Visa provides a solution for couples in long-term relationships who want to live together in the UK without needing to get married.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of applying for the Unmarried Partner Visa, explain who qualifies, and help you prepare for the process so you can feel confident about your application.
What is the Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa, also known as the UK Partner Visa, allows you to join your British or settled partner in the UK if you're in a long-term relationship but not legally married. This visa is part of the UK’s family visa category, aimed at keeping couples and families together, even if they haven’t tied the knot.
It’s important to note that this visa is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples. The key requirement is proving that you’ve been in a genuine and committed relationship for a significant period—typically at least two years.
Who is Eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa?
To qualify for this visa, there are a few essential criteria that both you and your partner must meet.
1. Proof of Relationship
You need to show evidence that you and your partner have been in a committed, “akin to marriage” relationship for at least two years. This means you must provide documentation that proves you’ve been living together, sharing finances, and generally behaving as a married couple would.
Some examples of evidence include:
Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements.
Joint utility bills or bank statements.
Photos of the two of you together over the years.
Travel tickets showing shared vacations.
Letters from family or friends who can confirm the authenticity of your relationship.
The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case will be.
2. Sponsorship by a UK Resident
Your partner must be either a British citizen, someone with settled status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain), or a person with refugee status in the UK. They will be your sponsor for the visa and must also meet certain financial requirements (more on that below).
3. Financial Requirements
To bring you to the UK, your partner needs to prove that they can financially support both of you without relying on public funds. The minimum income requirement is usually £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children who are not British citizens, this amount increases.
If your partner doesn’t meet the income threshold through salary alone, other sources such as savings or self-employment income can be used. You’ll need to provide detailed financial documents to show your combined household income.
4. English Language Requirement
As the applicant, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have a sufficient command of the English language. This can be done by:
Passing an approved English language test.
Holding a degree that was taught in English.
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
5. Genuine Intention to Live Together
You must show that you and your partner plan to live together permanently in the UK. This could include sharing future plans, such as where you’ll live or how you’ll support each other once you’re in the UK.
The Application Process
Now that you know the basic eligibility criteria, let’s talk about the application process itself.
1. Gather Your Documents
One of the most important (and time-consuming) parts of applying for the Unmarried Partner Visa is gathering all the necessary documents. These include:
Proof of your relationship (as mentioned earlier).
Proof of your partner’s income or savings.
Your partner’s passport or other proof of their UK status.
Your valid passport.
Proof of your English language ability.
Ensure that all documents are up-to-date, accurate, and in English (or translated by a certified translator).
2. Complete the Application
You’ll need to complete the UK Partner Visa application online. This process includes providing all your personal details, uploading documents, and paying the visa fee.
The cost of the Unmarried Partner Visa is £1,538 if you apply from outside the UK, or £1,048 if you apply from within the UK. You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
3. Biometric Appointment
Once your application is submitted, you’ll be asked to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center. Here, you’ll provide your fingerprints and have your photo taken for your visa.
4. Wait for a Decision
The processing time for an Unmarried Partner Visa can vary, but it typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review your application, including your relationship evidence and financial documents.
What Happens After You Get the Visa?
Once your visa is approved, you’ll be granted entry to the UK, usually for an initial period of 30 months. During this time, you’ll have the right to work and study in the UK, and you can also travel in and out of the country.
Before your visa expires, you’ll need to apply for an extension. After five years of continuous residence in the UK with your partner, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a step towards UK citizenship.
What to Do If Your Visa is refused?
Visa refusals can be frustrating, but it’s important to know that you may have the option to appeal the decision. Often, refusals are due to missing documentation or not providing enough evidence of your relationship, so it’s crucial to carefully follow the guidelines.
Seeking professional advice from an immigration lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of a successful application.
Final Thoughts
While there isn't a specific visa called the Unmarried Partner Visa, unmarried partners of UK residents have a clear immigration route to live together in the UK. By applying under the Family Visa category, you can join your partner if you meet the eligibility criteria, and after five years, you may apply for ILR yourself.
Ensuring a successful application requires providing strong evidence of your relationship and meeting financial and language requirements. Since the process can be complex, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the application smoothly and strengthen your chances of approval.
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