UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA UK

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa, also known as the UK de facto visa, allows individuals with a partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK to reside in the country for up to 33 months initially. After this period, they can apply for an extension of 30 months, and after 5 years, they may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

As of 11 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for applicants has increased to £29,000.

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows unmarried individuals in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or a settled partner to live in the UK. To qualify, you must have been in a relationship for at least two years with your UK-based partner. Both opposite-sex and same-sex couples can apply.

The visa is valid for 33 months initially and can be extended for an additional 30 months. After 5 years, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allowing them to stay permanently in the UK.

Overseas nationals may apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa if they have been in a genuine and continuing relationship for at least two years with a partner who:

• A British or Irish citizen
• A person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), EU Settled Status, or permanent residence
• A partner with Pre-settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• A Turkish Businessperson visa holder or a Turkish Worker visa holder
• A person with UK refugee status or humanitarian protection

In some circumstances, even if the above conditions are not met, applicants may still qualify if significant difficulties would arise if the couple resided outside the UK, or if it would breach the applicant’s human rights.

To apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:

RELATIONSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Both partners must be at least 18 years old
• The couple must have been in a genuine, committed relationship for at least 2 years
• They must provide evidence of living together for at least 2 years (e.g., shared bills, rental agreements, etc.)

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The minimum gross income is £29,000 per year
• Alternatively, savings above £16,000 can be used to reduce the income requirement
• Additional sources of income, such as rental income or pension payments, can be considered.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must speak English to at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

When applying for the visa, you will need to provide several documents to prove your eligibility:

• Your current passport and biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Proof of your relationship with your partner, including details of how you met, how often you see each other, and evidence of living together
• Financial evidence, including bank statements, payslips, and evidence of other income sources
• Proof that you meet the English language requirement
• Any other documents supporting your application

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge
3. Make an appointment with UKVCAS or a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric information
4. Submit supporting documents
5. Attend an interview if required

Visa Cost:

• £1,048 if applying from within the UK
• £1,846 if applying from outside the UK

After the initial 33 months, you can apply for a 30-month extension.

After 5 years, you may apply for ILR, allowing you to live permanently in the UK.

UK Unmarried Partner Visa applications can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Not meeting the relationship or financial requirement
• Incorrect or incomplete information
• Providing false or misleading information

If your application is refused, you may have several options, including applying for an administrative review, submitting a fresh application, or appealing the decision based on human rights grounds.

If you’re looking for expert legal advice to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, our team is here to help you navigate the process. We can provide tailored assistance and ensure your application meets all necessary requirements. Contact us now for a consultation.