Unmarried Partner Visa UK
The Unmarried Partner Visa UK 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 extension and 5 years, applicants may seek indefinite leave to remain. As of 11 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement increased to £29,000.
Table of Content
- What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
- Who can apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
- Unmarried Partner Visa UK requirements
- Required documents for Unmarried Partner Visa UK
- How to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
- Unmarried Partner Visa UK extension and ILR
- If your application is refused
- Contact us for UK Unmarried Partner Visa legal advice today
What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The visa permits unmarried individuals in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or a settled partner to live in the UK.
Requirements include a minimum 2-year relationship, valid for 33 months initially with 30-month extension options. After 5 years, applicants can pursue permanent residency.
Who can apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
Eligible applicants need a genuine and continuing relationship for at least two years with partners who are:
British or Irish citizens
Persons with indefinite leave to remain, EU Settled Status, or permanent residence
Partners with Pre-settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holders
Persons with UK refugee status or humanitarian protection
Exceptions exist if significant difficulties would arise if the couple resided outside the UK, or human rights violations could occur.
Unmarried Partner Visa UK requirements
Relationship requirements
Both partners must be at least 18 years old; a genuine, committed relationship for a minimum of 2 years; and evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years (shared bills, rental agreements, etc.).
Financial requirements
Minimum gross income of £29,000 per year; savings above £16,000 can reduce income requirements; additional income sources considered (rental income, pensions).
English language requirements
Applicants must speak English to at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Required documents for Unmarried Partner Visa UK
Current passport and biometric residence permit
Proof of relationship (how you met, contact frequency, cohabitation evidence)
Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, other income sources)
English language requirement proof
Supporting documentation
How to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
Application steps:
Complete the online application form
Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge
Schedule a UKVCAS or Visa Application Centre appointment for biometrics
Submit supporting documents
Attend an interview if required
Visa costs are £1,048 if applying from within the UK and £1,846 if applying from outside the UK.
Unmarried Partner Visa UK extension and ILR
After 33 months, applicants can request a 30-month extension. After 5 years, indefinite leave to remain applications become available for permanent UK residence.
If your application is refused
Refusals may result from:
Not meeting relationship or financial requirements
Incorrect or incomplete information
False or misleading information provision
Options after refusal include administrative review, a fresh application, or a human rights-based appeal.
Contact us for UK Unmarried Partner Visa legal advice today
The firm offers tailored legal assistance for applications meeting all necessary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will talk it through.
Book a free consultation£29,000 per year minimum; savings above £16,000 can reduce this requirement.
Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can apply for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
The processing time for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa is typically 8 to 12 weeks. Processing varies by individual circumstances.
Applicants may pursue an administrative review, submit a fresh application, or appeal based on human rights grounds.
The 2-year requirement is standard; those not meeting this timeline may not qualify.
Yes, applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 must meet the English language requirement, fulfillable through language testing or an English-taught degree.
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