Unmarried Partner Visa UK
If you are in a committed relationship with a British citizen or settled person in the UK but are not married or in a civil partnership, you may be eligible for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK. This visa allows non-EEA nationals to enter or remain in the UK for up to 30 months, which can be extended for another 30 months. Legal Pathway Solicitors can help you navigate the application process and ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
What is an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa falls under the “family visa category” and allows unmarried couples to enter and settle in the UK. This visa is also known as the De Facto or domestic partner visa. It is ideal for couples who have been living together in the UK but are not yet married or not ready to get married. However, you must satisfy specific requirements to be eligible for this visa.
General eligibility requirements
The most important thing you need to prove is that your relationship is genuine. You must also meet the following criteria:
- Your partner must be a British citizen or have “settled” status/indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR)
- You and your partner are over 18 at the time of the application.
- You meet the English language requirement.
- You and your partner have lived together for at least 2 years and intend to live together permanently.
- The applicant must be able to support themselves or their unmarried partner without access to public funds.
- You, your partner, and any dependents must have adequate accommodation.
- All previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended.
Financial requirement
The financial requirement is one of the most critical visa requirements. The source of income must be legal, and the documents must prove that the income and savings are in the name of the applicant or the partner.
If the couple has no children, the required gross annual income is £18,600. If there are children, the income required will increase by £3,800 for the first child and by £2,400 for each subsequent child.
Sources for meeting the financial requirement
Sources for meeting the financial requirement include:
- Income received from salaried or non-salaried employment of the partner.
- Income received from rental or dividends.
- Cash savings of above £16,000 held for at least 6 months.
- Occupational or private pension of the applicant’s partner or the applicant
- Income from self-employment, income as a director, or employee of a specified limited company in the UK
Documents required for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK
When submitting your application, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officials may ask for the following documents/information:
- Your current passport or other travel documents
- Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable
- Your parent’s date of birth and nationality
- Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Details of your accommodation in the UK
- Bank statements and salary details show that your sponsor can meet the minimum income threshold.
- Your sponsor’s British passport or Indefinite Leave to Remain documents.
- Details of any children who are also coming to the UK.
- Details of the countries outside the UK you have lived in and visited.
UKVI officials may also want to see evidence of your relationship, which may include the following:
- How you met, and how often do you see each other
- How long have you lived together?
- Things you pay for together.
- Whether you are your partner’s carer
Duration of stay/validity
If you are a foreign national already living in the UK and have been granted an Unmarried Partner Visa, you will be allowed to remain in the UK for 30 months. For applicants submitting their Unmarried Partner Visa application from outside the UK, the validity period is up to 33 months upon a successful grant.
Applying for settlement/leave to remain
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner upon completing 5 years of residence.
Unmarried Partner Visa UK refusals
If your Unmarried Partner Visa UK application is refused, you have access to the following options:
- Submit a new application
- Appeal with the First-Tier Tribunal
At Legal Pathway Solicitors, we understand how important it is for you to secure the correct visa to stay with your partner in the UK. Our experienced immigration solicitors will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your application meets all the requirements. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
