How to Successfully Obtain an Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK
Getting an Unmarried Partner Visa UK can seem complicated, but with the right preparation and understanding, you can make the process easier. This guide explains the main steps and requirements to help you with your application.
What is an Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa is for non-EU nationals who are in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in the UK for up to 30 months, and you can extend it if needed. You need to show that your relationship is genuine and similar to marriage.
Proposed Civil Partner Visa
If you’re in a same-sex relationship and not yet married, the UK offers the Proposed Civil Partner Visa. This visa is for people who plan to enter into a civil partnership in the UK. Like the Unmarried Partner Visa, you must show that your relationship is genuine and meet financial and English language requirements. After your civil partnership, you can switch to a Civil Partner Visa for a longer stay and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility Criteria
Proof of Relationship
To qualify for an Unmarried Partner Visa, you need to show that you’ve been living together in a relationship like marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. Acceptable documents include:
- Joint bank statements
- Tenancy agreements
- Utility bills
- Photos together
- Statements from friends and family
These documents should prove the authenticity and duration of your relationship.
Financial Requirements
You and your partner need to meet certain financial criteria to show you can support yourselves without using public funds. The minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year. This amount goes up if you have children: £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. You can meet this requirement through work, self-employment, or savings.
English Language Proficiency
You must prove you can speak and understand English. You can do this by:
- Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher
- Holding a degree taught in English
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents to support your application. This includes:
- Proof of your relationship
- Financial documents
- Evidence of English language skills
- A valid passport
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Make sure to fill out all sections correctly and honestly.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
The fee for an Unmarried Partner Visa is £1,523 if you’re applying from outside the UK and £1,033 if applying from within the UK. You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year of the visa.
Step 4: Attend the Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application, you must attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo. This is required for all applicants.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The processing time varies. It usually takes about 8 weeks if you apply from within the UK and up to 12 weeks if applying from outside the UK. You can pay extra for a priority service to speed up the process.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Insufficient Evidence of Relationship
One common reason for visa denial is not providing enough proof of the relationship. To avoid this, give a wide range of documents covering the entire two-year period. It’s better to provide too much evidence than too little.
Financial Requirements Not Met
If you can’t meet the financial requirements, try combining income from different sources or showing substantial savings. Your partner might also look for a higher-paying job.
Language Barriers
If you have trouble with the English language requirement, consider taking a preparatory course to help you pass the test. This can greatly improve your chances of success.
Extending Your Visa
If your initial application is successful, you’ll get a visa for 30 months. Before your visa expires, you can apply to extend it for another 30 months. To qualify for an extension, you must continue to meet the original visa requirements and prove your relationship is still genuine.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After spending five years in the UK on a Civil Partnership Visa UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR lets you stay in the UK without time limits. To qualify, you must meet all visa requirements and pass the Life in the UK Test, which checks your knowledge of British culture and history.
Conclusion
Getting an Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK involves careful planning, proper documentation, and understanding the requirements. By following these steps and addressing any challenges, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Show that your relationship is genuine and meet all financial and language requirements to improve your application’s chances.
