Unmarried Partner Key Takeaways Table
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Applicants must prove a genuine relationship of 2 years, meet a £29,000 income threshold, be over 18, and pass English tests. |
| Required Documents | Applicants should submit passports, proof of residency, relationship evidence, cohabitation proof, financial records, and others like criminal checks. |
| Application Process | You will need to complete the correct online form, pay the associated fees, attend biometric appointment, upload documents, and possibly attend an interview. |
| Unmarried Partner Visa Costs | £1,048 application fee in UK, £1,538 abroad, plus £1,035 healthcare surcharge per year. Additional expenses may include biometric fees, document translation, and legal help. |
| Visa Extension | Apply before expiry, meet relationship and financial criteria, pass A2 English test for 2.5 year extension towards ILR. |
| Path to ILR | After 5 years, apply for ILR, meeting residency, relationship, financial, and B1 English requirements, plus pass Life in the UK test and have no serious convictions. |
| Unmarried Partner visa refusals | Reasons include not meeting requirements, false information, or insufficient documentation. Options include administrative or judicial review, reapplication, or appeal on human rights grounds. |
Introduction
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows unmarried partners of British citizens or settled persons to reside in the UK for an initial period of 33 months. This visa is specifically designed for couples who are in a long-term relationship but are not legally married or in a civil partnership.
Recent Changes to the Unmarried Partner Route
As of April 11, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa has increased to £29,000. This change is a key requirement and a factor that all applicants will need to consider when preparing your application.
Eligibility Requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa
To apply for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, important requirements must be met. These requirements ensure that the relationship is genuine, subsisting, and that the applicant and their partner are capable of financially supporting themselves in the UK, without relying on any public funding.
Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements
- British Citizen: Your partner must be a British citizen, or have settled status in the UK such as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or a permanent residence document.
- Other Qualifying Statuses: Your partner may also be a holder of a Turkish Businessperson visa, Turkish Worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Relationship Requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa Applications
- Cohabitation: You must be able to demonstrate that both parties in the relationship have lived together in a genuine relationship for at least 2 years.
- Evidence of Relationship: Proof of your relationship, such as photos, communication records, and joint financial commitments, must be provided.
Minimum Age Requirement
- Minimum Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to speak English up to the A1 standard. This can be met through one of the following methods:
- Nationality: Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).
- Qualifications: Having a degree or other academic qualification that was taught in English.
- English Test: Passing an English language test at the required level (A1 on the CEFR scale for initial applications).
Financial Requirement
- Minimum Income: As of April 2024, the minimum income required for an unmarried partner has increased to £29,000 per annum.
- Sources of Income: Applicants can combine different sources of income in order to satisfy this requirement, however this is subject to certain restrictions. For more detailed information, read our page on how to combine your sources of income to meet the minimum salary requirement .
- Calculation: If you have savings over £16,000, this will reduce the income requirement proportionally.
For Example, If you have £25,000 in savings:
- Subtract £16,000 (exempt amount): £25,000 – £16,000 = £9,000
- Divide by 2.5 (unmarried partner visa duration): £9,000 / 2.5 = £3,600
- Reduce income requirement by £3,600: £29,000 – £3,600 = £25,400
Documents Applicants Require for an Unmarried Partner Visa Application
To successfully apply for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you’ll need to compile a set of clear and concise documents that prove your eligibility and the authenticity of your relationship.
Some of these documents may include:
Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Current Passport: Your valid passport is essential.
- BRP: Provide a copy of your biometric residence permit (if applicable).
Partners Details
- Partner’s Information: Include your partner’s name, date of birth, nationality, passport, and proof of their right to live in the UK (e.g., British passport, settled status confirmation).
Proof of your Relationship
- Photos: Applicants should provide photographs of themselves and their partner together.
- Communication Records: Any proof of messages, emails, and other communication that show regular communication between the two parties .
- Joint Financial Commitments: Evidence of shared financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts or shared bills should also be demonstrated.
Proof of Cohabitation for 2 or More Years
- Shared Bills: You will need to show utility bills, council tax bills, and other documents showing both names at the same address, these will all
- need to be submitted with the unmarried partner visa application.
- Rental Agreements: Any tenancy agreements or mortgage documents in both names.
- Other Proof: Any additional documents that demonstrate you have been living together for at least 2 years.
Financial Documents that You will Need to Show
- Bank Statements: Six months of bank statements showing income and savings.
- Payslips: Six months of payslips from employment.
- Employer’s Letter: A letter from your employer confirming your job details and salary.
- Other Income Proof: Evidence of any other sources of income, such as rental income or pensions.
Other Relevant Documents You May Need
- TB Test Results: If you are from a country where you must take a tuberculosis test, you will need to include the test results in the application for an unmarried partner visa.
- Previous Immigration Documents: Details of any previous immigration applications or visas that you may have.
Application Process
The application process for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa involves several steps. Each step is crucial to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
1.Online Application Form
There are different application forms for those applying from inside the UK and those applying from outside the UK. Make sure to select the correct form based on your location.
2.Application Fees and Healthcare Surcharge
Application Fee: £1,048 for applications made inside the UK, and £1,538 for applications made outside the UK.
Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year per person, which must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa.
3.Biometric Appointment
You will need to attend a biometric appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. This is a mandatory part of the application process.
4.Uploading Supporting Documents
You will need to upload all your supporting documents online. Ensure that all documents are scanned clearly and meet the required format and file size, in order to minimise the risk of any delays in the application.
5.Possible Interview with the Home Office
In some cases, the Home Office may request an interview to verify the information provided in your application. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions about your relationship and circumstances.
Unmarried Partner Visa Costs
Understanding the costs associated with the UK Unmarried Partner Visa is crucial for planning your application. The costs include application fees, healthcare surcharge, and other potential expenses.
Unmarried Partner Visa Application Fee
- Inside the UK: £1,048 per person.
- Outside the UK: £1,538 per person.
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge Fee
- Annual Charge: £1,035 per year per person.
- Total Charge: This must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa (33 months).
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (Inside UK) | £1,048 |
| Application Fee (Outside UK) | £1,538 |
| Healthcare Surcharge (Annual) | £1,035 |
| Total Healthcare Surcharge | £2,842.50 (for 33 months) |
Additional Costs
- Biometric Appointment Fee: May vary depending on the location and service provider.
- Document Translation: If any of your documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated, which can incur additional costs.
Example Calculation for a Single Applicant Applying from Outside the UK
| Cost Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £1,538 |
| Healthcare Surcharge (33 months) | £2,842.50 |
| Biometric Appointment | £0 – £150 (depending on service provider) |
| Document Translation | Varies |
| Legal Assistance | Varies |
| Total Estimated Cost | £4,380.50+ |
Unmarried Partner Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After residing in the UK for a continuous period of five years on an Unmarried Partner Visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This status allows you to live in the UK without any time restrictions and is a key step towards full settlement.
| ILR Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Continuous Residence | 5 years in the UK on an Unmarried Partner Visa |
| Genuine Relationship | Still in a subsisting relationship |
| Financial Requirements | Meet the £29,000 income threshold |
| English Language | Pass a B1 level English test or meet exemption |
| Life in the UK Test | Pass the test |
| Criminal Convictions | No serious convictions |
Eligibility Requirements for ILR
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK for five continuous years on an Unmarried Partner Visa.
- Genuine Relationship: You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based partner.
- Financial Requirements: You must meet the financial requirements, demonstrating sufficient income or savings to support yourselves.
Meeting the Financial Requirements
- Minimum Income: You must continue to meet the financial threshold, currently set at £29,000.
- Sources of Income: Income can be from employment, self-employment, savings, pensions, or other non-work income.
- Proof of Income: Provide bank statements, payslips, and other relevant documents to prove your income.
English Language Requirement
- Level B1: You must meet the English language requirement, which involves passing an approved test at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
- Exemptions: Nationals of majority English-speaking countries or individuals with a degree taught in English may be exempt from this requirement.
Life in the UK Test
- Test Requirement: You must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British customs, history, and culture.
- Preparation: There are study guides and practice tests available to help you prepare for this exam.
Declaration of Any Criminal Convictions
- Good Character Requirement: You must not have any serious criminal convictions. The Home Office will conduct background checks to ensure you meet this requirement.
Application Process for ILR After an Unmarried Partner Visa
- Complete the Application Form: Submit the ILR application form online.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the application fee and any associated costs.
- Biometric Appointment: Attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Submit Documents: Upload all supporting documents, including proof of income, relationship, and English language proficiency.
- Decision: Wait for the Home Office to process your application and make a decision.
Unmarried Partner Visa Extensions
If you need to stay in the UK after the initial 33 months of your Unmarried Partner Visa, you may be apply for a visa extension. The extension will allow you to stay for an additional 2.5 years, bringing your total stay to five years, which would then also make you eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5 year route.
Eligibility Criteria for a Visa Extension
- Genuine Relationship: You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based partner.
- Financial Requirements: You must continue to meet the financial requirements, proving that you have sufficient income or savings to support yourselves.
English Language Requirement
- Increased Requirement: For the extension, you must meet a higher English language requirement, specifically level A2 on the CEFR scale.
- Proof: You may need to provide proof of passing an approved English test at the required level unless you are exempt.
Application Process
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out the visa extension application form online.
- Pay Fees: Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Biometric Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Submit all necessary documents to support your application.
- Decision: Wait for the Home Office to process your application.
Application Fees
- Application Fee: The fee for extending an Unmarried Partner Visa is the same as the initial application: £1,048 for applications made inside the UK.
- Healthcare Surcharge: You must pay the healthcare surcharge upfront for the additional 2.5 years.
Required Documents
- Proof of Relationship: Documents demonstrating the continuation of your relationship.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements, payslips, and other income evidence.
- English Language Proof: Certificate or test results showing you meet the A2 requirement.
What Options do You Have After a Visa Refusal?
Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa can sometimes result in a refusal. Understanding the common reasons for refusal and knowing your options can help you address any issues and potentially reapply successfully.
Common Reasons for Refusal May Include, but are not limited to:
- Relationship Requirement Not Met: Failing to provide sufficient evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Financial Requirement Not Met: Not meeting the minimum income threshold or failing to provide adequate financial documentation.
- False Information: Providing false or misleading information in your application.
- Insufficient Documentation: Failing to submit all required documents or providing incorrect documents.
- Criminal Convictions: Having serious criminal convictions that affect the application.
| Option after a refusal | Description |
|---|---|
| Administrative Review | This is a option as its a formal request a review of the decision if you believe a mistake was made in the administrative processing of your application. |
| Judicial Review | This should only be considered as a last case scenario . You can challenge the legal basis of the decision through a judicial review if you believe the refusal was unlawful. |
| Fresh Submission | Submit a new/ fresh application, correcting the issues that led to the refusal as well as submitting new evidence and documents. |
| Appeal a decision | If your application was made on the basis of human rights, you might have the right to appeal the decision. |
Conclusion
In summary, applying for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, gathering comprehensive documentation, and following a detailed application process. Understanding these steps and preparing thoroughly can significantly increase your chances of a successful application.
Get Expert Help with Your UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa application can be complex. To ensure your application is accurate and completed in the proper format, consider instructing one of our specialist UK immigration solicitors at UKSpouseVisa. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to help you every step of the way in your unmarried partner application.
Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Case Assessment via 0161 222 5860 or fill out our online case assessment form
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us now to discuss your visa application and take the first step towards a successful application.
