Unmarried Partner Visa

The Unmarried Partner Visa allows individuals in a genuine and durable relationship to live in the UK with their partner without being married or in a civil partnership.

Under the current Immigration Rules, applicants may qualify if they have been in a relationship for at least two years. Cohabitation is no longer the only way to prove a genuine and durable relationship, and applicants may rely on other evidence where living together has not been possible.

Relationship Requirements

You must demonstrate that:

• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• You have been in a relationship for at least two years.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Any previous relationships have permanently ended.

Examples of supporting evidence may include:

• Joint financial commitments.
• Travel records.
• Correspondence between partners.
• Evidence of regular contact.
• Photographs and relationship history.
• Evidence explaining why cohabitation was not possible, where applicable.

Financial Requirement

For most new partner visa applications, applicants and sponsors must demonstrate a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000.

Income may be derived from various permitted sources, including:

• Employment income.
• Self-employment income.
• Pension income.
• Non-employment income.
• Cash savings in qualifying circumstances.

Different rules may apply where the sponsoring partner receives specified disability-related or carer's benefits, or where the applicant falls within transitional arrangements.

English Language Requirement

Most applicants must demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the English language as part of their application.

The evidence required will depend on individual circumstances and may include:

• An approved English language test.
• A qualifying academic degree taught in English.
• Exemptions available under the Immigration Rules

Accommodation requirement

Most applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the suitable accommodation requirement.

Certain applicants may also need to provide a Tuberculosis test certificate this will depend on the country which the application is being made from.

If you wish to join your partner in the UK or require assistance with a spouse or unmarried partner visa application, our expert immigration team is here to help. Contact Biscoes Solicitors today at info@biscoes-law.co.uk today for professional advice on UK Spouse Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa applications.