The UK Un-Married Partner Visa

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is a visa that allows non-EEA nationals to live in the UK with their British partner. The visa is available to couples who have been in a genuine and committed relationship for at least two years.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be 18 years of age or over.
• You must be in a genuine and committed relationship with a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
• You must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years prior to the date of your visa application.
• You must meet the English language requirements.
• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• Your British partner must meet the financial requirements.

English Language Requirements

The English language requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa is CEFR level A2. This means that you must be able to understand and use everyday English in a simple and straightforward way. You can meet the English language requirement by taking an approved English language test.

Financial Requirements

The financial requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa is that your British partner must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600. This income must be sufficient to support you and your dependants without relying on public funds.

Suitability Requirements

In addition to the eligibility requirements, you must also meet the suitability requirements for the Unmarried Partner Visa. These requirements are designed to ensure that you are a genuine partner and that you will not be a burden on the UK taxpayer.

The suitability requirements include:

• You must not have a criminal record.
• You must not have been involved in any immigration-related offenses.
• You must not be a threat to national security.

Genuineness Requirements

The Home Office will also assess the genuineness of your relationship. This means that they will want to see evidence that your relationship is real and that you are not just marrying for immigration purposes.

Some of the evidence that you may need to provide to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship include:

• Photos of you together.
• Bank statements showing that you have shared finances.
• Emails, letters, and other messages between you.
• Evidence of joint travel.
• Witness statements from people who know you both.

Documentary Requirements

In addition to meeting the eligibility, suitability, and genuineness requirements, you will also need to provide a number of documentary evidence to support your application for the Unmarried Partner Visa.

Some of the documents that you may need to provide include:

• Your passport and visa.
• Your British partner’s passport and visa.
• Evidence of your relationship, such as photos, emails, and letters.
• Evidence of your English language ability.
• Evidence of your financial situation, such as bank statements and payslips.
• A valid medical certificate.

Application Process

The application process for the Unmarried Partner Visa can be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to seek professional help from an immigration lawyer when applying for this visa.

The first step is to submit an application form to the UKVI. You will also need to pay a visa application fee.

Once your application has been submitted, the Home Office will assess your eligibility and suitability. If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa for two years and nine months.

After two years and nine months, you can apply to extend your visa or apply for a further visa, such as the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa.