For unmarried couples seeking to build their lives together in the United Kingdom, the Unmarried Partner Visa offers a vital pathway. This visa allows individuals in a committed, unmarried relationship to join their partner who is a British citizen, settled resident, or person with protection status in the UK.
Contents
- 1 What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
- 2 Key Eligibility Requirements: Are You Eligible?
- 3 Who is Your UK Partner? Sponsor Eligibility
- 4 Meeting the Financial Requirement: How Much is Enough?
- 5 The Application Process UK Unmarried Partner Visa
- 6 Switching to the Unmarried Partner Visa from Within the UK
- 7 Common Reasons for Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them
- 8 FAQs
What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa, also known as the UK de facto partner visa or UK cohabitation visa, is part of the UK Family Visa route. It is designed for couples who are in a genuine and subsisting relationship, akin to marriage, but are not legally married or in a civil partnership. This visa enables the non-UK partner to live, work, and study in the UK alongside their partner.
Key Eligibility Requirements: Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, both partners must meet specific criteria. The key requirements are:
Relationship Requirement
You and your partner must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship. This means your relationship must be real, ongoing, and committed, similar to a marriage or civil partnership.
Cohabitation Requirement
You must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years. Evidence of cohabitation is crucial (joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in joint names, etc.).
Genuine Intention to Live Together Permanently
You must demonstrate a clear intention to live together permanently in the UK if the visa is granted.
Financial Requirement
Your UK partner must meet a minimum income threshold to prove they can financially support you without relying on public funds. This threshold is currently £29,000 per annum gross income. There are alternative ways to meet this requirement through savings.
Suitability Requirement
Both partners must meet general suitability requirements, including a clean criminal record and immigration history.
Who is Your UK Partner? Sponsor Eligibility
Your partner in the UK, who will be your sponsor, must be one of the following:
British Citizen
Settled Person in the UK
Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or permanent residence.
Person with Protection Status
Granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Meeting the Financial Requirement: How Much is Enough?
The financial requirement is a critical aspect of the Unmarried Partner Visa. Your UK partner (sponsor) needs to prove they meet a minimum income level or have sufficient savings.
Minimum Income Threshold
Currently, the minimum gross annual income is £29,000. This can be met through:
- Salaried Employment: Payslips and employment contracts.
- Self-Employment: Tax returns and business accounts.
- Pensions.
- Other Allowable Income Sources.
Savings Route
If the income threshold isn’t met, savings can be used. The savings threshold is currently £88,500 held for at least 6 months. Savings can be combined with income to meet the requirement.
The Application Process UK Unmarried Partner Visa
Applying for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa typically involves these steps:
- Online Application: Complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website.
- Document Gathering: Collect all required supporting documents (relationship evidence, financial documents, passport, etc.).
- Document Translation: Translate any documents not in English or Welsh.
- Visa Appointment: Book and attend an appointment at a UK visa application centre.
- Biometrics: Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at the appointment.
Switching to the Unmarried Partner Visa from Within the UK
In some cases, you may be able to switch to an Unmarried Partner Visa from within the UK if you are already in the UK with a valid visa and meet all the eligibility requirements. This includes Uk Student Visa or Skilled Worker Visa.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them
Visa refusals can occur. Common reasons include:
Insufficient Relationship Evidence
Failing to adequately prove a genuine and subsisting relationship and 2 years cohabitation.
Not Meeting the Financial Requirement
Sponsor not meeting the income or savings threshold.
Suitability Issues
Criminal convictions or adverse immigration history.
Incomplete Application
Missing documents or unanswered questions on the application form.
Read more: UK Permanent Residence
FAQs
It allows unmarried partners in a committed relationship to live in the UK with their British citizen, settled person, or protected person partner.
You must have been living together in a relationship like marriage for at least 2 years.
Yes, your UK partner (sponsor) must generally earn at least £29,000 per year or have substantial savings.
The initial visa is usually granted for 33 months (2 years and 9 months).
Yes, after 5 years of residence in the UK on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency).
