Unmarried Partner Visa UK
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows individuals to reside in the UK with their partners who have already been in the UK for two or more years.
This type of visa is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples. The main requirement is that the couple must be able to prove a stable relationship of at least two years’ duration prior to applying for the visa.
It is also important to prove that one of the partners is a British citizen or has permanent residency in the UK.
The process of applying for and obtaining a visa requires a number of documents to be submitted to prove the existence of a relationship between the partners, as well as financial solvency and the intention to reside in the UK legally.
The UK visa for unmarried partners provides an opportunity for family life for those seeking to unite with their partners within the UK. It recognizes the rights of citizens to personal happiness regardless of their sexual orientation.
Requirements For An Unmarried Partner Visa
In order to obtain a UK visa for unmarried partners, you and your couple must meet a number of specific requirements. These are designed to provide evidence of the sincerity and stability of your partnership.
Requirements for couples who wish to obtain an unmarried partner visa:
- The relationship between the partners must be a long-term relationship lasting at least two years.
- The partners must intend to reside in the UK on a permanent basis.
- One of the partners must be a UK citizen or have permission to reside in the UK permanently.
- The couple must have sufficient funds to support themselves, without claiming access to public funds.
- Partners must be over 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Both partners must be free from previous marital or partnership relationships.
- The couple must provide evidence of cohabitation or regular contact over the last two years.
- Confirmation that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Compliance with these requirements is necessary for a successful visa application for unmarried partners. However, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney or specialist before submitting your documents.
How Long An Unmarried Partner Visa UK is Granted For
The UK non-marital partner visa gives you the right to reside in the UK, but the duration of the visa depends on where you apply. If you are applying for this type of visa from abroad, you will be granted the right to reside in the UK for up to 33 months. If, on the other hand, you are applying from within the UK, you will be granted the right to reside in the UK for up to 30 months.
It is important to note that after this period you have the option to extend your visa. Provided you are still in a relationship with the same partner and you both intend to continue living in the UK, it is possible to apply for a visa extension for up to 5 years.
This provides the opportunity to continue to live and integrate into British society and a route to permanent residence if all the necessary conditions are met.
What Are The Requirements For a Sponsor Partner
In order for your relationship to be recognized and your partner to be granted a non-marital partner visa in the UK, the sponsoring partner must meet certain requirements. These requirements ensure that you have a stable basis for your residency in the country.
Requirements for the sponsoring partner
- Be a British or Irish citizen in the UK.
- Have a pre-populated status under the EU Annex.
- Have a regular source of income or sufficient funds to support themselves and their partner without applying for social assistance.
- Provide evidence of a stable relationship with the partner requiring a visa for the last two years.
- Be resident in the UK or have an intention to return there with their partner once their visa is granted.
These requirements ensure that the sponsoring partner has sufficient grounds and capacity to support the partner who intends to move to the UK. It is important to carefully review all the conditions and ensure that you meet them before applying for a visa.
English For Unmarried Partners
The main prerequisite for obtaining a visa for unmarried partners in the UK, in addition to proof of a stable relationship and financial solvency, is a command of English at a level sufficient to communicate in everyday life. This criterion is important for the successful integration of the person into the British society and ensuring his/her adaptation in the new country.
To prove their English language skills, the applicant must take tests from an established test provider. These tests assess reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills in English and certify that the applicant has the required level of English language skills.
It is important to check in advance the list of accredited test providers and the language proficiency requirements for a particular type of visa. This will ensure the successful completion of the visa application process and reduce the likelihood of rejection due to insufficient language skills.
Dependants And Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK
If a person intends to obtain an unmarried partner visa in the UK and has children under the age of 18, these children may also be eligible to enter the country as dependents. This allows families to stay together when one parent moves to the UK.
However, in order to successfully obtain a visa for dependent children, there are additional requirements to consider. Chief among these is proof of the main applicant’s financial ability to provide for their children within the UK without seeking state aid. This requirement involves providing documents that prove the level of income that will be sufficient to provide for the family.
Proof of financial solvency is important not only to guarantee the welfare of the children in the new place of residence, but also to demonstrate to the immigration authorities that the family will not apply for social assistance in the UK.
If you are planning to move to the UK with children as dependants, make sure that you meet all financial and other requirements to provide them with a stable and comfortable living situation.
Financial Requirements For An Unmarried Partner Visa
In order to obtain a British visa for unmarried partners, certain financial requirements must be met. Applicants must prove their financial solvency to the consulate by submitting the relevant documents.
Minimum income amount to obtain a visa for unmarried partners
18,600 pounds: this is the basic minimum amount of income an applicant must have per year to provide for their partner in the UK without applying for state aid.
If the applicant has dependants, the minimum income requirements change:
Additional financial requirements if there are dependants
For one child: an additional £3,800 to the basic income. This amount represents the minimum additional income required to support one child in the UK.
For each subsequent child after the first: an additional £2,400 to the total. So if you have two children, you must have a minimum income of 18,600 + 3,800 + 2,400 = £24,800.
These requirements ensure that applicants are able to provide for their partners and children, giving them a stable financial position in the UK.
How Long Does It Take To Process a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
Visa applications always take some time to process and every applicant should be prepared to wait. For those who are planning to get a visa for unmarried partners in the UK, you should know the following information:
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration Authority) usually processes visa applications for unmarried partners within 12 weeks from the date of application. This timeframe can vary depending on the specifics of each application and the documents provided.
If you have an urgent need to speed up the visa process, you can use the priority visa service. Most visa centers outside the UK offer this service and it can reduce the processing time by up to 30 days.
Those who are in the UK and wish to change their current migration status to non-marital status should be aware that it usually takes around 8 weeks to make a decision on such applications.
Thus, applying for a visa requires patience, but there are options available to speed up the process for those facing urgent circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For An Unmarried Visa UK
There is a cost associated with applying for an unmarried partner visa in the UK, depending on where you apply.
If you are applying for this visa outside the UK, the cost will be £1,538. Those who are in the UK and wish to change their migration status or extend their current visa will need to pay a fee of £1,048.
If you have children who will be entering the country as dependents, there are also additional costs to consider:
Applying for a visa for a non-marital partner with a dependent while in the UK will cost £1,048.
If you are applying from outside the UK, the cost of such an application will be £1,538.
It is important to know that prices can change depending on changes in immigration policy and other factors, so it is recommended to check the current cost on the official UKVI website before applying.
How To Appeal Against An Unmarried Partner Visa UK
If your application for a visa for a non-marital partner has been rejected, there are a number of steps you should take to appeal the decision. The appeal process is detailed and requires the exact steps to be followed.
Steps to appeal a non-marital partner visa decision:
- Determine the prescribed timeframe for appeal
14 days if your application was made within the UK;
28 days if the application was made from abroad.
- Make an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within the time limits.
- Hire an immigration lawyer to help you prepare your application and all the necessary documents.
- Attend a hearing where your case will be considered.
- Wait for the Tribunal’s final decision.
- If the First Tier Tribunal’s decision remains unfavorable to you, you may have the option to appeal to the Supreme Tribunal. This must be done within 14 days of receiving the initial decision.
Each step of the appeal process is critical and it is recommended that you follow these steps strictly to increase your chances of successfully appealing the decision.