If you are in a long term partnership (with a British citizen or person with indefinite leave to remain) you can apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa from outside the UK or inside the UK if you already have a visa on another route.
To apply for an unmarried partner visa, you must be:
- Both of you are over 18 years of age;
- Your partner is British or has ILR;
- You have a genuine relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership for a minimum of 2yrs;
- You intend to live together permanently;
- Any previous relationships have permanently ended;
- You have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents;
- You must be maintained in the UK without reliance public funds;
- You speak and understand English to the required level;
The precise requirements vary according to your circumstances. It is always advisable to seek expert legal advice.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa Financial requirements
To demonstrate that you can be adequately maintained without recourse to public funds, the financial requirement must be met. Your partner need to demonstrate a gross annual income of no less than:
- £18,600; and
- £3,800 for a first child (who is not British, settled or an EEA national); and
- £2,400 for each additional child (who is not British, settled or an EEA national).
Meeting the financial requirement:
You can satisfy the financial requirement through a combination of:
- Salaried/non-salaried income;
- Self-employed income;
- Salary and/or dividends as a company director;
- Property rental income;
- Dividends and income from investments;
- Stocks, shares, bonds or trust funds;
- Pension income, insurance payments;
- Maintenance payments;
Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months, or less if you can show the money came from a sale of assets or investments.
The financial requirements under the Immigration Rules are complex. UKVI require specific types of documentary evidence to demonstrate you comply and that you have access to relevant funds.
How long will I have to wait for my visa?
Preparing your application well will reduce the risk of delays.
It typically takes around 3 months for UKVI to process a UK unmarried partner visa application.
Settlement Priority Visa Services for faster visa decisions (typically within 1 month) are available abroad.
Within the UK there are two options available: Standard Service (typically 2 months) or Priority Service (typically next working day) for extension applications or to switch to a Spouse visa.
What are the visa application fees?
For a unmarried partner visa application made from abroad the Home Office currently charge £1,523.
To extend your existing visa or switch to a unmarried partner visa from within the UK, the Home Office currently charge £1,033.
How long is my visa valid for?
If abroad, your visa will be valid for 33 months initially. If you are already in the UK, your visa will be valid for 30 months.
In both examples, before your visa expires, you must apply to extend your stay. Your visa will be valid for a further 30 months.
You will then be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years in the UK as an unmarried partner of a British citizen or settled person.
Can I work in the UK on a unmarried partner visa?
Yes, you are able to work and study.
What are your options if you do not meet the requirements for a unmarried partner visa?
You may be able to apply to join or remain with your partner by relying on Human Rights (see Human Rights Applications). You will need to show that there would be very significant obstacles to continuing your relationship abroad.
How can AIB help?
AIB have provided advice and assistance to many couples in preparing and successfully securing their unmarried partner visa and to eventual settle in the UK.
We can advise you on prospects of success, what you will need to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules, and can prepare your application so you avoid common mistakes which can result in delays.
AIB understand the complex financial requirements of the Immigration Rules. We offer specialist advice across the full spectrum of financial circumstances increasing the chances of securing a successful outcome for your visa application.
We are approachable, responsive and proactive; taking pride in our commitment to meet the needs of our clients by providing sincere, clear, and reliable immigration advice.