Unmarried Partner Visa

Overview

The Unmarried Partner Visa, often referred to as a UK Partner Visa, offers a pathway for those in a long-term relationship with a British or Irish citizen or a person with qualifying immigration status in the UK to live and work there. Here’s a closer look at this visa route.

Eligibility Criteria

Relationship Requirements:

• You must have been in a relationship with your partner for at least two years before applying.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You do not necessarily have to have lived together for the entire two-year period. If you cannot live together because of work, study, cultural or other relevant reasons, you must provide evidence that you have an ongoing commitment to each other.

Partner’s Status:

• Your partner must generally be a British or Irish citizen, have settled status or indefinite leave to remain in the UK, have qualifying pre-settled status, or hold another qualifying immigration status under the relevant Immigration Rules.

Proof of Relationship:

• You need to provide substantial evidence of your relationship, such as joint bank statements, tenancy agreements, utility bills, correspondence, evidence of financial support and other documents demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and continuing. If you do not live together, evidence of regular communication, financial support and time spent together may also be relevant.

Financial Requirement:

• You and your partner usually need to demonstrate a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000.
• Income may come from permitted sources, including employment, self-employment, pension income, certain non-employment income and qualifying cash savings.
• Different financial rules may apply in certain circumstances, including where the partner receives specified disability or carer’s benefits, or where transitional arrangements apply to applicants who first applied under the previous financial requirement.

Accommodation:

• You must have suitable accommodation where you and any dependants can live without relying on prohibited public funds.

English Language Requirement:

• You must generally prove your knowledge of English unless you are exempt.
• For a first partner visa application, you will normally need to demonstrate English at CEFR level A1 through an approved test or meet the requirement through another accepted method.
• When extending the visa after 2.5 years, you will generally need to demonstrate CEFR level A2 in speaking and listening if you previously relied on an A1 qualification.

Application Process

Application Form:

• Complete the application form online. Applications from outside the UK must normally be made online from outside the UK, while eligible applicants already in the UK may apply to extend or switch to the family visa route.

Biometrics:

• Provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process.

Supporting Documents:

• Submit all required documents to prove your relationship, financial circumstances, accommodation and English language proficiency, where applicable.
• Evidence may include relationship documents, financial records, bank statements, payslips and evidence of your partner’s immigration status.

Fees:

• Application from outside the UK: £2,064 per applicant.
• Application from inside the UK: £1,407 per applicant.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The amount depends on the length of permission granted. For an adult receiving the usual 2 years and 9 months of permission when applying from outside the UK, the IHS is generally £3,105. For an applicant applying from inside the UK to extend or switch to the partner route, the usual grant is 2 years and 6 months, and the IHS is generally £2,587.50. The IHS is calculated according to the period of immigration permission granted.

After Applying

Processing Time:

• If applying from outside the UK, you will usually receive a decision within 12 weeks.
• If applying from inside the UK and you meet the financial and English language requirements, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.
• If applying from inside the UK without meeting the financial and English language requirements, processing currently takes around 12 months.

Decision:

• If your application is successful, you will generally be granted permission to stay for up to 2 years and 9 months if applying from outside the UK.
• If you are already in the UK and are eligible to extend or switch to the partner route, you will generally be granted a further 2 years and 6 months of permission.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

• After living in the UK for 5 continuous years on a family visa as a partner, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, provided you meet the relevant settlement requirements.
• Time spent in the UK on other visas, or as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, generally does not count towards this five-year qualifying period.

Important Considerations

Refusal and Appeals:

• If your application is refused, the available remedies will depend on the circumstances of the refusal and the type of application. You may have a right of appeal or may be able to challenge the decision through another appropriate legal process. Professional immigration advice should be obtained where necessary.

Public Funds:

• You will generally have no recourse to public funds while holding a partner family visa, subject to limited exceptions under the Immigration Rules.

Conclusion

The Unmarried Partner Visa route is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and long-term relationship with a British or Irish citizen, or a person with another qualifying immigration status in the UK. It requires applicants to provide evidence of their relationship, meet the applicable financial and English language requirements, and satisfy the other relevant Immigration Rules.

Applicants should check the latest Home Office guidance before applying, as UK family immigration requirements, fees and processing arrangements can change.

Written on: 24 August 2026