Partner Visa (Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa)

The UK Partner Visa, also known as the Spouse Visa or Unmarried Partner Visa, allows the spouse or long-term partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to live and work in the UK. The visa is available to married couples, civil partners, and individuals in long-term relationships. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency and ultimately, British citizenship.

Key Features of the UK Partner Visa

  • Live and Work in the UK: The visa allows you to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years (30 months), with the possibility of extending the visa.
  • Family Inclusion: You can include dependent children in your application.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After living in the UK for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship.
  • Work Without Restrictions: You can work or study in the UK without restrictions.

Types of UK Partner Visas

There are two main types of UK Partner Visas, depending on your relationship:

  1. Spouse or Civil Partner Visa

The Spouse Visa is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who has settled status (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Requires proof of a legal marriage or civil partnership.

  1. Unmarried Partner Visa

The Unmarried Partner Visa is for individuals who are in a long-term relationship (at least 2 years) with a British citizen or a settled person in the UK but are not married or in a civil partnership.

  • Eligibility: Requires evidence of living together for at least 2 years in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Partner Visa

To apply for a UK Partner Visa (Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa), both you and your partner must meet several eligibility criteria:

  1. Genuine Relationship

You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Evidence can include:

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate (if married or in a civil partnership).
  • Proof of Cohabitation (for unmarried partners), such as joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or letters addressed to both partners at the same address.
  • Photos together, travel documents, and correspondence.

  1. Financial Requirements

You and your partner must demonstrate that you meet the minimum income threshold to support yourselves without relying on public funds:

  • Minimum Income: GBP 18,600 per year (higher if you have dependent children).
  • Savings: If your income does not meet the threshold, you may use savings (at least GBP 62,500) to meet the financial requirement.

  • Proof of Income: Payslips, bank statements, or a letter from your employer confirming your income.

  1. English Language Proficiency

You must meet the English language requirement by providing proof of:

  • An English language test pass at A1 level or higher, such as IELTS Life Skills.
  • A degree taught in English or having citizenship from an English-speaking country.

  1. Accommodation

You must provide evidence that you have adequate accommodation in the UK where you and your partner will live. This can be a rental agreement, mortgage documents, or a letter from the property owner confirming your living arrangements.

  1. Immigration Status of Sponsor

Your partner must be either:

  • A British citizen, or

A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee status in the UK.

Required Documents for the UK Partner Visa

When applying for a UK Partner Visa, you need to provide a set of key documents that support your eligibility and strengthen your case. Here's what you must include:

1. Valid Passport:
Firstly, both you and your partner must submit valid passports or travel documents.

2. Proof of Relationship:
If you’re married or in a civil partnership, include the relevant certificate. Otherwise, provide evidence that you’ve lived together for at least two years.

3. Proof of Financial Support:
You must also show you meet the minimum income threshold. Include recent payslips, bank statements, or proof of savings as financial evidence.

4. English Language Test Certificate:
Additionally, submit an A1-level English test result (such as IELTS Life Skills) or documents showing your degree was taught in English.

5. Accommodation Proof:
To confirm living arrangements, provide rental agreements, mortgage papers, or an official letter from your host.

6. Immigration Status of Sponsor:
Include evidence of your partner’s status in the UK, such as British citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or settled status.

7. Previous Immigration History (if applicable):
Lastly, attach any documents related to past visas or previous stays in the UK, if applicable.

Application Process for the UK Partner Visa

The process to apply for the UK Partner Visa is straightforward but requires thorough preparation of documents and evidence.

  1. Complete the Online Application

Apply online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website by completing the Partner Visa application form. Ensure all information is accurate and corresponds with your supporting documents.

  1. Submit Supporting Documents

Upload all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, financial evidence, English language results, and accommodation proof.

  1. Pay the Application Fee

The UK Partner Visa application fee is GBP 1,538 for applications made outside the UK and GBP 1,048 for applications made inside the UK.

  1. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is GBP 624 per year. This allows you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

  1. Attend a Biometric Appointment

Book an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). This may be required depending on your location.

  1. Wait for Decision

Visa processing times can take between 8 to 12 weeks, but priority services may be available for faster processing.

UK Partner Visa Fees

The fees associated with the UK Partner Visa include:

  • Visa Application Fee: GBP 1,538 (applications outside the UK) or GBP 1,048 (applications inside the UK).
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 624 per year of the visa.
  • Priority Service (optional): Additional fee for faster processing.

Validity of the UK Partner Visa

The UK Partner Visa is initially granted for 2.5 years (30 months). After this period, you can apply for an extension, allowing you to stay for another 2.5 years. After living in the UK for a total of 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency.

Pathway to British Citizenship

Once you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after an additional 12 months, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. This allows you to live in the UK permanently and hold dual citizenship if allowed by your home country.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we offer professional support and expert advice throughout the entire UK Partner Visa application process. Here’s how we help you at every stage:

  • Eligibility Assessment: To begin with, we evaluate your relationship, financial circumstances, and language proficiency to confirm you meet all visa requirements.

  • Document Preparation: Moreover, we assist you in organizing and preparing all necessary documentation, including financial records and relationship proof.

  • Application Submission: Additionally, we help you submit a complete and accurate application, which significantly reduces the risk of delays or refusals.

  • Visa Interview Preparation: If an interview is required, we also guide you through the preparation process, ensuring you're confident and ready.

Build Your Life Together in the UK with a Partner Visa

The UK Partner Visa (Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa) allows you to live and work in the UK alongside your loved one. Whether you are married or in a committed relationship, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As a result, your transition to life in the UK becomes smoother and more manageable.

Therefore, don’t delay! Contact A Square Migration Services today to begin your UK Partner Visa application and take the first step toward your future together.