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 must submit several supporting documents to ensure your application is successful:

  1. Valid Passport:

    • A passport or travel document for both you and your partner.

  2. Proof of Relationship:

    • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable), or evidence of living together for at least 2 years for unmarried partners.

  3. Proof of Financial Support:

    • Payslips, bank statements, or proof of savings showing that you meet the minimum income threshold.

  4. English Language Test Certificate:

    • An A1 level English test result (e.g., IELTS Life Skills) or proof of an English-taught degree.

  5. Accommodation Proof:

    • Rental agreements, mortgage documents, or a letter confirming accommodation arrangements.

  6. Immigration Status of Sponsor:

    • Proof of your partner’s British citizenship, ILR, or settled status.

  7. Previous Immigration History (if applicable):

    • Details of your previous visas and any prior UK immigration history.

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 provide expert guidance and support throughout the UK Partner Visa application process. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess your relationship, financial status, and language proficiency to ensure you meet the visa requirements.
  • Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare all the necessary documents, including proof of relationship and financial support.
  • Application Submission: We assist in submitting a complete and accurate application to avoid delays or rejections.
  • Visa Interview Preparation: If required, we guide you through the interview process to ensure you are fully prepared to present your case.

Build Your Life Together in the UK with a Partner Visa

The UK Partner Visa (Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa) offers you the opportunity to live and work in the UK with your loved one. Whether you’re married or in a long-term relationship, A Square Migration Services is here to help you navigate the visa process and start your life together in the UK.

Contact us today to start your UK Partner Visa application and begin your journey to the UK!