Unmarried Partner Visa 

It is exceptionally important to include all required documentary evidence for an Unmarried Partner visa as most applications are refused because of insufficient evidence provided. Every case is different, and depending on your particular circumstances, you may be required to provide additional evidence. Below is a list of the most commonly required documents:  

• Application form, including application fee, Immigration Health Care surcharge, and biometric information fee
• Valid passport and all previous passports, if any
• Two passport-sized photos
• Proof of English language knowledge, unless exempt (e.g., having an academic qualification in English or CEFR certificate at level A1 for an initial application and level A2 for further leave to remain as a spouse or partner)
• Proof of financial requirements, unless exempt (e.g., minimum gross annual income of £18, 600 or cash savings of at least £16,000 in addition to £3,800 for a first child, if any, and £2,400 for each additional child)
• Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship for the past 2 continuous years (although there is no mandatory list of documents, you are required to prove that you are in a genuine relationship, have lived together for at least 2 years, and have joint financial and other commitments similar to those in marriage or civil partnership- this could be a combination of official documents, such as bills, joint bank statements, regular correspondence, messaging, photographs and similar evidence)
• Evidence that you meet the financial requirements (e.g. documents that prove your income from employment or other sources, self-employment cash savings, pension or other credible and reliable sources of income and financial support )
• Evidence of accommodation in the UK (e.g., documents proving that you own or rent accommodation that adequately caters to the needs of your family, without any recourse to public funds, and complies with the relevant UK health and safety regulations)
• Evidence that any previous relationship has permanently ended (e.g., if you or your partner have been previously married, you will be required to provide a confirmation of divorce, such as Decree Absolute or Final Divorce Order if issued in the UK, or an equivalent from a foreign jurisdiction)
• Information related to previous immigration applications, if any
• Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photo)
• Information related to previous criminal convictions, if any
• Tuberculosis test results if you are required to take it

You will be required to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

You will be required to submit an online application, pay the fees, upload the scanned documents and other supporting evidence online, arrange an appointment at the visa application centre to provide your biometric information, such as digital photos and fingerprints, and attend an interview if required. 

You should get a decision on your visa within 24 weeks if you apply outside of the UK and once you attend the appointment at the visa application centre. For the applications made in the UK, current processing times are 8 weeks. The actual time varies depending on the complexity of the application, and we advise you to check any updates on current visa processing times.  

Priority service is currently available for new applications, and you may be able to get your visa within 5 working days. Super-priority service is currently available only to those applying from the UK. 

An unmarried Partner visa is initially granted for 2 years and 6 months (plus additional 3 months if you are applying for entry clearance). The visa can be extended further for 2 years and 6 months if you continue meeting the eligibility criteria. After 5 years this visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settlement in the UK.

You may be able to switch to an Unmarried Partner visa from the UK if you apply for an extension, i.e. further leave to remain in the UK as a partner. You cannot switch to this visa if you are a visitor in the UK or have a valid leave granted for up to 6 months (with a few exceptions). Visitors will be required to leave the UK and make an application for entry clearance as a spouse of a partner from outside the UK.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to stay in the UK permanently, without a subject to strict immigration control. Once you have lived in the UK for 5 years, you may be able to apply for ILR if you demonstrate that you:  

• remain in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse or partner
• intend to continue the relationship and live together once you receive your ILR
• continue meeting the financial requirements
• continue living in suitable accommodation with your family
• have passed the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt
• have acquired a higher level of English Language proficiency at SEFR Level B1, unless exempt

If your Unmarried Partner visa application has been refused, you should have a right to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) as this type of application is considered to be a human rights claim.  

Depending on your circumstances, you might be able pursue further the decision maker’s refusal of your visa via Judicial Review (to challenge the lawfulness of the decision) or via Administrative Review (if a mistake was made by the decision maker when issuing your visa refusal).   

You will also have the option to make a new visa application. If you decide to reapply, you shall address in the new visa application all reasons for your refusal, providing all missing information and relevant supporting evidence.  

Our solicitors can assist you with your appeal process as it can be a complex immigration matter requiring specialist legal support, advice and representation.