Unmarried Partner Visa UK
To apply for an unmarried partner visa in the UK, you must have cohabited with your qualifying UK partner for a minimum of two years in a relationship comparable to marriage or civil partnership. This visa is available to those in a long-term relationship with a British citizen, is present and settled in the UK, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), has pre-settled status as an EU national, is a refugee or holds humanitarian protection, or holds a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa. The application process for an unmarried partner visa follows the criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules. This visa is also referred to as a settlement visa or Appendix FM Partner visa.
Upon approval, an applicant for an unmarried partner visa will receive an initial visa valid for 33 months. For in-country applications to switch to an unmarried partner visa, the initial leave granted is 30 months. An additional extension of 30 months can be applied for, leading to a total of 5 years of residence.
For those on the 5-year route, you can apply for ILR as an unmarried partner 28 days before completing the 5-year residency requirement. Alternatively, if you are on the 10-year route, you are eligible to apply for ILR 28 days before completing 10 years under this visa category or 10 years of continuous lawful residence under any UK visa type.
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Free Immigration Advice for Unmarried Partner Visa UK
Aden & Co Solicitors offer complimentary online immigration advice for your unmarried partner visa application in the UK. Our expert family visa solicitors are available to answer your queries online or to schedule a detailed consultation. For personalized guidance on your unmarried partner visa application, reach out to our specialist team or book an appointment with our experienced immigration solicitors.
Unmarried Partner Visa UK Applications
As dedicated family visa solicitors, Aden & Co Solicitors provide prompt, reliable, and fixed-fee legal advice and representation for various applications under the unmarried partner visa category, including:
- Entry Clearance for Unmarried Partner Visa
- Switching to Unmarried Partner Visa (5 Years Route)
- Switching to Unmarried Partner Visa (10 Years Route)
- Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa (5 Years Route)
- Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa (10 Years Route)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as Unmarried Partner (5 Years Route)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as Unmarried Partner (10 Years Route)
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen After ILR Grant
- Appeal Against Refusal of Unmarried Partner Visa UK
Transitional Financial Requirement of £18,600
For applicants who initially applied as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or partner before 11 April 2024, and were granted permission on the five-year route, the transitional financial requirement applies. According to paragraph E-LTRP.3.5 of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, if you made your initial application before 11 April 2024, you must meet a financial requirement of £18,600 gross per year. If the financial requirement exceeds £29,000 due to dependent children, you only need to prove an income of £29,000 gross per annum.
The transitional requirement of £18,600 applies if you are staying with the same partner. For a new partner, the financial requirement is £29,000 gross per annum.
Updated Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Per Year from 11 April 2024
Starting 11 April 2024, significant amendments to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules will introduce a revised financial requirement for individuals applying for a partner visa. The updated regulations stipulate that applicants making their initial partner visa application on or after this date must demonstrate a gross annual income of £29,000.
Key Aspects of the Updated Financial Requirement:
- Income Threshold: The mandatory financial threshold for partner visa applications is set at £29,000 gross per annum. This requirement applies to all new applicants under the partner route from 11 April 2024 onwards. Notably, this income threshold remains constant regardless of whether dependent children are part of the application.
- Combination of Income and Savings: If your employment income is below the £29,000 annual gross threshold, you can still meet the financial requirement by combining Category A employment income with savings. The required savings amount includes a base sum of £16,000 plus additional savings calculated at 2.5 times the difference between your actual gross annual income and £29,000.
UKVI Fees for Unmarried Partner Visa Applications
The Home Office UKVI fees for unmarried partner visa applications are outlined below:
| Application Type | Application Fee | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Priority/Super Priority Service Fee |
|
Entry Clearance for Unmarried Partner Visa from Outside the UK |
£1,846 per applicant |
£3,105 for partner [£2,328 for each child] | £500 per applicant for Priority Service |
|
Switching to an Unmarried Partner Visa from Inside the UK |
£1,048 per applicant |
£2,587.50 for partner [£1,940 for each child] | £1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service |
|
Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa from Inside the UK |
£1,048 per applicant |
£2,587.50 for partner [£1,940 for each child] | £1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service |
|
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an Unmarried Partner |
£2,885 per applicant |
IHS not applicable for ILR application | £1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service |
FAQs – Unmarried Partner Visa UK
The UKVI fees for different stages of the unmarried partner visa application process are outlined in the table below:
What is the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
The Unmarried Partner Visa UK is a visa granted to individuals who have been living in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership with a qualifying UK partner for at least two years. This visa is available to partners of British Citizens, individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), EU nationals with pre-settled status, refugees, and holders of Turkish Businessperson or Worker visas. Applications are processed based on the criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and are also known as settlement or Appendix FM Partner visas.
Can I work in the UK with an Unmarried Partner Visa?
Yes, holders of an Unmarried Partner Visa UK are permitted to work in the UK.
Does the Unmarried Partner Visa UK lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Yes, it does. You may apply for ILR either after 5 years on the 5-year route or after 10 years on the 10-year route.
How can I apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
Applications for an Unmarried Partner Visa can be made online through the Home Office UKVI website.
Do I need to meet the English language requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa?
For the 5-year route, you must meet the English language requirement: A1 level at initial application, A2 at extension, and B1 for ILR. For the 10-year route, there is no English language requirement at any stage of the application process.
Can I use Priority or Super Priority Services for the Unmarried Partner Visa?
Yes, you can opt for Priority or Super Priority Services. Applications from outside the UK can be processed through the Priority Service for a decision within 30 working days. For in-country applications, the Super Priority Service provides a decision within 24 hours.
What are the routes to settlement under the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
There are two primary routes:
Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
With the Unmarried Partner Visa 5-Year Route, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner 28 days before completing 5 years of residence in the UK under this visa category. Note that any time spent under the Unmarried Partner Visa 10-Year Route cannot be applied towards the 5-year period required for ILR under the 5-year route.
Unmarried Partner Visa (10-Year Route)
For the Unmarried Partner Visa 10-Year Route, you can apply for ILR 28 days before completing 10 years in the UK under this visa category, or 10 years of continuous and lawful residence under any UK visa category (known as ILR-10 Years Long Residence), whichever comes first. Typically, applicants will complete the 10-year long residence requirement before the 10-year period under the Unmarried Partner Visa 10-Year Route.
Additionally, Switching from the 10-year route to the 5-year route can help you qualify for ILR sooner under the 5-year criteria.
Can I switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year route?
Yes, you can switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year route at any time during your leave to remain. Switching earlier can help you start accumulating time for ILR under the 5-year route.
When can I apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
You may apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa after living with your qualifying UK partner for at least two years and meeting all other Immigration Rules requirements, including financial, accommodation, and English language criteria.
What is the financial requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa 5 Years Route?
For entry clearance, switching, extension, or ILR under the 5-year route, you must either:
- Meet the financial requirement of earning at least £18,600 annually (if no non-British children are involved); or
- Fulfill the adequate maintenance requirement if your partner receives specific benefits that exempt you from the £18,600 gross per year income requirement.
In cases where a refusal could breach human rights laws, including Article 8 of the ECHR and Section 55 of BCIA 2009, third-party support may be considered.
How can I challenge a refusal of the Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
If your application is refused and you believe the decision is unlawful, you can appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). An immigration judge will review your case to ensure the decision aligns with immigration and human rights laws.
Can I submit a new application if my Unmarried Partner Visa UK application is refused by the Home Office UKVI?
Yes, you can submit a new application if your initial application is refused and you do not think your appeal has a strong chance of success.