Extension Of Unmarried Partner Visa Under 5 Years Route
You may apply to extend or renew your Unmarried Partner Visa under the 5-year route if you are currently in the UK holding such a visa and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. The application for an extension must be submitted online using form FLR (M). For faster processing, you can opt for the Super Priority Service, which provides a decision within 24 hours.
Free Immigration Guidance for Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
Aden & Co Solicitors offers expert guidance on extending your Unmarried Partner Visa under the 5-year route. Our dedicated family visa solicitors provide free, one-off online advice tailored to your visa extension needs. You can ask your questions directly or schedule an online consultation for comprehensive legal assistance from our experienced immigration specialists.
Specialist Solicitors for Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
Aden & Co Solicitors offers expert legal guidance and representation for extending your unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route. Our dedicated team of family visa specialists has successfully assisted countless clients in securing their visa extensions on a fixed-fee basis. We ensure fast, professional, and reliable immigration services tailored to meet your needs. With our support, your application can be prepared and submitted via the Super Priority Service for a decision within 24 hours.
Aden & Co Solicitors is renowned for delivering high-quality UK immigration legal services. Our team of highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors has earned the trust of clients, reflected in our 5-star rating on Google Reviews from 99% of satisfied clients.
What is the Cost of Extending an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)?
The expenses associated with extending your Unmarried Partner Visa under the 5-year route are as follows:
Fixed Fees for Your Application
Aden & Co Solicitors offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for processing your application, ranging between £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT, depending on the complexity and amount of work required.
Our fixed fee covers every aspect of your application, ensuring a seamless and professional service, including:
- Advising on the required documents and reviewing them for accuracy.
- Completing and submitting the online application form.
- Scheduling your biometrics appointment.
- Preparing a detailed cover letter to support your application.
- Uploading all supporting documents for consideration.
- Conducting follow-ups with the Home Office until a decision is made on your application.
You will initially pay 50% of the agreed fee when we commence work on your application, with the remaining 50% due upon final preparation before submission.
One-off Immigration Advice and Consultation Service for a fixed fee of £100 (including VAT).Immigration Document Checking Service for a fixed fee of £300 (including VAT).
UKVI Fees for Your Application
In addition to our professional fees, you are required to pay the following Home Office UKVI charges:
- Application Fee: £1,258
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £2,587.50
The total payable to UKVI for your application is £3,845.50.
If you require a quicker decision, you may opt for the Super Priority Service by paying an additional £1,000, allowing a decision within 24 hours.
How to Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Extension?
If you are on a 5-year route to settlement as an unmarried partner, it is essential to extend your visa before it expires. Aden & Co Solicitors have outlined the key steps to help you navigate the process smoothly:
- Complete the Online Application (FLR(M))
Visit the UKVI website and fill out the FLR(M) application form. Ensure all sections are completed accurately. - Pay the Required Fees
Submit your application online by paying the Home Office fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). - Book a Biometrics Appointment with UKVCAS
Create an account on the UKVCAS portal and schedule your biometrics appointment at a suitable date and time. - Upload Supporting Documents
Prior to your biometrics appointment, upload all required documents online. These typically include proof of your relationship, evidence of cohabitation, financial documents, and identity documents. - Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
Bring the following to your appointment:- Your biometric residence permit (BRP)
- Your passport
- Your appointment confirmation letter
- Wait for the Decision
Processing times vary:- Standard Service: Typically 3 to 6 months
- Super Priority Service: Decision within 24 hours
Can I Apply for an Extension of an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route) Using the Super Priority Service?
Yes, you can! At Aden & Co Solicitors, our experienced family visa lawyers in London are accredited with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its official partner, UKVCAS Sopra Steria, to offer Super Priority Service for extending your unmarried partner visa. This premium service ensures a decision on your extension application within 24 hours of submission.
Our dedicated solicitors can expertly prepare and submit your visa extension application under the Super Priority Service, significantly reducing the waiting time for a decision. By choosing this service, you avoid the lengthy standard processing periods, which can take several months or even years in some cases. Trust our legal expertise to expedite your application and provide you with a quick and reliable outcome.
Unmarried Partner Visa Extension Requirements (5-Year Route) – Aden & Co Solicitors
To apply for an extension of your unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route from within the UK, you must fulfill the following essential criteria:
Valid Application
The applicant must submit a valid and complete application for an unmarried partner visa extension, in accordance with the criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Failure to meet the application standards may result in a rejection.
Immigration Status
Applicants must currently hold a valid unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route and apply for an extension before the existing leave expires. Overstaying may negatively affect the outcome.
Relationship Requirement
The applicant must be the unmarried partner of a UK sponsor who meets one of the following statuses:
British Citizen
Settled person (ILR holder)
EU national with pre-settled status
Refugee or humanitarian protection holder
Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holder
The relationship must be genuine and ongoing. Sufficient evidence must be provided to demonstrate the authenticity and continuity of the relationship.
Suitability Requirement
The applicant must meet the suitability conditions detailed in Appendix FM, ensuring there are no factors (e.g., criminal history, breaches of immigration laws) that could render the applicant unsuitable for an extension.
Financial Requirement
The applicant must satisfy the financial requirement, which can be fulfilled through:
- Employment or self-employment income of the applicant and/or UK sponsor
- Savings held by the applicant and/or sponsor
- Rental income generated by the applicant and/or sponsor
- Supporting financial documents must be submitted to prove that the minimum income threshold is met.
Accommodation Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate access to adequate accommodation for themselves and their family members residing in the same household. The accommodation must be sufficient, without relying on public funds. Evidence such as tenancy agreements or property ownership documents should be included.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet the English language requirement at the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This can be proven through an approved English language test or other qualifying documentation as specified in the Immigration Rules.
Transitional Financial Requirement for Extending an Unmarried Partner Visa
Aden & Co Solicitors provides expert guidance on the transitional financial requirements for applicants extending their visas as an unmarried partner. The UK Home Office (UKVI) has introduced specific financial criteria for applicants who initially applied as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or partner before 11 April 2024 and were granted permission under the five-year route to settlement.
According to paragraph E-LTRP.3.5 of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, applicants must meet the transitional financial requirement if they hold permission as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or partner at the time of application. If the applicant’s initial application for entry clearance or leave to remain was successful under Appendix FM before 11 April 2024, they must demonstrate an annual gross income of £18,600. However, for families with multiple children where the financial threshold exceeds £29,000, applicants need only provide proof of a £29,000 gross annual income.
For applicants requesting an extension with the same partner for whom they were previously granted permission, the transitional income requirement of £18,600 per annum remains applicable. However, those applying with a new partner must meet a financial threshold of £29,000 gross per year.
Financial Requirement Table
Applicants must submit evidence that the UK sponsor’s gross annual income meets the minimum requirement as outlined below:
| Applicant Category | Minimum Income Requirement |
|
Applicant with no children |
£18,600 gross per annum |
|
Applicant with 1 non-settled/non-British child |
£22,400 gross per annum |
|
Applicant with 2 non-settled/non-British children |
£24,800 gross per annum |
|
Applicant with 3 non-settled/non-British children |
£27,200 gross per annum |
|
Applicant with 4 or more non-settled/non-British children |
£29,000 gross per annum |
Understanding the Key Sources for Meeting Financial Requirements
When applying for a UK visa that necessitates meeting a minimum income threshold, applicants can fulfill the financial requirement through several defined categories. Aden & Co Solicitors can provide expert guidance on the following five primary sources:
- Income from Employment (Category A & B)
Earnings from salaried or non-salaried employment of the applicant’s partner—or the applicant themselves if already in the UK with work authorization—can be counted. The relevant category (A or B) depends on the length and consistency of employment history. - Non-Employment Income (Category C)
This includes income from sources other than employment, such as rental income from property or dividends from shares, which can contribute toward meeting the financial requirement. - Cash Savings (Category D)
Savings held by the applicant or their partner above £16,000 are eligible, provided they have been under their control for at least six consecutive months. These savings must be easily accessible and free from any encumbrances. - Pension Income (Category E)
Income derived from state, occupational, or private pensions—whether from the UK or a foreign country—can be considered if received by the applicant or their partner. - Self-Employment and Limited Company Income (Category F & G)
For those who are self-employed or operate as directors/employees of a UK-based limited company, income from these sources can be included. Category F or G applies depending on the financial year(s) used to demonstrate the required earnings.
Adequate Maintenance Requirement for Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
When applying for an extension of the Unmarried Partner Visa under the 5-year route, applicants can satisfy the financial requirement through adequate maintenance instead of meeting the standard income threshold of £18,600 or more—provided their sponsoring partner is receiving certain welfare benefits or allowances in the UK. This provision offers an alternative for those whose circumstances do not align with the usual income criteria.
The following benefits or allowances qualify under the adequate maintenance provision:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
If the sponsoring partner is receiving any of these benefits on their own behalf or on behalf of a child, the applicant can meet the financial requirement by demonstrating adequate maintenance. It is essential to provide documentary evidence, as outlined in Appendix FM-SE, to confirm the partner’s entitlement to these specified benefits or allowances.
How to Calculate Adequate Maintenance for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Extension
Aden & Co Solicitors explains the formula used by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to assess whether you meet the adequate maintenance requirement when applying to extend your unmarried partner visa in the UK:
Formula:
A – B ≥ C
Where:
A represents your net income after deductions for income tax and National Insurance.
B refers to your total housing expenses, including rent and council tax.
C is the amount of Income Support a British family of the same size would be entitled to receive.
Immigration Status Requirement for Extending an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
To successfully extend an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-year route) in the UK, applicants must meet the immigration status requirement outlined in the Immigration Rules. An applicant must hold valid leave to remain as an unmarried partner under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and must apply for an extension from inside the UK.
It is possible to submit the extension application even within 14 days after the visa expiry. Such applications will be considered as out-of-time and classified as overstayers. However, the application can still succeed if the period of overstay does not exceed 14 days and there is a valid reason for the delay. If the applicant overstays for more than 14 days, they may need to apply for leave to remain under the 10-year route instead of the 5-year route.
Aden & Co Solicitors can assist you with preparing and submitting your extension application, ensuring you meet all immigration status requirements to avoid complications.
English Language Requirement for Extending an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
Applicants must satisfy the English language requirement when applying for an extension of the Unmarried Partner Visa (5-year route). The applicant can meet this requirement by providing evidence that they:
- Are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country; or
- Have passed an English language test at a minimum level of A2 in speaking and listening under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) from a Home Office-approved test provider; or
- Hold an academic qualification, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, recognised by UK Ecctis as equivalent to a UK degree and taught in English.
Applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement if, at the time of application:
- They are 65 years of age or older;
- They have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from meeting this requirement;
- There are exceptional circumstances that make it impossible to meet the requirement prior to applying.
Can I Switch from the Unmarried Partner Visa 10-Year Route to the 5-Year Route?
If you are currently in the UK on an Unmarried Partner Visa under the 10-year route, you may switch to the 5-year route at any point during the validity of your existing leave. Transitioning to the 5-year route is advisable as soon as you meet the required financial threshold and English language criteria. Keep in mind that the time accrued under the 10-year route cannot be combined with the 5-year route for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Your eligibility for ILR under the 5-year route will begin from the date your leave is granted under this new route. At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer expert assistance in preparing and submitting your application via the Super Priority Service, ensuring you receive a decision within 24 hours.
Can I Reapply for an Extension of the Unmarried Partner Visa After a Refusal?
If your application for an Unmarried Partner Visa extension under the 5-year route has been refused by the Home Office UKVI, you may be eligible to reapply. This is a viable option if you do not wish to challenge the refusal through legal proceedings. A fresh application must fully comply with the requirements outlined in Paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules. It is highly recommended to submit the new application through the Super Priority Service for a swift decision within 24 hours. Our team at Aden & Co Solicitors will provide comprehensive legal guidance and ensure your application meets all necessary criteria for approval.
Can I Appeal Against the Refusal of an Unmarried Partner Visa Extension?
If the Home Office has refused your application for an Unmarried Partner Visa extension and granted you the right to appeal, you must lodge an appeal with the First-Tier Tribunal within 14 days of receiving the refusal decision. The appeal can succeed if the refusal is found to be inconsistent with immigration rules or a breach of your right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Our experienced family visa solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors are well-equipped to represent you in your appeal, ensuring a strong case is presented before the Immigration Judge at the First-Tier Tribunal.
How Can Aden & Co Solicitors Assist You with an Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)?
Aden & Co Solicitors’ experienced family visa specialists offer expert legal assistance for extending your unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route. We provide fixed-fee services with comprehensive legal representation from the initial consultation to the final decision by the UK Home Office. Our dedicated team ensures that your visa extension process is seamless and fully compliant with UK immigration rules. Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Legal Advice:
Our family visa experts will guide you through the eligibility criteria and requirements for a successful unmarried partner visa extension.
Tailored Document Checklist:
We will provide you with a customized list of required documents to strengthen your visa application.
Document Review and Assessment:
Our immigration lawyers will carefully assess and verify your documents to ensure they meet the Home Office’s standards and immigration rules.
Application Form Completion:
We will complete your visa application form accurately and efficiently, eliminating errors that could delay your case.
Super Priority Service Submission:
If urgent, we can submit your application through the Super Priority Service, securing a decision within 24 hours.
Biometrics Appointment Booking:
Once your application is submitted online, we will schedule your biometrics appointment at the nearest application centre.
Detailed Cover Letter Preparation:
Our legal team will draft a persuasive cover letter outlining your case and addressing all legal requirements to maximize the chances of approval.
Document Uploading:
Before your biometrics appointment, our team will upload all supporting documents online to ensure they are accessible to UKVI for consideration.
Follow-up and Updates:
We will handle all correspondence and follow up with the Home Office until a decision is reached on your application.
Why Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)?
If you are seeking an extension of your unmarried partner visa in the UK, Aden & Co Solicitors is your ideal legal partner. Our highly experienced family visa solicitors in London are committed to delivering exceptional legal services, ensuring your application is handled with expertise and efficiency. Here’s why you should entrust your application to us:
Premium Legal Expertise with Proven Success
Aden & Co Solicitors offers unparalleled legal services for unmarried partner visa extensions in the UK. Our success is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews, with 99% of our clients highly recommending us for delivering excellent visa and immigration solutions.
Remote Legal Services for Your Convenience
We utilize the latest technology to provide you with expert legal advice and representation remotely. Our team can manage your entire unmarried partner visa extension process without requiring you to visit our offices, saving you valuable time and travel costs. If you prefer a face-to-face consultation, our team is more than happy to accommodate you at our London offices.
Available 7 Days a Week
Aden & Co Solicitors is available seven days a week to offer dedicated legal advice and representation. Our extended availability ensures that we can meet your needs at your convenience.
Experienced Immigration Solicitors Handling Your Case
All work on your unmarried partner visa extension will be carried out by our team of fully qualified and experienced immigration solicitors. We have extensive expertise in family visa applications and will ensure your case is managed with precision and care.
Fast Track Visa Service for Quick Decisions
For clients needing expedited services, we offer a fast-track visa process. Where applicable, we can submit your application using the Super Priority Visa Service, allowing you to receive a decision on your visa extension within 24 hours.
Free Online Immigration Consultation
Aden & Co Solicitors provides one-off free immigration advice through our website enquiry form. This allows you to get initial guidance on your unmarried partner visa extension without any cost or obligation.
Transparent Fixed Fees with Payment Flexibility
We offer reasonable fixed fees for unmarried partner visa applications, with an option to pay in two instalments. You can pay half of the fee at the start of the process and the remaining half once your application is fully prepared and ready for submission to the Home Office UKVI.
Comprehensive Unmarried Partner Visa Services by Aden & Co Solicitors
FAQs: Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa UK (5-Year Route)
Below are the key Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the extension of an Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK under the 5-year route:
What can I do if my unmarried partner visa extension is refused?
If your application for the renewal of an unmarried partner visa is rejected, you have two primary options:
Submit a Fresh Application within 14 Days
You may re-apply for your unmarried partner visa renewal within 14 days of the expiry of the deadline to appeal the refusal. The highly skilled legal team at Aden & Co Solicitors can offer expert assistance and guide you through the re-application process to maximize your chances of success.
File an Appeal Against the Refusal
Alternatively, you can lodge an appeal within 14 days of receiving the refusal decision. Our experienced appeal lawyers at Aden & Co Solicitors can represent you in the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), ensuring that your appeal is presented effectively to challenge the refusal.
It is strongly recommended that you seek professional legal advice to determine the most suitable course of action based on your specific circumstances.
What are the Common Reasons for Unmarried Partner Visa Renewal Refusal?
Several factors can lead to the refusal of an unmarried partner visa extension under the 5-year route. The most frequent reasons include:
- Failure to meet the financial requirements;
- Not satisfying the English language proficiency requirement;
- Insufficient evidence that the relationship with your UK-based partner is still genuine and subsisting;
- General grounds for refusal, such as allegations of using a proxy for a TOEIC test, making false representations, or other integrity concerns raised by the Home Office UKVI.
Can the Home Office Grant Me Leave Under the 10-Year Route If I Don’t Qualify for the 5-Year Route?
Yes, it is quite common for the Home Office UKVI to issue leave to remain under the 10-year route if they believe the applicant does not meet the criteria for the 5-year route.
When leave is granted under the 10-year route, the applicant is typically not given the right to appeal the decision at the First-tier Tribunal. Instead, the decision can only be challenged through Judicial Review at the Upper Tribunal.
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our specialist Judicial Review team can assist you in challenging the Home Office’s decision. If you believe the refusal to grant leave under the 5-year route is unjust and unlawful, we can help you navigate the Judicial Review process to protect your rights.
How Long Does It Take to Extend an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)?
The processing time for an unmarried partner visa extension depends on the service used when submitting your application:
- Standard Service: Typically, it takes between 3 to 6 months for the Home Office to process your application.
- Super Priority Service: If you choose the Super Priority Service, your application will usually be decided within 24 hours.
When should I apply to renew my Unmarried Partner Visa?
You should submit your application for an Unmarried Partner Visa extension within 28 days before completing your initial 30 months of residency in the UK. It is crucial to ensure that your application is filed before your current visa expires to maintain your lawful immigration status.
Is there a residence requirement for extending the Unmarried Partner Visa?
The UK immigration rules do not specify a fixed residence requirement for renewing an Unmarried Partner Visa. However, since this visa leads to settlement (indefinite leave to remain), applicants are generally expected to have the intention of permanently residing in the UK with their sponsor. Prolonged absences from the UK may raise concerns about your commitment to settling in the country with your UK partner.
What Are the Mandatory Suitability Grounds for Refusal of an Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)?
The extension of an unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route will be refused if the following suitability grounds apply:
- Subject to Deportation Order: If the applicant is currently under a deportation order, the application will be refused.
- Convictions and Public Good: The applicant’s presence in the UK will be deemed non-conducive to public good if:
- They have been convicted and sentenced to at least 4 years in prison.
- They have received a prison sentence between 12 months and less than 4 years, unless 10 years have passed since the completion of the sentence.
- Their actions have caused serious harm, or they are persistent offenders who show a blatant disregard for UK law.
- Unacceptable Character or Conduct: Refusal may also occur if the applicant’s conduct, character, associations, or other factors make it undesirable for them to remain in the UK, even if these do not fall under specific conviction categories.
- Failure to Comply with Procedural Requirements: The applicant may face refusal if they fail, without reasonable excuse, to:
- Attend an interview.
- Provide requested information or physical data.
- Undergo a medical examination or submit a medical report.
- Security and Refugee Status Grounds: The applicant’s presence is also considered non-conducive to public good if:
- They have been excluded under Article 1F of the Refugee Convention or denied humanitarian protection.
- They are considered a threat to UK security, or there are reasonable grounds to believe they pose a danger to the community, especially after conviction for a particularly serious crime.
When determining whether an applicant’s presence is not conducive to public good, any legal or practical reasons preventing their immediate removal from the UK will not be taken into account.
What Are the Discretionary Suitability Grounds for Refusing an Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)?
Applicants may be refused on suitability grounds if certain conditions are met. These include scenarios where false information, misrepresentation, or the omission of relevant facts are involved. Below are the detailed grounds for refusal:
- Submission of False Information: If false documents, incorrect information, or misleading representations have been provided during the application process—or to any individual for obtaining a supporting document—the application is likely to be refused.
- Failure to Disclose Material Facts: The omission of crucial details relevant to the application may also lead to refusal.
- Non-compliance with Maintenance and Accommodation Requirements: If the applicant has failed to provide a maintenance and accommodation undertaking as required under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules, the application can be refused.
- Investigation of Proposed Marriage or Civil Partnership: The Secretary of State may issue a refusal if the applicant and their partner have not complied with the investigation procedures for their proposed marriage or civil partnership, as outlined in Section 50(7)(b) of the Immigration Act 2014.
In addition to the mandatory grounds, an applicant may also face refusal under discretionary suitability criteria in the following circumstances:
- Misrepresentation in Previous Applications: Providing false information or omitting significant facts in any prior application—whether for entry clearance, leave to remain, or a human rights claim—may lead to refusal. This includes any attempt to obtain supporting documents fraudulently from the Secretary of State or a third party.
- Failure to Pay Litigation Costs: If the applicant has been ordered to pay litigation costs to the Home Office and has not settled the amount, the application may be refused.
- Unpaid NHS Charges: Applicants who have outstanding NHS charges of £500 or more, as reported by relevant NHS bodies, may also be refused an extension under the suitability grounds.