If you are residing outside the UK and are in a civil partnership with a British Citizen, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, a refugee or humanitarian protection status holder, or a holder of a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for entry clearance for a Civil Partner Visa.

The application for Civil Partner Visa entry clearance can be made online, provided you meet all the requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Known also as a Settlement Visa or Appendix FM Partner Visa, the Civil Partner Visa offers applicants entry clearance for an initial period of up to 33 months, with a condition of no recourse to public funds.

Upon the expiration of the initial 33-month period, applicants may apply for an extension or renewal of their visa under the 5-year route. This enables applicants to complete five years on a Civil Partner Visa, after which they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a civil partner.

Free Immigration Consultation for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Aden & Co Solicitors’ dedicated family visa team offers complimentary online immigration advice for those applying for a Civil Partner Visa entry clearance to the UK from abroad. You can reach out to our experienced solicitors for free advice or book a detailed consultation to discuss your eligibility and application process for the Civil Partner Visa UK. Let our team of experts guide you through every step of your immigration journey.

Expert Family Visa Solicitors for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance – Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of family visa specialists in London excels in handling civil partner visa entry clearance applications. With years of experience, we have successfully assisted countless clients in navigating the complexities of the civil partner visa process. Our expert family visa solicitors offer efficient, friendly, and reliable services, all at a transparent, fixed fee. Whether you’re applying for a civil partner visa or seeking advice, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Aden & Co Solicitors stands as a leading name in UK immigration law. Our highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors are committed to providing top-tier services, as evidenced by the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our satisfied clients. Trust Aden & Co Solicitors for professional, trustworthy, and cost-effective immigration solutions tailored to your needs.

Cost of Entry Clearance for Civil Partner Visa UK: A Comprehensive Breakdown

When applying for entry clearance from outside the UK for a Civil Partner Visa, it is essential to understand both the professional and official fees associated with the application. Below, we detail the costs involved in securing your entry clearance, including our fixed fees and the UKVI charges.

Our Fixed Fees for Entry Clearance Assistance

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a range of fixed fees for your entry clearance application, with charges varying between £1,000 and £1,500 (excluding VAT). Our fixed fee covers every aspect of your application, ensuring a smooth process. This includes:

• Expert guidance on required documents
• Thorough review and verification of your documents
• Completion and submission of your online application form
• Appointment scheduling for biometric enrolment
• Preparation of a tailored cover letter supporting your application
• Uploading all supporting documents for Home Office consideration
• Handling all follow-up tasks until a decision is made by UKVI

The exact fee will depend on the complexity of your case and the volume of work required. We request an initial deposit of 50% of the fee to commence work, with the remaining balance due once your application is fully prepared and ready for submission.

Additional Support Services

If you’re unable to cover the full cost of the complete service, we offer two more budget-friendly options:One-off Immigration Advice and Consultation: A fixed fee of £100 (VAT not applicable).Immigration Document Checking Service: A fixed fee of £300 (VAT not applicable).

UKVI Fees for Your Entry Clearance Application

In addition to our fixed service fee, you are required to pay the official UKVI fees for your Civil Partner Visa application. These charges include:

• Visa Entry Clearance Fee: £1,846
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £3,105

Thus, the total UKVI fees for your entry clearance application will amount to £4,951.

Priority Service Option

If you wish to expedite your application process, you can opt for the Priority Service, which guarantees a decision within 30 working days, for an additional £500 fee.

How to Apply for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Applying for a Civil Partner Visa to the UK from abroad is a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your application is successful:

1. Complete the Online Application Form: Begin by filling out the Civil Partner Visa application form on the official UKVI website. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
2. Submit Your Application and Pay Fees: Once you’ve filled out the application form, submit it online. You’ll also need to pay the required Civil Partner Visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to proceed with your application.
3. Book Your Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have your biometrics enrolled. During this appointment, you’ll also submit your passport for processing of your visa application.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Before attending your biometric appointment, upload all necessary supporting documents in PDF format. These documents are critical for the assessment of your application.
5. Await a Decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. If you apply through the Priority Service, you can expect a decision within 30 working days. If you choose the standard service, the decision will typically take up to 60 working days.

Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance Requirements:

To qualify for a Civil Partner Visa entry clearance to the UK, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

Valid Application: The applicant must submit a valid application in compliance with the guidelines outlined in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules. This ensures the entry clearance for the Civil Partner Visa UK meets all necessary conditions.

Relationship Requirement: The applicant must be the civil partner of an individual who holds one of the following statuses: British Citizen, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, a holder of refugee or humanitarian protection status, or a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holder. It is crucial to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine, enduring, and subsisting, with supporting evidence confirming the authenticity of the civil partnership.

Age Requirement: Both the applicant and the UK-based civil partner must be aged 18 or older at the time of the application.

Suitability Requirement: Applicants must meet the suitability criteria set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, ensuring they align with the standards required for entry clearance.

Financial Requirement: The applicant must satisfy the financial threshold required for the Civil Partner Visa entry clearance. This can be fulfilled through:

The UK sponsor’s income, which must be a minimum of £29,000 gross annually from employment or self-employment, or

Savings from either the applicant or the sponsor, or

Rental income generated by the applicant and/or sponsor.

Accommodation Requirement: Applicants must provide evidence of adequate accommodation for themselves and any other household members, even if they are not part of the application. The accommodation should be sufficient to avoid any recourse to public funds and must be solely occupied or owned by the applicant and/or sponsor.

English Language Requirement: To meet the English proficiency requirement, applicants must demonstrate their ability to communicate in English at CEFR level A1, as outlined by UK Immigration Rules.

Tuberculosis Test Certificate: If applicable, applicants must submit a Tuberculosis test certificate in compliance with the requirements of Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

Understanding the Relationship Criteria for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

To qualify for Civil Partner Visa entry clearance, the applicant’s UK-based partner must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be a British Citizen.
• Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status in the UK.
• Be an EEA national with pre-settled status in the UK.
• Possess a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa in the UK.
• Be granted leave to remain as a refugee or have Humanitarian Protection (HP) status.

Additionally, the applicant and their UK partner must not fall within the prohibited degree of relationship. They must have met in person and maintain a genuine and ongoing relationship. If the applicant and partner are married, the marriage must be legally valid, as per the relevant legal specifications. Any prior relationship either party had must have permanently ended, unless it aligns with paragraph 278(i) of the Immigration Rules. Furthermore, both the applicant and the partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

New Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Annual Income Effective from 11 April 2024

Effective from 11 April 2024, a revised financial requirement of £29,000 gross per year is mandated for applicants applying for a Civil Partner Visa under the partner route. This requirement applies to individuals making their first application on or after this date. If the applicant has dependent children applying concurrently, the financial threshold remains at £29,000 gross annually.

To meet the financial criterion for a civil partner visa, the applicant’s UK partner must earn at least £29,000 gross per year. If the partner’s salary is below this threshold, the applicant may combine the partner’s employment income (Category A) with savings. The total savings must include £16,000, plus additional savings equal to 2.5 times the shortfall between the actual income and the £29,000 requirement.

It is important to note that the applicant’s overseas income, including salary, does not contribute toward meeting the financial threshold. However, savings, rental income, or pension income (if applicable) from the applicant, alongside the UK partner’s earnings, can be counted towards meeting the financial requirement.

What Are the Different Ways to Meet Financial Requirements?

When an applicant needs to meet the minimum income threshold for a visa or immigration application, the financial requirement can typically be satisfied in one of the following five ways:

• Income from Employment: This includes income from salaried or non-salaried employment of the applicant’s partner (and/or the applicant, if they are permitted to work in the UK). This falls under Category A or Category B, depending on the applicant’s employment history.
• Non-Employment Income: Income derived from sources such as property rental or dividends from shares is considered under Category C.
• Cash Savings: If the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant has savings exceeding £16,000, held for at least six months and under their control, this can be used to meet the financial requirement. This is classified as Category D.
• Pensions: A state pension (UK or foreign), occupational pension, or private pension of either the applicant or their partner is considered under Category E.
• Self-Employment and Company Income: Income from self-employment or from being a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK (for the applicant and/or their partner if permitted to work in the UK) falls under Category F or Category G, depending on which financial year is being relied upon.

When Are Applicants Exempt from Financial Requirements?

In certain circumstances, the applicant’s financial requirements may be waived. If the applicant’s partner is in receipt of any of the following benefits or allowances in the UK, the applicant can meet the financial requirement through evidence of “adequate maintenance,” rather than the £29,000 income threshold:

• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• 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 applicant’s partner is receiving any of these benefits or allowances on behalf of a child, the applicant can also meet the financial requirement through “adequate maintenance.” Detailed evidence of the benefit or allowance being received must be provided, as outlined in Appendix FM-SE.

Understanding the Adequate Maintenance and Accommodation Requirements for Civil Partner Visa Applications

When applying for a civil partner visa entry clearance, the Home Office UKVI uses a specific formula to assess whether you meet the adequate maintenance requirement. The formula is as follows:

A – B ≥ C
Where:

• A represents your net income (after deductions for income tax and National Insurance contributions);
• B is the total of your housing costs (including rent and council tax);
• C is the amount of Income Support an equivalent British family of the same size can receive.

This formula helps ensure that you can financially support yourself and your family without relying on public funds.

What Constitutes Adequate Accommodation?

Applicants must also provide evidence that they have adequate accommodation for their family, including other members of the household not directly involved in the visa application. The accommodation must meet the following conditions:

• It should not be overcrowded.
• It must comply with public health regulations.

Additionally, the accommodation must be owned or exclusively occupied by the family, ensuring that no public funds are required for housing support. Failure to meet these criteria may result in a refusal of the application.

English Language Requirement for Civil Partner Visa Applications

Applicants seeking a Civil Partner Visa must meet the English language requirement by providing appropriate evidence to demonstrate one of the following criteria:

• Nationality of an English-Speaking Country: The applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• English Language Proficiency: The applicant has successfully completed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum level of A1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), conducted by a Home Office-approved provider.
• Academic Qualification: The applicant holds an academic qualification recognised by UK Ecctis, equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, which was taught in English.
• Exemptions: The applicant may be exempt from meeting the English language requirement under certain circumstances, such as:
  • Being aged 65 or over at the time of application.
  • Having a physical or mental condition that prevents meeting the requirement.
  • Facing exceptional circumstances that hinder the ability to meet the English language requirement before entering the UK.

Reapplying for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance After Refusal

If your application for Civil Partner Visa entry clearance is refused, you may submit a new application promptly, provided you do not intend to appeal the decision. You can choose to reapply if you believe the Home Office’s refusal decision is accurate and the new application can adequately address the concerns raised by the decision-maker.

Appealing a Refused Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Should your Civil Partner Visa entry clearance be refused and you feel the decision was unjust or not in accordance with the law, you have the right to appeal. An appeal can be made to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) within 28 days of the refusal. Aden & Co Solicitors can offer expert legal representation to help you navigate the appeals process and challenge the refusal effectively.

How Can We Assist You?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of family visa experts offers comprehensive immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your entry clearance application for a civil partner visa. The fixed fee we charge for your civil partner visa UK entry clearance application covers all aspects of the process until the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) reaches a decision on your application. Our experienced family visa solicitors will manage the following essential tasks for your entry clearance application:

Expert Guidance on Requirements: Our solicitors will provide you with tailored advice on the criteria you must meet for a successful civil partner visa entry clearance application.

Comprehensive Document Advice: We will supply you with an exhaustive list of required supporting documents, ensuring your application for a civil partner visa UK is fully prepared and ready for submission.

Document Evaluation: Our solicitors will thoroughly review all documents submitted with your entry clearance application to ensure compliance with UK immigration rules, maximizing your chances of success.

Application Form Completion: We will handle the completion of the necessary application form for your civil partner visa entry clearance, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

Priority Service Submission: Where applicable, our solicitors will expedite your application by submitting it via the Priority Service, helping to secure a faster decision on your civil partner visa entry clearance.

Appointment Scheduling: After submitting your application, we will arrange your appointment with the application center for biometrics enrolment, ensuring a smooth process.

Cover Letter Preparation: Our family visa specialists will draft a detailed cover letter to accompany your application, outlining how you meet all the legal requirements necessary for approval.

Document Uploading: Prior to your biometrics appointment, we will upload all supporting documents online for consideration, ensuring all materials are submitted in a timely and organized manner.

Follow-Up and Support: Our solicitors will continue to manage all follow-up actions until the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) makes a final decision on your civil partner visa entry clearance application.

With Aden & Co Solicitors, you can trust that your civil partner visa entry clearance application is in the hands of experienced professionals who will guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for Your Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance Application?

Choosing the right legal team for your Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance application is crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Here are the compelling reasons why Aden & Co Solicitors in London should be your first choice for this important service:

Exceptional Legal Expertise:
Aden & Co Solicitors, recognized as one of the best family visa law firms in London, delivers top-tier legal services for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance applications. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the glowing 5-star Google Reviews from 99% of our satisfied clients, which underscore the high standards of UK visa and immigration legal services we offer.

Remote Legal Services for Convenience:
With the aid of advanced technology, our expert family visa solicitors offer seamless remote legal consultations and representation. You can trust our team to manage your Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance application from our London office without the need for in-person meetings, saving you valuable time and travel expenses. While we are always pleased to welcome clients to our office, our remote services offer convenience without compromising on quality.

Available 7 Days a Week:
At Aden & Co Solicitors, we understand the urgency of visa matters, which is why our team is available seven days a week. You can rely on us to provide continuous support and professional advice for your Civil Partner Visa application at your convenience.

Expertise of Fully Qualified Immigration Solicitors:
Your Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance application will be handled exclusively by our team of fully qualified, highly experienced immigration solicitors. Our specialists bring years of in-depth knowledge to the table, ensuring that every aspect of your case is meticulously managed and your application is prepared to the highest standards.

Fast-Track Visa Services for Swift Processing:
Our experienced team can expedite your Civil Partner Visa application through the Fast Track service, ensuring the quickest possible turnaround time. If eligible, we will submit your application through the Priority Visa Service to facilitate faster processing and an expedited decision.

Free Online Immigration Consultation:
We offer free, one-time immigration advice through our website’s enquiry form. This service allows you to gain initial insights into your Civil Partner Visa application without any obligation or cost, enabling you to make informed decisions.

Affordable Fixed Fees with Flexible Payment Options:
Aden & Co Solicitors provides affordable fixed fees for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance applications. We offer a flexible payment plan, allowing you to pay half of the agreed fee at the commencement of the case and the remainder when your application is fully prepared and ready for submission to the Home Office UKVI.

Explore Our Additional Civil Partner Visa Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Civil Partner Visa UK Entry Clearance

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the entry clearance process for a Civil Partner Visa to the UK: