If you are living abroad and have been in a cohabiting relationship for at least two years with a person who holds one of the following statuses—British Citizenship, ILR or settled status, pre-settled status as an EU national, refugee or humanitarian protection status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or stateless status—you may be eligible to apply for an unmarried partner visa entry clearance from outside the UK.

To apply for the unmarried partner visa entry clearance online, you must meet the requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules. This visa is commonly referred to as a settlement or Appendix FM Partner visa. If you fulfill the entry clearance criteria as an unmarried partner, you will be granted initial entry clearance for up to 33 months, with a condition of no recourse to public funds. Prior to the expiration of this 33-month period, you may apply for an extension or renewal under the 5-year route, enabling you to complete five years as an unmarried partner visa holder and, eventually, apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Free Immigration Advice for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance
Our expert family visa solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors are available to offer free, one-off immigration advice online regarding your application for unmarried partner visa entry clearance from outside the UK. You can submit your questions for free immigration guidance or schedule an appointment with our specialist solicitors for in-depth advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Trust Aden & Co Solicitors for reliable and expert immigration counsel.

Expert Solicitors for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we specialize in handling unmarried partner visa entry clearance applications. Our dedicated team of family visa solicitors in London has successfully assisted thousands of clients in navigating the complexities of the unmarried partner visa process. With a reputation for providing swift, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration services, we ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all your visa application needs.

As trusted UK immigration solicitors, Aden & Co Solicitors is renowned for delivering exceptional UK visa and immigration legal services. Our expertise is reflected in our outstanding reputation, as evidenced by the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our satisfied clients.

Unmarried Partner Visa UK: Understanding the Costs

When applying for the Unmarried Partner Visa from outside the UK, it’s essential to be aware of both the professional fees and UKVI charges that will apply to your entry clearance application.

Our Fixed Fees for Entry Clearance Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a competitive fixed fee structure for processing your entry clearance application. Our fees range from £1,000 to £1,500 (excluding VAT). This comprehensive fee covers all aspects of your application process, including:

• Expert advice on required documents
• Document verification and review
• Completion and submission of the online application form
• Booking biometrics appointment
• Preparation of a detailed cover letter to support your application
• Uploading supporting documentation for consideration by the UK Home Office
• Ongoing follow-up work until the final decision is made by UKVI

The fixed fee varies depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of work involved. To get started, you will need to pay 50% of the agreed fee, with the remaining balance due once your application is fully prepared and ready for submission.

Affordable Consultation and Document Checking Services

If you’re concerned about the cost of a full-service application, Aden & Co Solicitors also offers affordable consultation options. You can book a one-time immigration advice session for a fixed fee of £100 (excluding VAT), or opt for our document checking service for £300 (excluding VAT).

UKVI Fees for Entry Clearance Application

In addition to the professional fees charged by Aden & Co Solicitors, the Home Office UKVI requires separate fees for the entry clearance application. These UKVI fees are as follows:

• Visa application fee: £1,846
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £3,105

Thus, the total amount payable to UKVI for your Unmarried Partner Visa application is £4,951.

Priority Service Option

For those who need a faster decision, you can opt for the Priority Service for an additional £500. This service ensures you receive a decision on your application within 30 working days.

How to Apply for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance for the UK

The following is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for applying for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK from outside the country:

1. Complete the Online Application
   Begin by filling out the online application form for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Ensure that all personal and relationship details are accurately provided.
2. Submit Your Application and Pay Fees
   Once the form is completed, submit your application online and pay the required application fee for the Unmarried Partner Visa. Additionally, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to ensure access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
3. Book a Visa Appointment
   Schedule an appointment with your nearest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to enrol your biometrics. During this appointment, you will also submit your passport for visa processing.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
   Prior to attending your biometrics appointment, ensure you upload all required supporting documents in PDF format through the online portal. These documents are essential for the evaluation of your visa application.
5. Await a Decision
   After submitting your biometrics and documents, the processing time for your Unmarried Partner Visa application will depend on the service selected. If you apply using the Priority Service, you can expect a decision within 30 working days. Standard service applicants will typically receive a decision within 60 working days.

Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance Requirements:

To secure entry clearance for an unmarried partner visa for the UK, several essential criteria must be met. These include:

Valid Application: The applicant must submit a valid entry clearance application from outside the UK for the unmarried partner visa.

Relationship Criteria: The applicant must be the unmarried partner of a British citizen, a person 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 the Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, with supporting documentation to confirm this. Evidence such as joint financial responsibilities or cohabitation for at least two years should be provided to substantiate the relationship.

Age Requirement: Both the applicant and the UK sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

Suitability Requirement: The applicant must satisfy the suitability criteria as outlined in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.

Financial Requirement: The sponsor must meet the financial threshold, which can be fulfilled in one or more of the following ways:

• A gross annual income of £29,000 from employment or self-employment of the UK sponsor.
• Savings from the applicant and/or sponsor.
• Rental income from the applicant and/or sponsor.

Accommodation Requirement: The applicant must demonstrate that the couple has adequate accommodation in the UK, ensuring no recourse to public funds. This accommodation should be suitable for the applicant and any other family members residing in the same household.

English Language Requirement: The applicant must prove proficiency in the English language, meeting the CEFR level A1, as mandated by UK Immigration Rules.

Tuberculosis Test: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate may be required in accordance with Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

What Are the Relationship Requirements for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance?

For an applicant to qualify for an unmarried partner visa, their UK-based partner must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• 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; or
• Have leave to remain as a refugee or under Humanitarian Protection (HP).

To successfully apply as an unmarried partner, both the applicant and their UK partner must demonstrate that they have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for a minimum of 2 years. Additionally, they must not be within the prohibited degree of relationship. The relationship must be genuine, continuing, and not one that has been severed due to a permanent breakdown, unless it fits within paragraph 278(i) of the Immigration Rules. The couple must also intend to reside together permanently in the UK.

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

As of 11 April 2024, amendments to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules introduce a revised financial requirement for applicants applying on the partner route. The new income threshold of £29,000 gross per year applies to those making their first application after this date. However, this threshold will remain at £29,000 gross annually, even if there are dependent children applying with the lead applicant, as long as the financial requirement is met.

To meet the financial criterion for the unmarried partner visa, the UK partner must earn at least £29,000 gross annually. If the income falls short of this amount, the applicant may combine the UK partner’s income from employment under Category A with savings. In such cases, the savings requirement includes £16,000 plus additional funds equivalent to 2.5 times the gap between the UK partner’s gross annual income and £29,000.

Note that an applicant’s income from overseas employment will not contribute towards meeting the financial requirement. However, savings, rental income, or pension income (if applicable) of the applicant, as well as the UK partner’s earnings, will count toward fulfilling this requirement.

Understanding Financial Requirement Sources for UK Immigration Applications

When applying for a UK visa, applicants must meet specific financial requirements. These can generally be satisfied through the following five sources:

• Employment Income (Category A & B)
  Income derived from the salaried or non-salaried employment of the applicant’s partner (or the applicant themselves, if permitted to work in the UK). The classification of Category A or Category B depends on the applicant’s employment history and type of income.
• Non-Employment Income (Category C)
  Non-employment earnings, such as rental income from properties or dividends from stocks and shares, can contribute towards meeting the financial requirement. This is categorized as Category C.
• Cash Savings (Category D)
  If the applicant or their partner holds cash savings above £16,000 for at least 6 months, the amount must be under their control. These savings, categorized under Category D, can help meet the financial criteria.
• Pensions (Category E)
  Income from any state (UK or foreign), occupational, or private pensions received by the applicant or their partner can be considered. This is categorized as Category E.
• Self-Employment and Director Income (Category F & G)
  Income from self-employment or from working as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK is eligible, depending on the relevant financial year(s) involved. This is categorized as Category F or G.

Exemption from Financial Requirement

In some cases, applicants may not need to meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000. This exemption applies if the applicant’s partner receives certain benefits or allowances in the UK. In such cases, evidence of “adequate maintenance” will suffice to fulfill the financial requirement. The eligible benefits include:

• 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

Additionally, if the applicant’s partner is receiving any of the above benefits on behalf of a child, the applicant can still meet the financial requirement through the “adequate maintenance” option. The required documentation to prove eligibility is outlined in Appendix FM-SE.

Understanding the Formula for Adequate Maintenance in Unmarried Partner Visa Applications

When applying for an unmarried partner visa entry clearance, the Home Office UKVI uses a specific formula to assess whether the applicant meets the adequate maintenance requirement. This formula is designed to ensure that applicants have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their partner without relying on public funds.

The formula is as follows:

A – B ≥ C (where A minus B must be greater than or equal to C)

Where:

• A represents the applicant’s net income (after deductions for income tax and National Insurance contributions).
• B is the applicant’s housing costs (including rent and Council Tax).
• C is the income support amount a comparable British family of the same size is entitled to.

Adequate Accommodation Requirement for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

To meet the accommodation requirement for the unmarried partner visa, applicants must submit evidence demonstrating that the family will have access to adequate living conditions. This includes not only the applicant and their partner but also any other family members residing in the same household. The accommodation must be exclusively owned or occupied by the family, without reliance on public funds.

Accommodation will not be considered adequate if:

• It is overcrowded or will become overcrowded.
• It fails to meet public health standards or regulations.

English Language Requirement for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Applicants must provide verifiable proof of their English language proficiency as part of their unmarried partner visa application. The following criteria apply:

• The applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country; or
• The applicant has successfully completed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum level of A1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from a Home Office-approved provider; or
• The applicant holds an academic qualification recognized by UK Ecctis, equivalent to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in the UK, and was taught in English; or
• The applicant is exempt from the English language requirement under specific conditions, such as:
  • The applicant is 65 years or older;
  • The applicant has a physical or mental disability preventing them from meeting the requirement; or
  • There are exceptional circumstances that prevent the applicant from fulfilling the requirement before entering the UK.

Reapplying for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance After a Refusal
If your application for unmarried partner visa entry clearance has been refused by UKVI, you have the option to submit a new application shortly after the refusal. This is advisable if you do not wish to appeal the decision or if you believe the refusal was justified but feel a fresh application can resolve the concerns raised by the decision-maker. At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert immigration lawyers can guide you through the process, ensuring your application addresses all necessary points for a successful outcome.

Appealing Against the Refusal of Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance
Should your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application be denied and you believe the refusal is unjustified or not in line with the relevant laws or facts, you have the right to appeal. You can file an appeal with the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision. Aden & Co Solicitors’ experienced immigration appeal lawyers are here to represent you and help you navigate the appeal process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

How We Assist with Your Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of family visa specialists offers comprehensive immigration guidance and legal representation for your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application to the UK. Our fixed-fee service ensures complete transparency, covering all aspects of your application process until the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) makes a decision. Here’s an overview of the services included in our fixed fee for your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application:

Expert Advice on Requirements: Our skilled family visa solicitors will provide clear and concise advice on the necessary requirements to ensure your unmarried partner visa application meets the UK Immigration Rules.

Document Preparation and Guidance: We will provide you with a detailed list of all the required supporting documents to accompany your application for the unmarried partner visa.

Document Review: Our solicitors will thoroughly review your submitted documents to ensure they meet all legal requirements set by the Immigration Rules, guaranteeing your application is as strong as possible.

Application Form Completion: We will accurately complete the relevant application form for your unmarried partner visa entry clearance, ensuring all details are correct and in line with UK immigration requirements.

Priority Service Submission: Where applicable, we will submit your online entry clearance application using the priority service to expedite the processing of your unmarried partner visa application.

Appointment Scheduling: Once your application is submitted, our team will schedule an appointment at the application centre for you to complete your biometric enrolment.

Cover Letter Preparation: Our expert solicitors will prepare a detailed cover letter that outlines how your application meets all the legal requirements for an unmarried partner visa, ensuring clarity for the Entry Clearance Officer.

Document Upload: Prior to your biometric enrolment, we will upload all necessary supporting documents to be considered for your unmarried partner visa application.

Ongoing Follow-Up: Our team will manage all follow-up communication with the authorities and keep you updated throughout the process until a decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO).

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

When it comes to handling your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application, there are several compelling reasons to select our expert family visa solicitors and immigration lawyers in London. Here are the key advantages of working with us:

Unmatched Legal Expertise: Our team of highly skilled family visa solicitors in London delivers exceptional legal services for unmarried partner visa entry clearance applications. The quality of our immigration legal services is reflected in our outstanding reputation, as demonstrated by a 5-star rating from 99% of clients on Google Reviews.

Convenient Remote Services: With the use of cutting-edge technology, our family visa solicitors and lawyers can manage your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to our London offices. While we welcome clients who prefer face-to-face consultations, our remote services are designed to save you both time and travel costs.

Available Every Day of the Week: We are committed to providing continuous support for unmarried partner visa applications, offering expert legal advice and representation seven days a week to ensure that your application is handled promptly and professionally.

Expert Handling by Qualified Immigration Solicitors: All work related to your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application is carried out by our highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors. Our team has in-depth knowledge of family visa law and extensive experience in managing unmarried partner visa applications, ensuring your case is in capable hands.

Expedited Visa Processing: Our skilled family visa solicitors can accelerate the processing of your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application by utilizing the fast track service. Whenever possible, we will submit your application through the Priority Visa Service to expedite the decision-making process.

Free Online Immigration Consultation: We offer a complimentary, one-time immigration consultation via our website inquiry form. This allows you to obtain initial advice on your unmarried partner visa entry clearance application at no cost.

Affordable Fixed Fees with Flexible Payment Plans: Our family visa solicitors offer affordable fixed fees for unmarried partner visa entry clearance applications, with the option to split the payment into two installments. You will pay half of the agreed fee when we begin working on your application, with the remaining balance due once your application is fully prepared and ready for submission to the UK Home Office (UKVI).

Additional Unmarried Partner Visa Services We Offer:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding entry clearance for the Unmarried Partner Visa for the UK: