Unmarried Partner Visa 👇

🏢 1. What It Is The Unmarried Partner Visa is a part of the UK Family Visa route, designed for individuals in a long-term, committed relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. It is for couples who are not married or in a civil partnership but have a relationship akin to marriage.

Like the Spouse Visa, it is a direct path to settlement. The visa is initially granted for 2.5 years, and after residing in the UK for a total of five years, the holder can typically apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

📜 2. Who Can Apply An individual can apply for this visa if they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with a qualifying UK partner. The key eligibility criteria are:

• The couple must prove they have been in a relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying.
• Both partners must be over 18 and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Any previous long-term relationships of either partner must have permanently ended.
• While cohabitation (living together) is strong evidence, recent rule changes mean couples who have lived apart for good reasons (e.g., work, study, or cultural reasons) can still apply by providing other strong evidence of their committed relationship.
•  

🔑 3. Key Requirements The requirements for the Unmarried Partner Visa are very strict and similar to the Spouse Visa. The main criteria are:

• Proof of Relationship: This is the most critical part. The couple must provide substantial evidence that their relationship has been genuine and subsisting for at least two years. This can include evidence of cohabitation (like joint tenancy agreements or bills), communication logs, photos, and evidence of shared finances.
• Financial Requirement: The UK-based partner (sponsor) must meet a minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year. This must be proven through specific sources like employment, self-employment, or cash savings.
• English Language Requirement: For the initial application, the applicant must pass a secure English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of CEFR Level A1.
• Adequate Accommodation: The couple must demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation available for themselves in the UK without needing to rely on public funds.