UK Unmarried Partner Visa

If you are in a relationship with a foreign citizen and you want them to come to the UK so you can live together, they might be eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK.

To receive assistance with the visa application, call our lawyers today on 0333 331 4272.

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    What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

    The UK Unmarried Partner Visa, also called the UK de facto visa, falls under the family visa category. It allows non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals to come to the UK to live with their partner. Both heterosexual and homosexual couples can qualify for this route.

    To be able to receive the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, applicants have to prove that they are in a genuine and committed relationship with a British citizen, a person who has Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the UK, or someone who is under humanitarian protection there.

    You and your partner also have to intend to live together in the UK on a long-term basis. To be able to do so, you have to have adequate accommodation in the UK.

    The validity of the UK Unmarried Partner Visa varies depending on where the foreign partner is applying from. Those who apply for it while being in the UK receive the visa for 30 months. Those who apply from abroad get the visa for 33 months.

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    What are the requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

    In addition to being able to prove that your relationship is authentic, you and your foreign partner have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be able to prove that any previous relationships you were in have ended
    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Be able to prove that the person who is in the UK has full British citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain, or refugee status in the UK
    • Have been in a relationship for at least two years
    • Have been living together for at least two years at the time of applying
    • Be able to prove that you intend to live together after the foreign citizen arrives in the UK
    • Have accommodation suitable for a couple and any dependents
    • Be able to demonstrate that the non-EEA applicant has a good command of the English language
    • Be able to support yourselves financially as a couple without relying on public funds.

    As part of your application for the Unmarried Partner Visa, you will have to submit extensive evidence proving that you meet these requirements.

    What are the financial requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

    Being able to financially support yourselves after the non-EEA partner arrives in the UK is an important requirement for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa. To be eligible for the visa, you have to meet the following financial requirements of a minimum income threshold:

    • £18,600 – the minimum threshold that those living in the UK need to meet for their foreign partner to be able to join them
    • £3,800 – additional amount for the first dependent child also coming to the UK with the foreign partner
    • £2,400 – an additional amount for any other dependent child after the first one also coming to the UK.

    If your annual income does not meet the minimum threshold, you can also use a combination of other sources, which include:

    • Cash savings
    • Income from renting a property
    • Self-employed income
    • Trust funds
    • Maternity, paternity, or sick pay
    • Pension.

    Those who are under humanitarian protection in the UK or live there with refugee status are exempt from this requirement.

    How long is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa valid for?

    The validity of the UK Unmarried visa varies depending on where the applicant is located. If the foreign citizen submits their application from overseas, they will receive the visa for a period of 33 months. If they apply from within the UK, however, their visa will be valid for 30 months.

    Those who wish to stay in the UK longer can apply for an extension of additional 30 months before their initial visa expires. To be able to receive the extension, applicants have to meet the same eligibility and financial requirements as before.

    The UK Unmarried Partner Visa can be a step towards Indefinite Leave to Remain and permanent immigration. After spending 30 months in the country on top of the initial validity of the visa, its holders will reach the 5-year requirement, which allows them to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

    How to apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa?

    The first step of the application for the Unmarried Partner Visa is to submit an online form available on the application website of the Home Office. There, applicants also need to submit the required supporting documents that prove their eligibility for the visa. After that, it is necessary to schedule and attend a biometrics appointment in person.

    Applicants can expect to receive the decision regarding their application within 12 weeks of submitting it. If their application is urgent, they can use the priority visa service. Then the application will be processed within 30 working days.

    The waiting time for the Unmarried Partner Visa can be longer if applicants fail to include some of the required documents. Hiring an immigration lawyer can help you avoid such delays.

    Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa. Contact us

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      How much does the Unmarried Partner Visa cost?

      The application fee for the Unmarried Partner Visa varies depending on where the applicants submit their applications from. Those who make an application from outside the UK have to pay £1,538. Those who apply from within the UK, however, have to pay £1,048.

      In addition to that, if the foreign partner is coming to the UK with dependent children, the fee for each of them is either £1,538 or £1,048 depending on whether they are applying from inside the UK or abroad.

      If the foreign applicant is bringing adult dependents who need to be looked after by them, the fee is £1,048 for applications made from the UK. Nevertheless, those who submit the application from a different country have to pay £3,250.

      How can Total Law help?

      Understanding the requirements for UK visas, including the Unmarried Partner Visa can be challenging. Our lawyers can help you determine whether you and your non-EEA partner meet the eligibility criteria for the Unmarried Partner Visa and can help you apply.

      If you hire one of our highly-qualified lawyers, you will have access to professional support during each step of the application process. They will be around to answer all your questions and clear any doubts you might have. Thanks to their help, you can be sure that the supporting documents you submitted are sufficient and that the application form has been filed properly.

      A common reason for applications for the Unmarried Partner Visa being rejected is applicants not being able to prove that their relationship is genuine. Our lawyers can help you prepare enough evidence to avoid that.

      Call us today on 0333 363 8577 to find out more about how we can help.

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                Frequently Asked Questions

                If your foreign partner’s application for the Unmarried Partner Visa is successful, they will be able to work and study in the UK. They will be able to start looking for employment and working immediately after they receive their visa.

                All foreign citizens who want to come to the UK to join their partner have to prove that they understand English and can speak it. The minimum required level of English is A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To demonstrate that they have it, applicants have to submit evidence showing that they completed an English language test.

                Those applying for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa can also make an application for their dependents to enter the country with them. You have to submit the application for your dependents at the same time as your own application.

                Keep in mind, however, that bringing dependents comes with additional financial requirements and extra costs.

                If your application for the Unmarried Partner Visa is unsuccessful, you can appeal the decision. You have 14 days to do it if you submitted the application from within the UK and 28 days if you applied from abroad.

                You have to state the reason why the decision was not the right one and your application should be approved. You also have to prepare supporting documents that prove your argument.

                First, you have to submit the appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal. Then, if your application is still not approved, you can apply to the Upper Tribunal.

                You should seek advice from an immigration lawyer before undertaking steps to appeal the initial decision regarding your visa.