Unmarried Partner Visa UK

The Unmarried Partner Visa—also referred to as the Spouse Visa or Appendix FM Partner Visa—allows the long-term partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

The high quality of unmarried partner visa application services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our unmarried partner visa lawyers are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In this guide, we set out the rules and requirements for the unmarried partner visa, with tips on how to approach your application to give you the best chance of being granted a visa.

Apply for Unmarried Partner Visa UK

If you wish to come to the UK to live with your unmarried partner, you must apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you get an unmarried partner visa.

The Unmarried Partner visa commonly known as the ‘Defacto visa’ allows the unmarried partner to enter and remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

Who is eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa?

To be eligible for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, both partners must meet the UK Unmarried Partner Visa requirements set by the Home Office. These requirements fall into several key areas:

1. Relationship Requirement

The core requirement is proving the genuine and subsisting nature of your relationship, along with evidence of a relationship similar to marriage for the past 2 years. To meet this, applicants must show:

• They have been in a relationship which is similar to marriage for at least 24 months.
• The relationship is exclusive, genuine, and ongoing.
• Both partners intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Evidence may include:

• Evidence of visit each other and living where possible
• Shared utility bills or bank statements
• Photographs, correspondence, or travel itineraries

2. Immigration Status of the Sponsor

The UK-based partner must be one of the following:

• A British citizen
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Someone with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

If your partner is on a temporary visa (e.g., student or skilled worker), you may not be eligible for this visa category.

3. Financial Requirement

To ensure the applicant will not become a burden on public funds, the sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold, which currently stands at £29,000 per year:

Income can be from:

• Employment or self-employment
• Pension or savings (over £16,000)
• Non-employment income (e.g., property rental)

Combining different sources is possible, and the rules for self-employed sponsors vary, requiring more detailed documentation.

4. English Language Requirement

The applicant must demonstrate a basic level of English (at least CEFR level A1) unless exempt due to age, disability, or being from a majority English-speaking country.

This can be proven by:

• Passing an approved English language test
• Holding a degree taught in English
• Nationality from a designated country such as the USA, Canada, or Australia

5. Accommodation Requirement

The couple must show that they have adequate accommodation in the UK that:

• Is not overcrowded
• Meets public health standards
• Will be available for the couple without reliance on public funds

Required Documents for the Unmarried Partner Visa

To build a strong application, you’ll need to provide a well-documented portfolio that demonstrates all aspects of eligibility. Key documents include:

• Passports and biometric details
• Evidence of relationship over 2 years (bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements)
• Payslips and bank statements to prove income
• Accommodation documents (rental agreements or property ownership)
• English language certificate
• A detailed cover letter explaining the relationship history and intent to live in the UK

All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.

Duration and Conditions of Stay

Once granted, the Unmarried Partner Visa is typically issued for 33 months if applied from outside the UK, or 30 months if switching from within the UK.

Key conditions include:

• Permission to work and study without restriction
• No access to public funds
• Requirement to extend the visa before expiry, and ultimately, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on the family route

Switching to the Unmarried Partner Visa from Within the UK

You can switch to the Unmarried Partner Visa from a different visa category, provided you are not in the UK on a:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term student visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Parent of a child student visa

Switching requires meeting all the standard eligibility criteria and submitting a fresh application with supporting evidence.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Avoiding refusal is crucial. The most common reasons applications are denied include:

• Insufficient evidence of relationship
• Not meeting the financial threshold
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Failure to meet the English language requirement
• Adverse immigration history

Using a professional immigration solicitor can significantly increase your chances of success by ensuring your application is thorough, accurate, and strategically presented.

unmarried partner visa UK financial requirement

As of May 2025, the financial requirement for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa is £29,000.

Unmarried Partner Visa Under 5-Year Route

You can apply for an unmarried partner visa under a 5-year route if you meet all the requirements under Appendix FM. The requirements for a UK unmarried partner visa are the same as spouse visa, except that you do not need to get married and you must have lived two years together as an unmarried partner.

The UK Unmarried Partner visa applies to both heterosexual and same-sex relationships, provided that you can prove that your relationship is subsisting and has been in existence for two or more years.

Supporting documents for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK

When applying for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK, it is crucial to provide the correct and comprehensive supporting documents to prove the eligibility of the relationship. These documents serve as evidence of the genuineness and subsistence of the relationship. Some of the essential documents include proof of cohabitation, such as tenancy agreements or joint utility bills, evidence of joint financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts or shared debts, and proof of the nature of the relationship, such as photographs together or letters from friends and family. It is important to ensure that these documents are up to date, correctly translated if not in English, and meet the specific requirements outlined by the Home Office.

Need Help With Unmarried Partner Visa UK

It is important to note that the application process for this visa can be complex and time-consuming. Applicants must provide extensive evidence of their relationship and meet stringent requirements to be considered for a visa. Working with an experienced immigration solicitor can help ensure a successful outcome. You can contact us for free advice on an unmarried partner visa.

Do we need to meet face-to-face for an unmarried partner visa?

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa relationship requirement has various factors:

• You and your partner must have met in person and the relationship is genuine and subsisting;
• You and your partner must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years;
• You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK;
• Any previous relationship must have broken down permanently.

The application process for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK

The application process for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK involves several steps. Firstly, the applicant needs to complete the online application form, providing accurate and detailed information about themselves and their partner. After submitting the application, the applicant will be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide their fingerprints and photographs.

Following this, the applicant will need to submit their supporting documents, which should be carefully organized and clearly labeled. It is crucial to ensure that all documents are included and meet the specified requirements. Finally, the applicant will need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. It is important to keep track of the application progress and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification.

How much does an unmarried partner visa cost?

The Home Office fee for an unmarried partner visa is £1,321 to apply from inside the UK and £1,938 from outside the UK. On top of this, you will have to pay for an immigration health surcharge, which is £1035 a year.

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

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