Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)

Discover how to apply for an extension of unmarried partner visa using the Super Priority Service in our comprehensive guide. We can help you apply for an extension of an unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route from within the UK, using the Super Priority Service.

The Unmarried Partner visa extension is an important step for non-UK nationals who have already been granted leave to remain in the UK based on their relationship with a British citizen or settled person. At Deluxe Law Chambers, we specialise in providing detailed legal support for extending your visa under the 10-year or 5-year partner route. You will need to use the FLR (M) application form to apply for your unmarried partner visa extension.

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What is the Unmarried Partner Visa Extension?

An Unmarried Partner visa extension allows individuals to continue residing in the UK with their British or settled partner after the expiry of their initial 30 or 33-month leave. This visa is granted under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and requires you to demonstrate the continued genuineness and subsistence of your relationship.

Our Expert Unmarried Partner Visa Solicitors

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our expert team of uk unmarried partner visa solicitors in London & Manchester specialise in handling applications for the extension of unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route.

Our dedicated team offers fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration services tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether you need legal assistance in preparing your documents, satisfying the relationship or financial requirements, or ensuring compliance with the latest changes to Appendix FM, our solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.

We invite you to ask a question to our expert unmarried partner visa solicitors for free initial immigration advice, or submit an online request to book a detailed consultation with our specialist solicitors regarding your application for extension or renewal of your unmarried partner visa under the 5-year route.

Your future in the UK matters—contact Deluxe Law Chambers today for trusted legal support and high-quality immigration representation.

Free Advice For Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa

Our specialist team of family visa solicitors at Deluxe Law Chambers offers one-off free immigration advice online for those applying to extend their unmarried partner visa applications.

Eligibility Criteria for Extension of Unmarried Partner Visa

To qualify for an extension, applicants must satisfy a series of strict requirements. These include:

1. Relationship Requirements

• You must continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner.
• You must have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the initial application, and continue to cohabit.
• Your partner must be:
  • A British citizen, or
  • Settled in the UK (holding ILR, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or permanent residence), or
  • In the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.

2. Financial Requirements

• For the 5-year route, you must meet the minimum income threshold of:
  • £18,600 per year (for the applicant alone) if the initial application was granted before 11 April 2024,
  • £29,000 per year if the initial application was granted after 11 April 2024.
• Income can be derived from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination.

3. English Language Requirement

• You must demonstrate A2 level English proficiency, unless exempt (e.g., age, disability, or country of origin).
• This can be proven through:
  • A UKVI-approved English test, or
  • A degree taught in English, or
  • Nationality of an English-speaking country.

4. Suitability Requirements

• Applicants must not fall foul of general grounds of refusal, such as criminal convictions, immigration breaches, or deception.

Documents Required for an Unmarried Partner Visa Extension

The following key documents must be provided to support your application:

• Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) of the applicant.
• Evidence of cohabitation over the last 2.5 years (utility bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements, etc.).
• Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, employer letters).
• English language test certificate or proof of exemption.
• Any previous immigration correspondence or decisions.

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship – How to Prove It

UKVI requires applicants to demonstrate that their relationship is not only genuine but also ongoing and durable. Acceptable forms of evidence include:

• Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements.
• Council tax bills and utility statements in both names.
• Joint bank accounts or individual statements addressed to the same residence.
• Photographs, travel itineraries, letters from family/friends, and social media evidence.
• Birth certificates of children, if any, born during the relationship.

Application Process for Extending Unmarried Partner Visa

1. Submit the Online Application (Form FLR(M))

The correct form to use is FLR(M), available on the official UK government website. This form is for those extending their visa on the basis of their relationship with a partner in the UK.

2. Pay the Fees

• Home Office application fee: £1,048
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£2,587.50 for 2.5 years)
• Optional priority service: £500 (for faster processing)

3. Biometric Appointment

After submission, you must book a biometric appointment via UKVCAS to enrol fingerprints and provide photographs.

4. Await a Decision

Standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. Priority applications can be decided within 24 hours.

Super Priority Service (Decision Within 24 Hours) For Renewal Of Unmarried Partner Visa

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our expert immigration solicitors in London & Manchester are registered with the Home Office UKVI and TLS Contact Centre to offer Super Priority Service (SPS) for unmarried partner visa extension applications. With SPS, you can get a decision within 24 hours of your biometric appointment.

Our specialist solicitors will prepare and submit your application through this fast-track service, helping you avoid long delays and secure your unmarried partner visa renewal quickly and efficiently.

Unmarried Partner Visa Extension on the 10-Year Route

Applicants who cannot meet the financial or English language requirements may still qualify under the 10-year route based on human rights grounds.

This typically applies to:

• Those with British children.
• Applicants with insurmountable obstacles to family life outside the UK.
• Partners of disabled British citizens who depend on them for daily care.

In such cases, the applicant must provide a comprehensive Article 8 ECHR argument, highlighting the disproportionate impact of removal or separation.

Switching from 10-Year to 5-Year Partner Route

It is possible to switch back to the 5-year route if you later meet all the criteria, especially financial and English language requirements. This is advantageous because:

• You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) sooner.
• The 10-year route requires four extensions (every 30 months), whereas the 5-year route needs only two before ILR.

Indefinite Leave to Remain After Unmarried Partner Visa Extension

After 5 years (on the 5-year route) or 10 years (on the 10-year route), applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided:

• They meet the continuous residence requirement.
• They pass the Life in the UK Test.
• They meet the B1 English requirement (if not already met).

ILR grants permanent settlement, after which applicants can live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Refusals often stem from:

• Insufficient cohabitation evidence.
• Failure to meet financial or English language requirements.
• Lack of supporting documentation.
• Gaps in residency or overstaying.
• Doubts regarding the genuineness of the relationship.

It is critical to prepare the application thoroughly with all required evidence. Seeking professional legal advice can greatly improve success rates.

How Deluxe Law Chambers Can Help

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we provide tailored legal representation for all types of partner visa extensions. Our immigration solicitors:

• Offer a comprehensive document checklist.
• Assist in drafting detailed legal representations.
• Handle complex 10-year route and human rights applications.
• Provide urgent and priority application support.
• Represent you in case of refusal or appeal.

We pride ourselves on a high success rate and an empathetic approach to clients who entrust us with safeguarding their family life in the UK.

Our Fixed Fees For Extension Of Unmarried Partner Visa (5 Years Route)

Our fixed fees for extension / renewal of unmarried partner visa (5 years route) from inside the UK are as given in the fee table below:

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.

✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.

✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.

✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.

✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.

✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.

✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

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