UK Unmarried & Common-Law Partner Visas
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is for applicants who have been in a common-law relationship with a British Citizen or Permanent Resident for a minimum of two years and who have amalgamated their financial affairs to a significant degree.
Awards and Accreditations
Definition of a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
A UK Partner Visa is a type of visa that allows a non-UK citizen to join their partner in the UK, provided they meet certain immigration status requirements. This visa is designed for individuals whose partners are UK citizens, settled in the UK, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection. Often referred to as a “family visa” or “partner visa,” it enables couples to live together in the UK, even if they are not legally married. This visa category includes various subtypes, such as the Unmarried Partner Visa, which caters to those in a common-law relationship.
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is for applicants who have been in a common-law relationship with a British Citizen or Permanent Resident for a minimum of two years and who have amalgamated their financial affairs to a significant degree. Common law partner sponsorship requires evidence of cohabitation and a commitment similar to marriage. Understanding the immigration process is crucial, as it involves providing thorough documentation and evidence of your relationship.
Benefits of a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
Obtaining a UK Partner Visa comes with several significant benefits. Additionally, obtaining this visa grants you certain legal rights, such as the ability to work and access public services in the UK. Firstly, it allows you to live and work in the UK alongside your partner, providing stability and the opportunity to build a life together. Additionally, you will have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), ensuring you receive necessary medical care. One of the most appealing advantages is the pathway to permanent residence; after five years of continuous residence in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Furthermore, the visa permits you to bring dependent children to the UK, ensuring your family remain united.
How Can Sterling Immigration Help With Your Unmarried Partner Visa?
Navigating immigration law can be daunting, especially when it comes to something as critical as an Unmarried Partner Visa. Engaging an immigration lawyer like those at Sterling Immigration can significantly enhance your chances of a successful application.
Here are some ways Sterling Immigration can assist with your Unmarried Partner Visa application:
- Expert Guidance: Sterling Immigration lawyers are experts in UK immigration law. We are familiar with the latest rules and regulations and can provide comprehensive advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
- Document Review: You need to submit the correct documentation to evidence your relationship and meet the various legal requirements. Sterling Immigration can review your documents to ensure they are sufficient and appropriately presented. It is crucial to provide comprehensive documentation for a common law sponsorship application to prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
- Application Completion: The application requires detailed information, and mistakes or omissions could lead to delays or even refusal. We can help you complete your sponsorship application accurately and avoid common pitfalls.
- Representation: If there are any complications or challenges with your application, your lawyer can correspond with UK Visas and Immigration on your behalf and represent you in any appeals if necessary.
- Application Tracking: Sterling Immigration can monitor the progress of your application and keep you informed, alleviating some of the stress and uncertainty of the process.
- Future Planning: Sterling Immigration can advise on longer-term considerations, such as visa extensions and applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
By leveraging our experience and expertise, you can navigate the Unmarried Partner Visa application process with greater confidence and peace of mind. Our goal is to enhance your chances of a successful outcome.
The Unmarried Partner Visa - an Overview
The Unmarried Partner Visa, also known as the De Facto Visa (or, for same-sex couples, the Same-Sex Partner Visa), permits the partner of a UK citizen or settled person to join them in the UK. Being legally married involves having a ceremony recognized by law, which differentiates it from common-law partnerships and other relationship types.
The primary criterion for this visa is that the unmarried couple must have lived together in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the application. The process also requires demonstrating proof of a genuine relationship, appropriate financial means, and suitable accommodation, among other things.
When granted, an Unmarried Partner Visa is usually valid for 33 months if applying from overseas or 30 months if applying from within the UK. After the initial period, you can extend your stay for another 30 months, taking your total time to five years. After five years, you can seek Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you still meet the key requirements.
Applying for an Unmarried Partner Visa can be complicated, as the Home Office frequently updates its rules. Any inaccuracies or omissions in the application could lead to its rejection, which is why legal advice is always recommended.
If successful, this visa will be valid for 6 months. Even if you are from a visa-exempt country you would still require this visa in order to get married in the UK. You must intend to marry during your visit to the UK and must demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK before the expiry of your visa.
Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements
Unmarried Partner Visas are subject to strict relationship requirements set by the Home Office. The criteria include:
- Both parties must be over the age of 18
- They must have met each other in person
- They must have no other ongoing relationships
- The relationship must be akin to a marriage
- Neither person may be related to the other in a prohibited way
Other requirements include:
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: You must provide comprehensive evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This may include shared financial responsibilities (e.g., joint bank accounts), correspondence addressed to both parties at the same address, joint ownership or rental of property, etc.
- Living Together: The cohabitation requirement states that you must have been living together ‘akin to a marriage or civil partnership’ for a qualifying period of at least two years before the visa application. You’ll need to provide joint leases, utility bills, bank statements, and similar documentation as evidence of cohabitation. Permanent residents can also sponsor their common-law partners if they meet the cohabitation requirement.
- English Language Proficiency: The partner seeking to live in the UK must be proficient in English. If you are from an English-speaking country like Canada, Australia, or the United States, you are exempt from this English language requirement, as your fluency will be assumed. However, additional information may be required if English is not your first language.
- Suitable Accommodation: You must have suitable accommodation available in the UK. It may not be overcrowded and must meet the standard of living set out in the Housing Act. (You will be required to submit a Housing Evaluation Report in support of your application.)
- Adequate Maintenance Funds: The British partner must have a certain income threshold to show they can support the applicant without recourse to public funds. As of 2025, the financial requirement is a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. The British sponsor must also commit to providing financial support for the applicant.
Accommodation Standards and Adequate Housing Evidence for UK Visa Approval
Ensuring that you have suitable accommodation in the UK is crucial for a successful Spouse Visa application.
Adequate Housing Evidence
To demonstrate suitable accommodation for the applicant and any dependents, various types of evidence are required. These may include:
- Property deeds,
- Mortgage documents,
- Tenancy agreements,
- Letters from landlords or family/friends,
- Utility bills,
- Housing report prepared by a Chartered Surveyor.
Overcoming Accommodation Obstacles
Failure to provide sufficient evidence of accommodation in the UK is a common reason for refusal of UK Spouse Visa applications. Potential issues with housing arrangements in the UK Spouse Visa application process can be addressed through various strategies. These may include obtaining additional documentation, seeking legal advice, and exploring alternative housing options.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa Processing Time
The Home Office’s standard processing time for Unmarried Partner Visa applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom is 60 business days.
Should you want to have your application for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa expedited, you can pay for the Priority or Super Priority Visa Service. You can expect your application to be finalized and a decision rendered within thirty business days.
How Long is a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Valid For?
If your application for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa from overseas is approved, your initial visa will be valid for 33 months.
Before your initial Unmarried Partner Visa expires, you must apply to UKVI to extend your stay. If your application for an extension of stay is approved, you will be granted further leave to remain in the UK for 30 months.
After living in the UK for five years as an unmarried partner, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Extending a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
To eventually obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence), you must lawfully reside in the UK for at least five years, which means that your initial UK Unmarried Partner Visa will have to be extended for another two-and-a-half-year period. To apply for this extension, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must remain in a committed relationship with your British sponsor and your relationship must remain genuine and subsisting.
- You must have lived with your partner in the UK for at least two years before the date of your application.
- You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirements.
- You must be able to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.
- You must meet the suitability requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa extension, including complying with UK immigration laws.
When applying for the extension, you will need to provide supporting documents, including your valid passport, evidence of your relationship, proof of your partner’s immigration status in the UK, and the visa application fee. Additionally, evidence of your relationship with your partner, such as photographs, shared bills or bank statements, and joint tenancy or mortgage agreements, is crucial.
During the application process, the UKVI may request an interview to verify your relationship with your partner. Being well-prepared, honest, and having all the necessary evidence on hand is essential for a successful interview.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
To qualify for permanent residence, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK on an Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet the following key eligibility criteria:
- Residency Period: You must have lived in the UK on a valid Unmarried Partner Visa for at least five years. This is the minimum continuous period of residence required to be eligible for ILR.
- Lawful Residence: Throughout your five-year residency period, you must have maintained lawful status and complied with all immigration rules and regulations.
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: You must provide evidence that your relationship with your British partner is genuine and subsisting. The UKVI will assess the authenticity of your relationship, looking for evidence such as joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and communication records.
- Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you and your British partner meet the financial requirements for ILR. This typically involves proving that you have enough income or savings to support yourselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- Language and Knowledge Test: As part of your ILR application, you must pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language proficiency requirements. This involves demonstrating your understanding of British life, history, and society as well as your ability to communicate in English.
- Good Character: You should have a clean criminal record, free of any criminal activities or immigration violations.
- Continuous Residence: It’s important to ensure that you have not spent long periods of time outside the UK during your five-year residency period. There are strict rules about absences, and prolonged time spent abroad may impact your eligibility for ILR.
As the ILR application process is a significant step towards settling permanently in the UK, it is recommended to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer to ensure that you meet all the criteria. After securing ILR, you can live in the United Kingdom permanently and then qualify for British Citizenship.
Do You Have Questions About the UK Unmarried Partner Visa Process?
The legal and evidential criteria for entering the UK as an unmarried partner have become increasingly stringent. With UK Unmarried Partner Visa appeal waiting times now exceeding a year, it is crucial to have a well-prepared application from the start to secure a successful outcome. Meeting the entry requirements which are specific to your situation and your country of origin or residence, is essential for a successful UK Unmarried Partner Visa application.
At Sterling Immigration, we are dedicated to facilitating a swift and seamless transition into the next exciting chapter of your family life, with minimal disruption and expense. Our experienced team will guide you through the extensive requirements of the Immigration Rules and Policy Guidance, particularly concerning the financial criteria. We understand the significance of meeting these standards and will work diligently to increase your chances of approval. For more information, please schedule a consultation today.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of UK immigration lawyers will handle your case promptly and diligently until you achieve the desired outcome. Your dedicated UK immigration attorney will provide you with an estimated processing period for your case and keep you informed through each stage of the UK visa process. To expedite the processing of your application, we will ensure that your forms are meticulously completed and that you provide sufficient supporting documentation.
However, please note that the UKVI processing time depends on several factors including the volume of cases the UKVI is receiving and whether there are any priority programs where UKVI gives precedence to applicants from war torn countries or countries affected by natural disasters.
We can offer a fast-track service if your application is time sensitive. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about this package and all the services provided by our immigration lawyers.
Hiring one of our qualified UK immigration attorneys can offer several benefits when applying for a visa. Here are some of the advantages:
- Expertise and Knowledge: Our UK immigration attorneys specialize in all aspects of UK immigration law and are well-versed in the complexities of the UK visa application process. They stay updated with the latest changes in immigration laws and regulations, ensuring that your application is accurate and compliant.
- Personalized Advice: Our immigration attorneys can assess your specific circumstances, understand your immigration goals, and provide tailored advice based on your situation. They can determine the most suitable visa category for you, explain the requirements, and help you gather the necessary supporting documents.
- Application Preparation: Immigration lawyers can assist you in completing and organizing your visa application. They have experience in preparing the necessary paperwork, filling out forms correctly, and ensuring that all required documentation is included. This can help reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to delays or a rejected application.
- Increased Approval Chances: With their expertise, our qualified UK immigration lawyers can identify any potential weaknesses or issues in your application and address them proactively. They can highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences effectively to demonstrate your eligibility for the visa. This can increase your chances of a successful application.
- Legal Representation: If your visa application is complex or encounters challenges, having one of our skilled immigration lawyers on your side can be invaluable. They can communicate with the UK Home Office or immigration authorities on your behalf, prepare detailed and persuasive legal submissions and provide guidance throughout the process.
Time and Stress Management: Navigating the UK visa application process can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements. By hiring one of our immigration lawyers, you can offload the paperwork, legal aspects, and administrative tasks to them, allowing you to focus on other important matters.
Our experienced UK immigration attorneys provide specialist legal advice and representation on all aspects of UK immigration law, to individuals and businesses. Our services can be classified as:
- Initial Immigration Consultations
- Immigration Application Preparation and Submission (Full Representation)
- Immigration Application Checking Service
- Sponsor License Applications and Corporate Immigration Services
Regardless of the service you require, you can be assured that you will have direct access to a specialist UK immigration lawyer who has an in-depth understanding of UK immigration law and procedure. Our flexible services are delivered professionally and are tailored to your individual situation. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about our cost-effective UK immigration solutions and the services provided by our immigration lawyers.
The UK-based partner must demonstrate that they have a certain minimum income to support the applicant without recourse to public funds. This could include:
- Employment income
- Self-employment income
- Income as a director of a limited company in the UK
- Rental income
- Dividends from shares
- Benefits (e.g., Disablement Allowance)
- Certain other sources of income
As of 2025, the financial requirement is a minimum gross annual income of £29,000.
The accommodation requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa state that the couple must have suitable accommodation available in the UK. ‘Suitable’ means that it has to meet certain conditions:
- Adequate Size: The property must have enough space for the couple and any dependents. The British Government refers to the ‘rooms standard’ and ‘space standard’ outlined in the Housing Act 1985 to assess this criterion.
- Free from Public Health Hazards: The property must be free from any health hazards, such as pests or mould.
- Permission to Reside: The couple must have permission to reside on the property. This might mean owning the property or having a lease if renting.
You will need to provide evidence of your adequate accommodation arrangements. Examples include a letter from a landlord, mortgage statements, a deed of ownership, or a rental agreement.
Yes, you can include dependents in your application for an Unmarried Partner Visa. Dependents usually refer to children under the age of 18. However, including them in your application will increase the financial requirement that you must meet.
In addition:
- Each dependent must have adequate accommodation in the UK and be adequately maintained without recourse to public funds.
- The dependent child may not be leading an independent life, be married or in a civil partnership, and/or have formed an independent family unit.
If you intend to bring dependents from a previous relationship with you, you should consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you meet these and other requirements.
If your initial application is refused, you do have options:
- Administrative Review: If your application is refused and you believe a caseworker error was the issue, you may be able to apply for an administrative review, which is a review of the decision by a different official at the Home Office. The request for administrative review must be made within 14 days (or seven days if you are detained) of receiving the decision.
- Appeal: Depending on your circumstances, you might have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). There are strict timelines and procedures for appealing, so you should act quickly if you wish to take this route.
- Reapplication: If you accept the grounds on which your initial application was refused, you can address these issues in a fresh application. For example, if you were denied because of insufficient documentation or not meeting the financial requirement, you could rectify these issues before reapplying.
At Sterling Immigration, we can help you understand why your application was refused and what the best course of action might be.
The legal and evidential requirements for entering the UK as an unmarried partner are becoming much tougher. With unmarried partner appeal waiting times increasing to over a year, your application needs to be well-prepared at the outset to help ensure a successful outcome.
At Sterling Immigration, we are committed to helping you start this exciting new chapter in your family life as quickly and smoothly as possible. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through any challenges, and help unite your family in the UK. For more information, please schedule a consultation today.
The Unmarried Partner Visa allows foreign nationals in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or permanent resident to live permanently in the UK. Whether you’re in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, this visa allows you to join your partner in the UK, even if you’re not technically married.
At Sterling Immigration, we offer a wide range of services and resources designed to help you navigate the visa application process. With our extensive knowledge and in-depth understanding of UK immigration laws and regulations, we can help to ensure that you meet the financial, maintenance and accommodation requirements, improving your chances of a successful application.