Long-distance relationships are challenging for couples, especially when they live in different countries. The United Kingdom offers several pathways for foreign individuals to join their partners in the UK, for example, an unmarried partner visa. Whether your partner is a British citizen, a British resident, or someone with British refugee status, you can live together with your partner on this visa. In this article, we’ll introduce a complete guide to unmarried partner visa in UK, including its eligibility, requirements, application process, costs, and some common issues.
What is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is one type of family visa issued to long-term partners of those who have settled in the UK. It allows couples in committed relationships—but not legally married—to live together in the UK. The permitted stay lasts up to 33 months and is extendable.
Eligibility Requirements for Unmarried Partner Visa
To be eligible for the England partner visa, you must be a British or Irish citizen, a person with UK-settled status (such as leave to remain or other proof of permanent residency), a person with pre-settled status (i.e.), Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holders, or persons with refugee status or under UK humanitarian protection. Additionally, applicants must also satisfy the following requirements in terms of relationship, financial capabilities, language proficiency, and accommodation requirements.
Relationship Requirements
You and your partner must have been in a genuine and subsisting relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years. It can be proven by cohabitation, communication records, etc. Moreover, you will live together permanently after getting reunited in the UK. The evidence must be the last 4 years coming from a government department, bank, landlord, utility provider, or a medical professional.
Financial Requirements
You have to prove that you are capable of supporting your life in the UK instead of relying on public funds. The minimum combined income of you and your partner is £29,000 which includes income from paid employment, share dividends, cash savings above £16,000, pension, rentals, etc. If you add cash savings to supplement the financial requirements, you can calculate how much it can reduce the income requirement through the steps below.
- Calculate the average amount of savings over the last 6 months.
- Use the monthly savings to minus £16,000.
- Divide the figure by 2.5 (the duration of a UK partner visa).
That is to say, for example, if you have a total cash balance of £111,000, you just need to meet the annual income requirement of 28,000 as it can reduce your annual income requirement by £1,000.
The financial requirement policy might be complicated, if you are not sure about whether you are qualified for it, it is suggested to turn to a professional attorney.
English Language Requirements
To qualify for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must be proficient in speaking and reading in English, which can be proven by one of the following criteria.
- Academic Qualifications
It can be a degree or academic qualification that is conducted in English. If it is issued by a UK university or college, just a degree certificate is accepted. If it is issued by an educational institution outside the UK, an Ecctis certificate is required which serves as proof of equivalent degree to a UK bachelor’s level or higher and fulfillment in English. There are two forms of Ecctis certificates available, including Statement of Comparability and Statement of Comparability. The former is designed for universities or colleges in Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA while the latter for others.
- Approved English Test
First-time applicants must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR Level A1 or higher. The test must be from a UKVI-approved provider, such as IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College London.
- Exemptions
Applicants are exempted from the English knowledge requirement if they:
➢ are under 18 or over 65.
➢ are an adult requiring long-term care from a UK-based relative.
➢ have been living in the UK for 5+ years on a family visa and are extending your stay.
➢ are suffering a physical or mental condition that prevents them from getting a certificate.
➢ are from a majority-English-speaking country, such as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Ireland, or Caribbean nations.
Accommodation
You have to demonstrate that you and your partner have adequate housing in the UK. It is acceptable that the place is either owned or legally occupied by any of you. In this case, you will not apply for public funds.
Required Documents for Unmarried Partner Visa
According to the UK partner visa requirements, you have to submit several documents to prove your qualifications and identity. Here is a detailed checklist.
- Valid Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the UK and one blank page.
- Proof of your partner’s UK status, such as British passport, ILR, passport with UK visa stamp, etc.
- Proof of Relationship
➢ proof of cohabitation, such as a tenancy agreement, utility bills, council tax bills, bank statements from a joint bank account, one-off bills (i.e. doctor’s letter or home repair costs), voting registration, student finance paperwork; OR
➢ Regular communication records, such as photos showing shared experiences, text and social media messages, telephone bills, emails, etc.
➢ Written declarations from friends and family members affirming the nature of the relationship. These documents should include the writer’s relationship to the couple, how much he/she knows about the relationship and his/her valid contact information.
- Financial Evidence: payslips for the last 6 months, bank statements, or employment contracts, pension certificate, etc.
- English Proficiency Certificate: test results, degree, or academic transcripts.
How to Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
The British government launches an online portal for all visa affairs. To apply for an unmarried partner visa for UK, you have to file an application online and attend a biometrics appointment. Here is a specific step-by-step instruction.
Fill out the Application Form Online
Visit UK government’s official visa and immigration website and click on the “Apply Now” button to complete the online application form. First-time applicants must create an account by providing an email address and activating it. Then provide accurate and truthful details about your personal information, relationship status, financial situation, and other relevant information.
Gather Documentation
After completing the form, prepare and upload all necessary documents to prove your eligibility, including proof of relationship, financial capabilities, accommodation, and any other materials as required. Make sure all photocopies or scanned copies are authentic and legible.
Pay Visa Fees
Your application will not be processed until you fulfill payment. It should be paid online with a credit/debit card or through mobile payment on the visa application portal. The visa fee includes a processing fee and a healthcare surcharge. The amount depends on where you apply from, whether you choose a standard or priority processing service, and how old you are.
Book an Appointment to Submit Biometrics
You will be directed to an appointment booking system after paying the fees. Just choose a nearby visa application center and a proper date and time. An appointment confirmation will be sent to you by email. Remember to save it and bring it to the appointment.
Attend the Appointment
You have to visit the selected visa center as scheduled. It is suggested to arrive a few minutes later. The officer will capture your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) and have an interview with you. It aims to verify your circumstances and purpose of traveling. Just answer the questions honestly and concisely.
Wait for the Decision and Collect the Visa
The processing time varies and it typically takes 8–12 weeks when applying from outside the UK. Once your application is approved, the authority will inform you to pick up the passport with the visa form.
Unmarried Partner Visa UK Fees & Costs 2025
Besides the fixed application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) paid to the Home Office, applicants might need to pay extra service fees. Here is a detailed price list.
| Items | Application made outside the UK | Application made within the UK |
| Application fee | £1,846 | £1,258 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £3,105 | £2,587.50 |
| Priority service fees | Currently not available | £1,000 |
| Cost for adults who come to UK to be looked after | £3,250 | £1,258 |
| Cost for adults who come to UK to be looked after by person with temporary “protection status” | £404 | £1,258 |
| Translations (if applicable) | £0-300 (Depending on the number of documents and service providers) | £0-300 (Depending on the number of documents and service providers) |
| English language tests | £150 | £150 |
| Solicitor’s fee (if applicable) | approx. £435-3,000 | approx. £435-3,000 |
Unmarried Partner Visa Processing Time
According to the Home Office, if you apply from outside the UK, it currently takes 24 weeks to process your application. If you apply to switch to a UK partner visa or extend it, it takes about 8 weeks to deal with your application. If you pay for the Priority Service, you’ll typically receive a decision in 30 working days.
Switching to ILR/Indefinite Leave to Remain
It is possible to switch the England partner visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living continuously in the UK for 5 years. In addition, you should also satisfy the following requirements.
- You still have an ongoing relationship with your UK-based partner.
- You meet the financial requirements set by the authorities.
- You are legally domiciled in the UK.
- Your English language proficiency should reach at least B1 level.
- You have passed the Life in the UK test.
- You should have a good standing with no criminal records.
Unmarried Partner Visa Extension
An unmarried partner of a UK-based individual can stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months (33 months). After this period, you are allowed to extend it once and stay for another 2 years and 6 months (30 months). It is suggested to extend your visa a few weeks before it expires, which can be done on the UK government’s official visa and immigration website.
What If My Visa Is Refused?
If your UK visa application is refused, the authority will send you a letter explaining the reason and further action. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient cohabitation proof, financial shortfalls, unqualified visa photos, and so on. Depending on why you are rejected, you might file an appeal and modify the decision. It is necessary to read the letter carefully to learn about whether you can appeal the decision, how to appeal, and when is the deadline. If you are not allowed to submit an appeal, you may re-apply for it. In both cases, make sure to provide sufficient evidence and avoid the same mistake as first-time applications.
FAQs
Can you work on an unmarried partner visa?
Yes. UK Unmarried partner visa holders can work as full-time or part-time employees, freelancers, or start up a business.
Where do I apply for unmarried partner visa?
You can apply from outside the UK or switch from another UK visa.
What rights do unmarried partners have?
England partner visa holders can work or study in the UK and enjoy public healthcare or educational benefits.
Is a fiance visa England the same as England partner visa?
No. A fiance visa is issued for individuals who intend to come to the UK to marry while a partner visa is for married or unmarried partners.
Conclusion
UK unmarried partner visa creates an opportunity to reunite with your loved one. It might not be easy to a UK partner visa. After reading this article, you will be acquainted with whether you are qualified for it, what you should prepare, and how to apply for the visa.
Erin Lo