UK Unmarried Partner Visa

UK Unmarried Partner Visa: Your Guide

The UK Unmarried Partner visa allows individuals in a long-term, genuine, and subsisting relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live together in the UK. This visa provides a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, financial requirements, application process, and visa conditions, including the April 2024 financial threshold increase and differences between applying inside vs outside the UK.

Who Can Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

To be eligible for the UK Unmarried Partner visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Relationship Requirement:
- You must have been living together in a relationship like marriage for at least two years.
- You should provide documented proof of cohabitation, such as joint tenancy agreements, bills, or correspondence spanning the two years.
- Your partner must be a British citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), refugee status, or pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Accommodation Requirement:
- You must have suitable accommodation that will not be overcrowded or in breach of public health regulations.
English Language Requirement:
- If applying outside the UK, the required level is A1 (beginner level).
- If applying inside the UK (for an extension or switching), the required level is A2 (higher level).
- Ways to meet this requirement:
  - Passing an approved English language test.
  - Holding a degree taught or researched in English.
  - Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
- Exemptions apply if you:
  - Are aged 65 or over.
  - Have a disability or exceptional circumstances preventing you from meeting the requirement.

Financial Requirement (Updated April 2024):
- You and/or your partner must meet the £29,000 per year income threshold.
- The way income is calculated depends on where you apply from:
  - Applying outside the UK: Only the British/settled partner’s income can be used.
  - Applying inside the UK: The applicant and their partner’s income can be combined.
- Savings can be used to supplement or fully meet the financial requirement (see table below).

The financial requirement can be met through employment income, self-employment, pensions, or savings. If you are relying entirely on savings, you must hold a minimum of £88,500 for at least six months before applying.

Income Level	Shortfall	Formula	Total Savings Required
£29,000 or more	£0	Not applicable	No additional savings needed
£20,000	£9,000	£16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000)	£38,500
£0 (fully relying on savings)	£29,000	£16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000)	£88,500

How to Apply for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Proof of relationship (e.g., tenancy agreements, joint bank statements).
Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, savings documentation).
Accommodation details.
English language certificate (if required).

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

Apply via the UK government website.
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Upload supporting documents.

Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment

If applying outside the UK, attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
If applying inside the UK, book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre.

Step 4: Await a Decision

Standard processing time: 12 weeks.
Priority processing available for an additional fee.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa can be complex, especially with increased financial requirements and documentation rules. Immtell provides expert guidance and support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and meets all Home Office requirements.

We assist with: