What is a UK Civil Partnership Visa?
The UK Civil Partnership Visa is a type of settlement visa designed for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership with a UK citizen, someone holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Pre-settled/Settled Status in the UK. This visa category allows the visa holder to live, work and study in the UK, providing an opportunity for long-term settlement.
To qualify for a UK Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Sponsor: Your civil partner must act as your sponsor and they will need to be a UK citizen or someone holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Pre-settled/Settled Status in the UK.
- Age: Both the applicant and sponsor in the civil partnership must be at least 18 years old.
- Relationship: The applicant must be in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership with their sponsor.
- Financial Requirement: The sponsor must meet the financial requirement, which requires a minimum income of £18,600 or more if their are dependent children. Income can be from employment or self-employment, while savings can also be used to satisfy this requirement.
- English Language Requirement: The applicant must prove they can read, write, speak and understand English. This can be demonstrated through an English language test, holding a degree taught in English or citizenship of an English speaking country.
- Accommodation: The applicant and sponsor must have adequate accommodation in the UK
- Intent to Live Together: The couple must plan to live together permanently in the UK
- Health: Some applicants may need to provide medical documentation.
To obtain a UK Civil Partnership Visa, applicants need to fill out an online form, pay the visa fee, attend a biometric appointment, and submit supporting documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The time it takes to process the visa varies. Standard processing times are up to 12 weeks for overseas applicants and 8 weeks for those applying within the UK. Applicants can also opt for priority services, which offer faster decisions, with processing times ranging from 6 weeks for overseas applications to 1 working day for applications within the UK.
Once granted, the Civil Partnership Visa is valid for an initial period of 30 months. If the applicant applied from outside the UK, the visa is valid for 33 months. After this period, the visa holder can apply for an extension, which is also valid for 30 months. If the applicant has continuously resided in the UK for five years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship.
In summary, the UK Civil Partnership Visa allows non-EEA nationals to reunite with their civil partner in the UK and enjoy living, working, and studying there. By meeting the eligibility requirements and successfully completing the application process, couples can build a life together in the UK and work towards long-term settlement and citizenship.
Application Process for a UK Civil Partnership Visa
The application process for a UK Civil Partnership Visa can be complex and sometimes confusing. Our easy to understand guide below, provides a step-by-step approach, so that you can successfully navigate this process and maximise your chances of obtaining your visa approval.
The application process is as follows:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all of the required documents to support your application. These documents will include proof of your civil partnership, relationship, finances, English proficiency and future accommodation.
- Complete and submit the Online Application Form: You will need to submit the FLR(M) for UK based applications and the VAF4A form for overseas applications. It’s important to ensure all information is correct and consistent with your supporting documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge: You’ll need to pay both the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge after you’ve completed the application form. The appropriate visa fee is £1,538 for applications made outside the UK and £1,048 for those made within the UK. In additional, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). If available and selected, you can also pay the additional fee for the Priority Service to receive a faster decision at this point. The fee is £573 for applications outside the UK and £800 for those made inside the UK.
- Submit the Supporting Documents: Before attending a biometric appointment, you’ll need to upload an electronic PDF of your supporting documents. This can be done via the UKVI website.
- Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment: As part of the application process you’ll need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints, signature, and digital photograph). This is done during an appointment at a local visa application centre with the appointment scheduled as part of the online application process.
- Wait for a Decision on Your Application: Processing times for a UK Civil Partnership Visas can vary depending on the country of application and the type of service selected (standard or priority). For applications made in the UK, expect a processing time of up to 8 weeks for the standard service or 5 working days for the priority service. For applications outside the UK, standard service processing times are up to 12 weeks or more, while the priority service typically provides a decision within 6 weeks (30 working days).
- If you applied outside the UK: If your application is approved, collect your visa from your local visa application centre. You must then travel to the UK within 90 to live with your civil partner.
- If you applied in the UK: You will receive a decision email and if approved, your new BRP Visa ID card by secure mail within 10 working days of the approval.
It’s really important to thoroughly prepare for your UK Civil Partnership Visa application. The absence of information or documents is likely to lead to a refusal, even if it was only an oversight.
UK Civil Partnership Visa Processing and Decision Waiting Times
The processing and decision waiting times for UK Civil Partnership Visas can be impacted by several different factors. These include the country of application, the service selected, and the complexity of the application. By understanding these different factors, applicants can better prepare for the visa application process and set realistic expectations about when their visa application will be processed.
When submitting your application, it’s normally possible to choose between a number of different services. These vary from country to country, so you’ll need to check whether the service is available in your country of application.
The different services are as follows:
- Standard Processing Service: The standard processing service is the default option for all applications and the processing time tends to be aligned with the published times by the UK Visa and Immigration office (UKVI). The standard processing time for a UK Civil Partnership Visa application currently ranges from 8 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the specific country of application and the visa application centre. Some applications will take longer if there are missing documents or if UKVI requires further information.
- Priority Service: The Priority Settlement Service is available at an additional cost from most application centres. It’s a service that’s suitable for applicants who want a quicker turnaround on an application and certainty on when an application will be assessed. The service typically provides a decision within 30 working days for overseas applications and within 5 working days inside the UK.
- Super Priority Service: In a few locations an additional premium Super Priority Service is available. This services aims to provide a decision within 24 hours, although this is subject to full verification of the whole application. It’s important to note this service is considerably more expensive and doesn’t guarantee an approval, although it is the quickest way for your application to be assessed.
Aside from the type of service used, there’s a number of other factors that can impact the processing time for a UK Civil Partnership application. These include:
- Country of Application: Processing times vary from country to country and the workload of the specific visa application centre.
- Completeness of Application: Incomplete applications or applications with missing documents may suffer delays or worse, refusal. Ensure you submit a complete and consistent application, including all the necessary documentation.
- Additional Checks: In some instances, the UKVI may request additional information or conduct additional checks on certain aspects of an application.
- Peak Application Periods: Processing times can fluctuate throughout the year with holiday seasons or times of higher demand impacting processing times at visa application centres.
To ensure the smoothest possible UK Civil Partnership Visa application process, it’s crucial to:
- Begin the process early and collect all necessary documents well in advance.
- Ensure the application form is completed accurately and you provide consistent information.
- Select the appropriate service to match your timescales (standard, priority, or super-priority).
- Prepare yourself and your travel plans for potential delays. It’s a stressful process without creating additional worries with unrealistic expectations.
By addressing each of these factors you can minimise the processing time for your visa application.
What are the eligibility requirements to secure a UK Civil Partnership Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria to join their civil partner in the United Kingdom. By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, applicants can enhance their chances of obtaining a UK Civil Partnership Visa.
Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Age: Both the applicant and the sponsoring civil partner must be at 18 years old at the time of application.
- Relationship: The applicant must be in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain, or someone with settled status in the UK. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
- The Appendix FM Financial Requirement: The UK-based sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per annum to support the applicant without relying on public funds. This threshold increases if the application includes dependent children. The income threshold increases to £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each additional child. Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these all sources.
- English Language Requirement: In order to obtain an initial Civil Partnership Visa, the applicant must demonstrate their English language proficiency by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or higher. Alternatively, they can provide proof of having completed a degree taught in English that is recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. If the applicant comes from one of the majority-English-speaking countries on the UKVI’s list, their passport will satisfy this requirement. To qualify for a Civil Partnership Visa extension, the applicant must meet a minimum level of A2 proficiency. To obtain an ILR Visa or British citizenship, the required level increases to a minimum of B1 proficiency..
- Suitable Accommodation in the UK: The applicant and sponsor must also have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets the “adequate” standard defined by UK housing regulations, and both parties must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: Evidence demonstrating that the applicant’s relationship with their UK-based civil partner is genuine and continuing must be provided. This may consist of records of visits, communication, shared finances, joint ownership of property or rental agreements, as well as photographs or travel records that document time spent together.
- Previous relationship Breakdown: In case the applicant or their UK-based civil partner has been previously married or in a civil partnership, they are required to present evidence that the previous relationship has been legally terminated, such as a divorce decree or an annulment certificate.
- The Sponsor’s Immigration Status in the UK: The UK-based civil partner must have British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or EU Pre-settled/Settled Status in the UK.
- Health: Applicants from some countries may need to provide medical documentation such as a Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate.
To enhance the likelihood of securing a UK Civil Partnership Visa and being able to reside, work, and study in the UK with their civil partner, applicants must carefully examine the eligibility criteria and collect the required documents to support their application. By fulfilling these conditions and presenting precise and reliable information, applicants can heighten their chances of obtaining the visa.
The UK Civil Partnership Visa Application Fee and how much the Process will Cost you
Before commencing the application process for a UK Civil Partnership Visa, it is crucial for applicants to acquaint themselves with the various fees and expenses involved. Familiarizing yourself with these costs can aid in proper budgeting and facilitate a hassle-free application process. To assist in this regard, we’ve provided below a detailed breakdown of the all application fees and associated expenses.
- Application Fee: The UK Civil Partnership Visa application fee is £1,538 if you’re applying from outside the UK and £1,048 if you’re applying from within the UK. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK. The cost of the IHS fee is £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children. Since the initial Civil Partnership Visa issued in the UK is valid for 2.5 years, the total cost for an adult and child comes to £1,560 and £1,175, respectively. For applicants who apply outside the UK, the visa length is rounded up to 3 years, including the 2.5 years Spouse Visa and 90 days for the Entry Clearance Visa in the passport. The total IHS cost is £1,872 for an adult and £1,410 per child applying. It is important for applicants to keep in mind the IHS fee and plan accordingly for the additional expense.
- English Language Test: In order to fulfill the visa requirements, if an English language test is needed, you will be responsible for paying the corresponding test fee, which can vary from £50 to £250 depending on the test provider and location. Additionally, if you plan to use a degree certificate from a university outside of the UK, you will be required to pay for Comparability and/or English Proficiency Statements from ECCTIS, which may cost between £140 to £210 (prices subject to change)..
- Biometric Enrolment Fee: When you submit your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at a visa application centre, there may be a fee charged. The cost of this fee depends on the location and country but generally ranges from £100 to £200.
- Document Translation: To meet the visa application requirements, applicants must provide certified translations for any supporting documents that are not in English or Welsh. The cost of translation services varies depending on the language, length of the document, and the service provider chosen.
- Priority Service (Optional): You can accelerate your application process by selecting the Priority Service, which incurs an extra charge. For applications submitted outside the UK, the Priority Settlement Service costs £573, while for applications made within the UK, the Priority Service costs £800. It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to the standard application fee and do not guarantee a successful outcome.
- Professional Advice – Immigration Consultancy Fees (Optional): You have the option to consult an immigration adviser or solicitor to seek professional advice. The fees charged by these professionals may vary depending on the complexity of your case and their level of expertise. Although it is not mandatory, seeking professional advice can help ensure that your application is accurate and complete. If you are interested in consulting with one of First Migration’s OISC-registered immigration consultants, who specialize in securing UK Civil Partnership Visa approvals, you can use the contact form on this page to provide your details for a call back. They will promptly provide you with a detailed quote for their consultancy services.
In summary, the mandatory fees for a UK Spouse Visa application are as follows:
- Application Fee: £1,523 (outside the UK) or £1,033 (within the UK)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,560 for adults and £1,175 per child (applying in the UK) or £1,872 for adults and £1,410 per child (applying outside the UK)
Additional costs may include:
- English Language Test Fee: £50 – £250
- ECCTIS Statements (if using your degree certificate to satisfy English instead of an English test): £140 – £210
- Biometric Enrolment Fee: £100 – £200
- Document Translation Fees: Vary
- Priority Service (Optional): £573 (outside the UK) or £800 (within the UK)
- Professional Advice (Optional): Vary
It is crucial to plan for these expenses when applying for a UK Spouse Visa to prevent any unforeseen financial surprises and guarantee a successful application. By having knowledge of all the charges and expenditures involved, you can prepare yourself for the application process and concentrate on satisfying the requirements for a UK Spouse Visa.
Applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa Extension
If you intend to prolong your stay in the UK with your civil partner beyond the expiry date of your current visa, it is imperative to apply for a UK Civil Partnership Visa extension. To facilitate a smooth and lawful extension process, presented below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK Civil Partnership Visa extension. This guide will ensure that you maintain your legal residency status in the UK.
- Check Eligibility: To qualify for a Civil Partnership Visa extension, it is imperative to satisfy the initial visa prerequisites, which include fulfilling the relationship status, financial, English language, and accommodation requirements. Furthermore, it is crucial not to have violated any immigration regulations during your stay in the UK.
- Timing: To avoid any complications or the need to leave the UK and reapply from your home country, it is crucial to apply for a Spouse Visa extension within the appropriate timeframe. Applying too early or too late can result in undesired consequences. It is recommended to apply for the extension before your current Civil Partnership Visa expires, but not more than 28 days prior to its expiration date.
- Online Application: To commence the application process, visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and fill out the FLR(M) form (Further Leave to Remain – Marriage/Civil Partnership) electronically. The form entails furnishing personal information, particulars of your spouse, and details of your relationship and financial situation.
- Application Fee: In addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,560 for a 2.5-year extension period (£1,175 per child applicant), the application fee for a Standard Service application (2 month processing time) is £1,033. Alternatively, for a decision on the next working day after submitting your biometric appointment, the fee is £1,833.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Gather all the requisite supporting documents to substantiate your eligibility for the visa extension. These may comprise evidence of your relationship, financial records, proof of English language competency, and particulars of accommodation. It is imperative to ensure that your documents are current and appropriately arranged.
- Biometric Information: As part of the application process, you must provide your biometric information (fingerprints and facial image) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
- Attend the Appointment: Attend your biometric appointment at the UKVCAS centre, bringing your passport, BRP card, and appointment confirmation with you. During this appointment, your biometric data will be gathered, which concludes all your obligations.
- Decision: Upon submitting your application, biometric information, and supporting documents, you will have to wait for a verdict. Typically, Civil Partnership Visa extensions take around 8 weeks to process. However, you can select a Priority Service (for an extra fee) to obtain a decision within 1 working day of your biometric appointment.
- Receive Your New Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If your application is approved, a new BRP card will be issued to you, which is valid for an additional 2.5 years. A secure courier service will deliver the new BRP card to your residential address within 10 working days of the approval email.
Extending your UK Civil Partnership Visa is a vital measure in preserving your lawful status in the UK. By adhering to the application process, ensuring you fulfil the eligibility criteria, and submitting your application promptly, you can successfully extend your Civil Partnership Visa and continue living with your civil partner in the United Kingdom.
UK Civil Partnership Visa Document Checklist
Here are all of the necessary documents that you will need to provide when applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa:
- Valid passport: You are required to provide your current and valid passport or travel document that has at least one free page for the visa.
- Proof of relationship: You will be expected to present proof that establishes you and your partner’s relationship is genuine and enduring. Such evidence could comprise of photographs, emails or messages, travel documents, and other documents that verify your long-standing relationship.
- Civil Partnership Certificate: You’ll need to provide your original civil partnership certificate.
- Evidence of financial support: You must provide evidence that the sponsor can fulfil the financial prerequisite for the visa. Evidence for this may consist of payslips, bank statements, and tax documents.
- Proof of accommodation: You must present proof of appropriate lodging for you and your partner in the UK, which may comprise a tenancy agreement, mortgage certificate or a letter from your host. You should also include details about the property.
- English language ability: You will need to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirement for the visa. This may include a test certificate or evidence of an exemption on educational grounds or citizenship of a majority English speaking country.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results: You may need to provide evidence that you have been tested for TB if you are from a country where TB is prevalent.
- Other additional documentation: Any other relevant documents that the immigration office requests, such as police clearance certificates or medical reports.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the requirements and supporting documents needed for a UK Civil Partnership Visa can vary based on the individual circumstances of the applicant and their partner. While the documents mentioned above meet the standard requirements, additional evidence may be required based on the specific situation.
