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Book a consultationUK partner visas are part of the UK’s suite of family visas. They have been specifically designed to enable UK citizens or permanent residents (“settled persons”) of the UK, to bring their non-UK partners to the UK. If the partner is already present in the UK, then this group of visas allow them to further extend their stay within the UK. Subject to meeting the eligibility requirements, partner visas can lead to indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship.
There are several types of UK partner visas, including:
Over the course of this partner visa guide we’ll be taking a look at each of these visas in turn. We’ll look at who they are suitable for, the duration of the visas and the requirements for each.
A UK spouse visa is a type of partner visa that allows the non-UK spouse of a UK citizen, or a settled person in the UK, to join them and live together in the UK. This visa is available to overseas spouses as well as for spouses already living in the UK on another visa. Depending on the spouses immigration status, it may be possible to apply for a spouse visa for them within the UK. If you apply locally for a spouse visa, then the visa is granted for an initial 30 month period. For overseas applications, an initial 33 month period of leave is granted. The additional 3 months is to allow the applicant on the overseas application time to make arrangement to come to the UK. Both locally and overseas granted spouse visas can then be extended for an additional 30 months within the UK. After 60 months, the applicant may apply for a further extension of their spouse visa or for indefinite leave to remain, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
To qualify for a UK spouse visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements related to their relationship, financial status, accommodation, and English language proficiency. The application process involves submitting an application, providing relevant supporting documents, attending a biometric appointment, and in some instances attending an interview. We offer a full in-depth spouse visa guide which contains the full requirements and benefits of the visa.
A UK civil partner visa is a type of partner visa that allows the non-UK civil partner of a UK citizen, or a settled person in the UK, to join them and live together in the UK. The civil partner visa mirrors the requirements and benefits of a spouse visa, with the only difference relating to the documents required for the application. This means that the visa can be obtained both inside or outside the UK and it provides a path to UK permanent residence and in time, British citizenship. The visa is granted for an initial period of 30 months for UK based applications and 33 months for overseas applications. This additional 3 months for overseas applications is granted to provide adequate time for arrangements to be made to come to the UK. At the end of the initial period of leave, a further 30 month extension can be obtained which should be sufficient to take the applicant up to the time required to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
To qualify for a UK civil partner visa, the applicant must meet certain thresholds relating to their English language ability and their financial sustainability. They will also need to provide evidence of their relationship and that they can obtain suitable accommodation within the UK. This information will need to be provided as part of their application. They will also need to attend a biometric appointment and in some instances, they may be called to attend an interview.
A UK unmarried partner visa is a type of partner visa that allows the non-UK partner of a UK citizen, or a settled person in the UK, to join them and live together in the UK. The visa mirrors the terms and conditions of a spouse and civil partner visa, but acknowledges that not all relationships are legally formalised. Therefore under the unmarried partner visa, the applicant must demonstrated they have been in a committed relationship with their UK partner for a period of at least 2 years. They will need to demonstrate this by providing evidence of cohabitation, financial interdependence and a relationship akin to marriage. It’s a visa that can be applied for from overseas or within the UK, subject to the immigration status of the non-UK partner. Like the spouse visa, the visa is granted for an initial 30 months for local applications and 33 months for overseas applications. At the end of the initial period, the visa can then be extended for an additional 30 months within the UK. After 60 months the applicant may apply for indefinite leave to remain, providing they have met the eligibility criteria.
To qualify for a UK unmarried partner, the applicant must meet certain requirements in relation to their relationship, meet a financial requirement and satisfy an English language requirement. The application process involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents, attending a biometric appointment, and in some instances attending an interview. Full details about unmarried partner visas can be found in our dedicated guide.
A UK fiance visa is a type of partner visa that allows the non-UK fiance of a UK citizen or a person with settled status in the UK, to enter the UK for a period of up to 6 months. During this time they are able to marry their UK based partner. After the marriage has taken place, the applicant can then apply within the UK for a spouse visa, which allows them to remain in the UK on a more permanent basis. It’s important to note that Fiance visas do not provide the same benefits as other partner visas and can only be obtained from overseas. You are also not permitted to work in the UK while on a fiance visa and any time spent on a fiance visa doesn’t count toward permanent residence under the 5 year rule.
To qualify for a UK fiance visa, the applicant must provide evidence of their intention to marry within 6 months of their arrival in the UK, meet certain financial requirements, and provide evidence of their relationship. The application process involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, attending a biometric appointment, and potentially attending an interview. More information about this process and fiance visas is available in our in-depth guide.
A UK proposed civil partner visa is a type of partner visa that allows the non-UK prospective civil partner of a UK citizen or a person with settled status in the UK, to enter the UK for a period of up to 6 months. During this 6 month period in the UK, the applicant is able to enter into a civil partnership with their UK based partner. Once the civil partnership ceremony has taken place, the applicant can then apply for a civil partner visa. This application can be made within the UK and once the visa is granted, they can then remain in the UK on a long term basis. Proposed civil partner visas have the same restrictions as fiance visas, meaning they must be obtained from overseas, they don’t allow work within the UK and they don’t count towards permanent residence under the 5 year rule.
To qualify for a UK proposed civil partner visa, the applicant must demonstrate their intention to enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of their arrival in the UK, meet certain financial requirements, and clearly evidence their relationship. The application process for a proposed civil partner visa involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, attending a biometric appointment, and in limited instances, attending an interview. More information about this process and proposed civil partner visas is available in our in-depth guide.
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All of the 5 different types of partner visas are completed using the same online application forms. The only difference between any of the applications is whether you are applying from inside the UK or from outside the UK.
The application need to be completed and submitted digitally, before you can progress to the next step of the application process.