Partner Visas are the collective term for a group of family visas allowing you to bring your non-UK partner to the UK. This group includes spouse visas, unmarried partner visas, and fiance visas. Find out more about which of these visas might be suitable for you and how First Migration can assist you in securing your visa approval.
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UK 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 allows them to extend their stay within the UK further. 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 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 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 and for spouses already living in the UK on another visa. Depending on the spouse’s immigration status, applying for a spouse visa within the UK may be possible. If you apply locally for a spouse visa, 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 allow the applicant on the overseas application time to make arrangements to come to the UK. Local and overseas granted spouse visas can then be extended for a further 30 months within the UK. After 60 months, the applicant may apply for a further extension of their spouse visa or 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 sometimes attending an interview. We offer a full, in-depth spouse visa guide that contains the full requirements and benefits of the visa.
A UK civil partner visa 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, providing a path to UK permanent residence and, in time, British citizenship. The visa is granted for 30 months for UK-based applications and 33 months for applications from overseas. 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 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 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 demonstrate they have been in a committed relationship with their UK partner for a period of at least 2 years. They must 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 be extended for 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 sometimes 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 up to 6 months. During this time, they can marry their UK-based partner. After the marriage, the applicant can 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 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 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 up to 6 months. During this 6 month period in the UK, the applicant can enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner. Once the civil partnership ceremony has occurred, the applicant can apply for a civil partner visa. This application can be made within the UK, and once the visa is granted, they can remain in the UK long-term. Proposed civil partner visas have the same restrictions as fiance visas, meaning they must be obtained from overseas, don’t allow work within the UK, and 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 a civil partnership within 6 months of their arrival in the UK, meet certain financial requirements, and 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.
All 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 needs to be completed and submitted digitally before you can progress to the next step of the application process.
If you want expert advice about the UK Visa options available to you or if you are preparing your UK Visa application and want access to a UK Visa Expert’s knowledge and experience, this is the service for you.
If you wish to prepare your UK Visa application, why not let our Visa Experts be your insurance policy to ensure your application is approved and you do not lose the very high government fees you will be paying.
To secure your visa approval as easily as possible, provide your UK Visa Expert with the documents they request using the document list and templates provided, and they will do everything else for you.
Our Priority Service provides you with all the benefits of the Full Consultancy Service plus we will prepare and submit your application within 48 working hours of receiving the supporting documents.
Many clients choose First Migration for its long history of excellent service and track record of successful visa applications. However, what we feel is our biggest strength and what makes us unique is our small dedicated team that offers a truly personalised service. We genuinely love what we do, and our team relishes making a difference to the lives of our clients.
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