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Proposed Civil Partner Visas – An Overview

A UK proposed civil partner visa, is a type of visa that allows a non-European Economic Area (EEA) national to enter the United Kingdom for the purpose of entering into a civil partnership with their British partner (the sponsor). It’s a visa that’s issued for a period of six months, which can then be extended by applying for a civil partnership visa. The conditions and benefits of the visa shouldn’t be confused with those of a spouse visa or civil partnership visa, which allow you to work, study and live within the UK.

To be eligible for a UK proposed civil partner visa, the applicant must provide evidence of their intention to enter into a civil partnership with their British partner within six months of entering the UK. They must also demonstrate that they are in a genuine relationship with their partner and have previously met each other in person. In addition to these relationship requirements, the applicants must meet financial and accommodation requirements set by the UK government. This includes providing evidence of their sponsors ability to support themselves and their partner without recourse to public funds.

If the visa is granted, the applicant is allowed to enter the UK for a period of six months for the purpose of entering into a civil partnership with their partner. Once in a civil partnership, they can then apply for a civil partnership visa, which will allow them to stay in the UK for a prolonged period of time and eventually apply for settlement or indefinite leave to remain.

The UK proposed civil partner visa is a useful option for many couples, however your own personal circumstances will dictate if this is the correct visa for you. Over the course of this guide, we’ve sought to provide as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision. However, it is important to note that the application and the process can be complex, and there could be additional requirements depending on your individual circumstances.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Eligibility

There are 8 major requirements that applicants will need to meet to be eligible for a UK proposed civil partner visa. These requirements are as follows:

  • Age: The applicant must be over the age of 18.
  • Relationship: The applicant must be engaged to or agreed to enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK.
  • Intention to register a civil partnership: The applicant must provide evidence that they intend to register a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK and that they have made the necessary arrangements for their civil ceremony.
  • Financial requirements: The applicants sponsor must meet the financial requirements, which includes showing that the UK sponsor earns a minimum income of £18,600 per year or has sufficient savings to support the applicant. Additional income and savings are required for any additional dependents.
  • Accommodation: The applicant and sponsor must have suitable accommodation in the UK for themselves and any dependents without recourse to public funds.
  • English language: The applicant must pass an English language test with an approved provider or demonstrate their ability to speak and understand English.
  • Health: Some applicants may need to provide medical documentation.
  • Character: All applicants must meet the character requirements set by the UK government.

Each of these requirements could vary based on your individual circumstances, such as your nationality, country of residence and whether there are any dependents. There may also be additional requirements and complexities depending on the information your provide.

We take a look at some of the more complex requirements in further detail below.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Proof of Relationship and Intention to Enter into a Civil Parnership

To be granted a UK proposed civil partner visa, the applicant must demonstrate their genuine intention to enter into a civil partnership with their UK partner within six months of arriving in the UK. The requirements for demonstrating this intention include a past and present view of the relationship. Therefore you will need to provide:

  • Proof of a genuine relationship: The applicant must provide evidence that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with their UK partner. This can include photographs, travel itineraries, communication records, and other relevant documents.
  • Confirmation of an impending civil partnership: The applicant must provide evidence that they and their partner have made appropriate plans to enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of the applicant’s arrival. This can include a letter from the registrar confirming the date and location of the civil partnership ceremony, or other relevant documents.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Financial Requirements

To obtain a UK proposed civil partner visa, both the applicant and their UK partner must meet certain financial requirements. Specifically, they must demonstrate that they can support themselves financially without relying on public funds. This is assessed by seeing whether the UK sponsor earns a sufficient amount of income, or whether the couple have adequate savings to support themselves. Applicants must meet one of the three current financial requirements to qualify:

    1. Income threshold: The UK partner must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600 or more. If the partner has dependents, such as children, the income threshold will be higher.
    2. Savings: If the UK partner does not meet the income threshold, they may be able to rely on cash savings to meet the financial requirement. The savings must amount to at least £62,500 or more and have been held in the UK for at least six months.
    3. Combination of income and savings: If the UK partner does not meet the income threshold but has some savings, they may be able to combine their income and savings to meet the financial requirement.
    4. Sponsorship from a third party: If the applicant or their partner does not meet the financial requirements, they may be able to obtain sponsorship from a third party, such as a family member or friend.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Accommodation Requirement

To obtain a UK proposed civil partner visa, the applicant and their UK partner must demonstrate that they have adequate accommodation in the UK that they intend to live in together. The requirements for suitable accommodation typically include:

  1. A place to live: The applicant and their partner must have a place to live in the UK that is suitable for them as a couple. This can be a rented or owned property, or it can be with family or friends.
  2. Adequate space: The accommodation must be large enough to accommodate both the applicant and their partner without overcrowding.
  3. Safe and habitable: The accommodation must be safe, habitable, and not pose a risk to the health and safety of the occupants.
  4. Documentation: The applicant and their partner must provide documentation to demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation. This can include a tenancy agreement or proof of ownership, as well as evidence of bills and other utilities.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Document List

Here is a list of the necessary documents that you will typically need to provide when applying for a UK proposed civil partner visa:

  1. Valid passport: You must provide your current and valid passport or travel document, which must have at least one blank page for the visa.
  2. Proof of relationship: You will need to provide evidence to show that you and your partner are in a genuine and subsisting relationship. This may include photographs, emails or messages, travel documents, and other evidence that demonstrates that you have been in a committed relationship for at least two years.
  3. Proof of intent to register a civil partnership: You will need to provide evidence to show that you intend to enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. This may include a letter from a registrar or venue confirming your booking, or evidence of arrangements you have made for your wedding or civil partnership.
  4. Evidence of financial support: You will need to provide evidence that you and your partner can meet the financial requirement for the visa. This may include payslips, bank statements, and tax documents.
  5. Accommodation details: You will need to provide evidence of suitable accommodation for you and your partner in the UK, such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from your host.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and documents needed for a UK proposed civil partner visa may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and their partner. While the documents listed above meet the standard requirements, further evidence may be necessary depending on your individual circumstances.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Fees

The application fees for a UK proposed civil partner visa are as follows:

  • Standard Application: £1,538 (outside of UK)
  • Subsequent spouse / civil partnership visa: £1048 (inside of UK)

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the official UK government website for up-to-date information. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with the application, such as the cost of a tuberculosis test or an English language test, which are not included in the application fee.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Processing Times 

The processing times for a UK proposed civil partner visa can vary depending on a number of factors such as the volume of applications being processed, the completeness of the application, and whether additional information or documentation is required. Generally, the UK government aims to process 90% of these applications within 12 weeks of submission. However, currently some applications are taking up to 24 weeks to process.

There are several factors that can affect processing times. For example, if the application is incomplete or if the applicant needs to attend an interview or provide additional information, the processing time may be longer. Processing times can also fluctuate throughout the year with peak periods, such as the summer months, experiencing longer processing times due to the higher volume of applications.

Therefore, it is always recommended to submit the application as early as possible and to ensure that all the required documentation is provided with the initial submission to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

No two proposed civil partner visa applications are the same, so while it’s possible to address many generic questions, we’d always recommend speaking with a specialist immigration consultant on the specifics of your application. The following questions are some of the most commonly asked by our customers when applying for their visa.

Can I apply for a UK proposed civil partner visa inside the UK?

No, you cannot apply for a UK proposed civil partner visa from inside the UK. The visa is a type of entry clearance, which means it can only be issued outside of the UK. Therefore you must apply from your home country or a country where you are a resident and hold a valid visa.

Once your UK proposed civil partner visa is granted, you will be allowed to enter the UK and stay for up to six months, during which time you must enter into a civil partnership with your partner. After registering the civil partnership, you can then apply to switch to a UK civil partnership visa from within the UK, provided that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Which English language exams are accepted for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa?

For a UK Fiance visa, you must demonstrate your knowledge of the English language by passing an approved English language test. The following English language tests are currently accepted for UK Fiance visa applications:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic or General Training
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) – Secure English Language Test (SELT)
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT – Secure English Language Test

The test must have been taken at an approved test centre, and you must achieve at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. You can find further information on the English language requirement in our dedicated guide.

Is it better to get a proposed civil partner visa or a civil partnership visa?

Whether to apply for a proposed civil partner visa or a civil partnership visa depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Proposed civil partner visa:

  • This visa is intended for couples who are not yet in a civil partnership but intend to enter into one in the UK within six months of arriving.
  • It allows the applicant to enter the UK for a period of six months with the intention of entering into a civil partnership with their partner and then applying for further leave to remain as a civil partner.
  • It may be a good option if you and your partner want to have a civil partnership ceremony in the UK but don’t have the time to do so before you apply for a visa.

Civil partnership visa:

  • This visa is intended for couples who are already in a civil partnership.
  • It allows the applicant to enter the UK for a period of 30 months, after which they can apply for an extension for a further 30 months.
  • It may be a good option if you are already in a civil partnership, or if you want to avoid the extra expense and stress of getting married within a short timeframe.

It’s important to note that both proposed civil partnership visas and civil partner visas have similar requirements, including demonstrating a genuine and subsisting relationship, meeting financial requirements, and providing evidence of suitable accommodation. It’s always advisable to consult with an expert UK immigration consultant to ascertain the best visa for your circumstances.

Can I work on a proposed civil partner visa?

It’s not possible to work in the UK on a proposed civil partner visa. The sole purpose of the visa is to enable you to enter into a civil partnership with your UK partner. However once you obtain the subsequent civil partnership visa, you are then able to commence work within the UK.

Does a proposed civil partner visa count towards ILR?

No, a proposed civil partner visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

A proposed civil partner visa is a temporary visa that allows the holder to enter the UK for a period of six months for the purpose of entering into a civil partnership with their partner and applying for further leave to remain as a civil partner. After the six-month period, the holder must either leave the UK or apply for further leave to remain as a civil partner.

To qualify for ILR in the UK, an individual typically needs to have been living in the UK for a certain period of time, usually five years, on a qualifying visa, such as a family visa or a work visa. The specific requirements for ILR can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.

Where do I apply for a proposed civil partner visa?

You’ll need to apply from outside the UK for a proposed civil partner visa and you can apply online on the UK government’s website.

Before you apply, you should ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary supporting documents. The application process typically involves providing personal details, information about your relationship with your partner, and evidence to demonstrate that you meet the financial, accommodation, and other requirements for the visa.

After you submit your application and pay the visa fee, you will be required to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) and submit your supporting documents.

Why might my UK proposed civil partner visa application be declined?

A UK proposed civil partner visa application can be declined for various reasons, including:

  1. Insufficient evidence: If the applicant does not provide enough evidence to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility requirements for the visa, such as evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, intent to enter into a civil partnership or evidence of financial support.
  2. Financial requirements not met: If the applicant or their partner cannot demonstrate that they meet the financial requirement for the visa, such as the minimum income threshold or savings amount.
  3. Unsuitable accommodation: If the applicant or their partner cannot provide evidence of suitable accommodation for the couple in the UK.
  4. Immigration history: If the applicant has a previous immigration history that raises concerns about their intentions, such as a previous overstay, visa refusal, or criminal convictions.
  5. English language ability: If the applicant cannot demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement for the visa, or have not provided adequate evidence of their ability to do so.
  6. Tuberculosis (TB): If the applicant does not provide evidence of a valid TB test certificate, where required.
  7. Incorrect or incomplete application: If the application is incomplete, or contains errors or inconsistencies that raise doubts about the applicant’s credibility.

 

How do I switch from a proposed civil partner visa to a civil partnership visa?

If you are in the UK on a proposed civil partner visa and wish to remain in the UK with your partner after you’ve entered into the civil partnership, you can switch to a civil partnership visa.

To make this switch, you will need to:

  1. Apply for a civil partnership[ visa: You will need to submit a new visa application for a civil partnership visa online
  2. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must meet all the eligibility requirements for a civil partnership visa, including the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.
  3. Provide additional evidence: You will need to provide additional evidence to show that you are now in a civil partnership.
  4. Submit your biometric information: You will need to attend a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and a photograph.
  5. Wait for a decision: The processing time for civil partnership visa application can vary, but it typically takes around 8 weeks in the UK.

It’s important to note that you can only switch to a civil partnership visa if you have entered into a civil partnership with your partner during the period of your proposed civil partner visa, and you must do so before your current visa expires. If you do not enter into your civil partnership within the validity period of your proposed civil partnership visa, you will have to leave the UK and make a new application from outside the country.

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