This page covers the following topics
Introduction
If you are a same-sex partner of a British citizen, or a person who is settled with an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status, and have lived together for 2 years, or are married to them, you are eligible to apply for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa.
You will be first granted a leave to enter the UK for a time period not exceeding 33 months if you meet the eligibility criteria for this particular visa category.
Requirements to apply
What are the requirements to apply for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa?
To qualify to apply for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa:
- You and your partner (also known as Sponsor) must be married, or be civil partners, or have been dating for at least 2 years
- You and your partner must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- You must meet the adequate financial requirement
- Prove your knowledge of English language proficiency, which is at level A1 as per the CEFR
Genuine & subsisting relationship
According to Home Office regulations, same-sex partners must have lived together for at least 2 years before submitting a visa application in order for their relationship to be considered genuine & subsisting.
Prove cohabitation
- Submit rental agreements in the name of both partners, property purchase registration records in either partner’s name or jointly as evidence of cohabitation
- Utility bills for the residence where the partners shared a home
- Letter from the landlord confirming that the partners shared a residence
- Letter from both partners’ parents attesting to their awareness of the relationship
Financial requirement
You and your partner must have a combined income of minimum £18,600 a year
You will need to prove extra availability of funds for your children
- £3,800 a year for your first child
- £2,400 a year for each additional child
English language requirement
English language requirement for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa?
As per the UK Immigration guidelines, anyone applying for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa must show proof that they are proficient in English. An applicant may meet the English language requirement in one of the two ways listed below:
Qualification in education
You may submit a diploma or other academic credential that UK NARIC has determined is comparable to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. OR you have received a degree or other academic credential that was studied or taught in English
English proficiency test
You must obtain at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and provide a passing certificate.
Documents required
What are the documents required for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa?
- Civil partnership certificate
- Personal bank account statements of the unmarried partners’ or their joint accounts or those with the partner listed as a nominee
- Pictures showing the couple together on holidays, or with their families
- Social media posts shared on Facebook or Instagram by either of the partners
- Social media posts about the partners on Facebook or Instagram that friends or family have posted
- Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp chat histories to demonstrate that the partners regularly communicate
- Holiday plans and hotel reservations for trips taken together
Fees to apply
What are the fees to apply for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa?
Following are the fees to apply for a UK Same-Sex Partner Visa:
- £1,538, if the application is being made from outside the UK (entry clearance stage)
- £1,048 if the application is being made from inside the UK (extension/FLR stage)
- Plus, an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624 for each year that is granted to your visa
- You have to pay this Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at each stage of your visa application