UK Unmarried Partner Visa
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Join Family in the UK
Welcome to Conroy Baker, your trusted partner for UK immigration and visa solutions. Apply as an unmarried partner to join your family member in the UK. From entry clearance to settlement, our expert team ensures your application is seamless and stress-free.
This page covers the following topics
- Overview of UK unmarried partner visa
- Financial requirements UK unmarried partner visa
- English requirements for UK unmarried partner visa
- Genuine and subsisting relationships
- Extend UK unmarried partner visa
- Switch to UK spouse visa
- Apply for ILR UK unmarried partner visa
- UK unmarried partner visa refused
- How Conroy Baker Ltd can help with UK unmarried partner visa applications
- Contact us today to start your UK Unmarried Partner Visa journey
Overview of UK unmarried partner visa
The UK unmarried partner visa is a visa route for unmarried partners of British or Irish citizens or persons who are settled in the UK, who wish to join them in the UK. You can either apply for this category outside the UK (entry clearance application) or you can also switch to this category within the UK itself. This pathway can lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after a period of 5 years. It is a great opportunity for unmarried partners to enter the UK and eventually settle, however the eligibility requirements could be complex for most of the applicants.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the category for further clarity –
Financial requirements UK unmarried partner visa
The most important eligibility criteria of a UK unmarried partner visa is meeting the financial requirement which has been revised since 2024. This can either be met by evidencing salaried employment or savings. For the salaried employment route, the sponsor (UK based partner) must have a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. To meet the requirement by evidencing cash savings, the sponsor must have at least £88,500 maintained for a period of at least six months. This may be different for those receiving governmental allowances.
English requirements for UK unmarried partner visa
The applicant must prove that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the English language. This can either be done by furnishing your academic qualifications or by taking an English language test. You may also be exempt from the same in certain circumstances. It is important to assess what suits your case the best.
Genuine and subsisting relationships
This requirement serves as the make or break factor for several applications, especially for unmarried partners due to the absence of a marriage certificate or a civil partnership certificate. Applicants will need to show they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the sponsor. You must be in a long-term relationship and you must have been cohabiting or living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years. If you were living separately due to some circumstances, sufficient evidence must be provided to substantiate the same.
Extend UK unmarried partner visa
The UK unmarried partner visa is granted for a period of 33 months, i.e. 2 years 9 months. Upon the expiry of this term you can extend your visa for another 30 months, i.e. 2 years 6 months. You will only qualify for an extension if you are in the same eligible relationship with your sponsor, and you must apply before your current visa expires.
Switch to UK spouse visa
If you’re already in the UK on another type of visa, you may be able to switch to the unmarried partner visa. Most long-term visas allow the applicants to switch to the unmarried partner visa route, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. However, some visa categories such as a UK visit visa or those that only allow short-term visits to the UK, will not allow you to switch to an unmarried partner visa. Therefore, you must be aware about whether your current visa category allows you to switch or not.
Apply for ILR UK unmarried partner visa
After residing in the UK on your partner or spouse visa for a period of 5 years, you might be able to apply for settlement, i.e. an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This will mean you can remain permanently in the UK and will not be subjected to immigration control anymore. Contact our team of experienced immigration lawyers to assess your circumstances and make an informed decision.
UK unmarried partner visa refused
When assessing your application, three factors are primarily considered- validity, eligibility, and suitability as per Appendix FM of the UK immigration rules. You need to ensure that you meet all three of these.
Approximately, 20-25% of UK partner visa applications face rejection by the UK Home Office. If your UK unmarried partner visa has been refused, our UK visa experts are here to help you understand the reasons behind the refusal and chart a way forward.
How Conroy Baker Ltd can help with UK unmarried partner visa applications
At Conroy Baker, we combine expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver outstanding immigration solutions, our services include:
1. Eligibility Review:
- Comprehensive assessment of your qualifications, job offer, and salary against the UK Unmarried Partner Visa criteria.
- Confirmation that your job role meets the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations.
2. Document Preparation:
- We assist with gathering essential documents, including:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, degrees taught in English).
- Financial evidence showing you can support yourself and any dependents in the UK.
- Valid passport, travel history, and tuberculosis (TB) test results if required.
3. Application Submission:
- Accurate completion and submission of your Unmarried Partner Visa application.
- Assistance with paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and application fees.
4. Tracking and Updates:
- Regular monitoring of your application status and handling Home Office queries on your behalf.
Contact us today to start your UK Unmarried Partner Visa journey
Get in Touch
- Phone: 0203 773 2948
- Email: [email protected]
- Book a consultation: https://conroybaker.com/contact-us/
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