Unmarried Partners — How to Get a Visa

Summary

Unmarried partners are same or different sex partners who have lived together for at least two years.

Requirements

The requirements are the same as for spouses in respect of intention to live permanently with the other, maintenance and accommodation and prior entry clearance. Also, as for spouses, both the applicant and the sponsor must be at least 21 years of age on the date on which leave to enter or remain would be granted. There are also equivalent provisions for the grant of settlement in the event of the breakdown of the relationship due to domestic violence or bereavement.

The following requirements for an unmarried partner applicant differ slightly from the spouse and civil partner requirements:

• he/she is the unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK or who is being admitted for settlement at the same time; and
  
  
• the couple have been living together in a subsisting relationship for two years or more; or
  
  
• the person seeking entry is the partner of a person with a right of abode or indefinite leave to remain who is seeking admission for settlement and the couple have lived together outside the UK for four years or more (in which case indefinite leave will be granted, as for spouses); and
  
  
• any previous marriage or similar relationship has permanently broken down; and that
  
  
• the couple are not in a consanguineous relationship
  
  

Appeal

There is a right of appeal attached to the refusal of entry clearance.

Switch

The applicant must have limited leave that was granted in accordance with the Immigration Rules. It is therefore possible to switch into the unmarried partner category from the visitor category. Holders of Discretionary Leave or other types of leave granted outside the rules will not be able to switch