Entry Clearance for Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK

UKVI Fees for Entry Clearance Application

In addition to our fees, you must pay the UKVI fees associated with your application. The UKVI charges £1,846 for the visa application and £3,105 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), bringing the total to £4,951. For an additional £500, you can use the Priority Service to receive a decision within 30 working days.

Steps to Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa

1. Complete the online application form on the UKVI website.

2. Submit your application and pay the visa fee and the IHS.

3. Schedule an appointment at a visa application center for biometric enrollment and submit your passport.

4. Upload all supporting documents online in PDF format before your biometrics appointment.

5. Wait for a decision, which typically takes 30 working days with Priority Service or 60 working days with standard service.

Requirements for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

To qualify for an unmarried partner visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Valid Application: Submit a valid entry clearance application from outside the UK.

Relationship Requirement: Prove that you have lived with your partner for at least two years. Your partner must be a British Citizen, have ILR or settled status, be an EU national with pre- settled status, hold refugee/humanitarian protection status, or have a Turkish Businessperson/Worker visa. Evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship is required.

Age Requirement: Both partners must be 18 or older.

Suitability Requirement: Meet the suitability criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Financial Requirement: Show that you meet the financial requirement, either through your partner's income (£18,600 gross per year for applications without dependent children), savings, or rental income.

Accommodation Requirement: Provide proof of adequate accommodation without relying on public funds, ensuring space for the family and any other household members.

English Language Requirement: Demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level A1.

Tuberculosis Test Certificate: Provide a TB test certificate if required under Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

Relationship Requirement for Unmarried Partner Visa Entry Clearance

To qualify for an unmarried partner visa in the UK, the applicant’s partner must meet one of the following criteria:

Be a British Citizen

Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status in the UK

Be an EEA national with pre-settled status in the UK

Hold a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa in the UK

Have leave to remain as a refugee or hold Humanitarian Protection (HP) For the application to be successful, the couple must have lived together for at least two years in a relationship comparable to marriage or a civil partnership. The relationship must be genuine, ongoing, and not within the prohibited degree of relationship. Any previous relationships must have ended permanently, unless they fall within paragraph 278(i) of the Immigration Rules. Additionally, the applicant and their partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Updated Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Per Year Effective from 11 April 2024

As of 11 April 2024, a new financial requirement of £29,000 gross per year applies to applicants making their first application under the partner route. This threshold remains the same regardless of whether the applicant has dependent children applying simultaneously.

To meet this requirement, the UK partner must earn at least £29,000 gross annually. If the partner's income falls short, the applicant can combine the UK partner's income with savings. These savings must amount to £16,000 plus 2.5 times the shortfall between the partner's income and the £29,000 requirement.

While the applicant's income from employment overseas cannot be used to meet the financial requirement, their savings, rental income, or pension income can be considered.

Various Sources to Meet Financial Requirements

The financial requirement for an unmarried partner visa can be satisfied through the following sources: 1. Income from Employment: This includes the salaried or non-salaried employment of the UK partner (and the applicant if they are already in the UK with permission to work). This is categorized under Category A or B, depending on employment history.

2. Non-Employment Income: This includes income from property rental or dividends from shares, falling under Category C.

3. Cash Savings: The applicant or UK partner’s cash savings over £16,000, held for at least six months, are considered under Category D.

4. Pension Income: Income from state (UK or foreign), occupational, or private pensions of the applicant or UK partner, categorized under Category E.

5. Self-Employment Income: Income from self-employment, or as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK, is included under Category F or G, depending on the financial year(s) considered.