an EU national with pre-settled status, a refugee or holder of humanitarian protection, or a Turkish Businessperson/Worker visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for entry clearance for a UK civil partner visa. To apply, you must meet the specific requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. The civil partner visa, also referred to as a settlement visa or Appendix FM Partner visa, allows successful applicants to enter the UK initially for up to 33 months. This visa comes with the condition of no access to public funds. Before the 33-month visa period expires, you can apply for an extension under the 5- year route, ultimately allowing you to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 5 years on the civil partner visa.

Free Immigration Advice for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Our team of specialized family visa solicitors offers free online immigration advice for those applying for a civil partner visa from outside the UK. You can ask questions online or book an appointment for a more in-depth consultation regarding your entry clearance application.

Expert Family Visa Solicitors for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Our experienced family visa solicitors in London are experts in handling civil partner visa entry clearance applications. We have successfully assisted thousands of clients in securing their civil partner visas. Our team provides efficient, friendly, and reliable fixed-fee immigration services to support your application process.

Expert Family Visa Solicitors for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Our experienced family visa solicitors in London are experts in handling civil partner visa entry clearance applications. We have successfully assisted thousands of clients in securing their civil partner visas. Our team provides efficient, friendly, and reliable fixed-fee immigration services to support your application process.

Our Fixed Fees for Entry Clearance Application

Our fees for assisting with your entry clearance application range from £1,000 to £1,500 (VAT not applicable), depending on the complexity of your case and the work involved. This fixed fee covers all aspects of the application process, including document advice and checks, completing and submitting the application online, booking biometrics appointments, preparing a supporting cover letter, uploading supporting documents, and managing all follow-up work until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

An initial payment of 50% of our fee is required at the start of the process, with the remaining 50% due upon completion and readiness of your application for submission. If the full service cost is not affordable, you can opt for our one-off services: immigration advice and consultation for £100 (VAT not applicable) or our document checking service for £300 (VAT not applicable).

UKVI Fees for Entry Clearance Application

In addition to our service fees, you will need to pay the UKVI fees for the entry clearance application, which amount to £1,846. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee of £3,105, bringing the total payable to the UKVI to £4,951.

If you require a faster decision, you can opt for the Priority Service by paying an additional £500, which will guarantee a decision within 30 working days.

How to Apply for a Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a UK civil partner visa from outside the UK: 1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the civil partner visa application form on the UKVI website.

2. Submit the Application: After completing the form, submit it online along with the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

3. Book a Biometrics Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a UK visa application center to enroll your biometrics and submit your passport for processing.

4. Upload Supporting Documents: Before your biometrics appointment, upload all required supporting documents in PDF format online.

5. Await Decision: A decision on your civil partner visa application will be made within 30 working days if you opt for the Priority Service or within 60 working days with the standard service.

Requirements for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

To apply for a civil partner visa entry clearance, several key requirements must be met: 1. Valid Application: The applicant must submit a legitimate entry clearance application for a civil partner visa according to the guidelines set forth in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

2. Relationship Criteria: The applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing civil partnership with a UK sponsor who is one of the following:

o A British citizen

o A holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status

o An EU national with pre-settled status

o A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection status

o A Turkish Businessperson visa holder or Turkish Worker visa holder

The authenticity and continuity of the relationship must be demonstrated with appropriate evidence. 3. Age Requirement: Both the applicant and the UK civil partner must be 18 years of age or older.

4. Suitability Requirement: The applicant must meet the suitability criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

5. Financial Requirement: The applicant must meet the financial threshold necessary for the civil partner visa. This can be fulfilled through:

o The UK sponsor’s income (a minimum of £29,000 gross per year from employment or self-employment)

o Savings of the applicant and/or sponsor

o Rental income from property owned by the applicant and/or sponsor

6. Accommodation Requirement: The applicant must provide evidence that adequate accommodation is available for the family without relying on public funds. This accommodation must be exclusively owned or occupied by the family, including any family members who live in the same household but are not included in the application.

7. English Language Requirement: The applicant must prove English language proficiency at CEFR level A1 as required by UK Immigration Rules.

8. Tuberculosis Test Certificate: If applicable, the applicant must submit a Tuberculosis test certificate as per Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

Relationship Criteria for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance

The applicant's UK 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

Both the applicant and their partner must have met in person, and their relationship must be genuine and ongoing. If married, the marriage must be valid according to the specified rules. Any previous relationships must have ended permanently unless covered under paragraph 278(i) of the Immigration Rules. The couple must also intend to live together permanently in the UK.

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

From 11 April 2024, the financial requirement for a civil partner visa will increase to £29,000 gross per year for first-time applicants under the partner route. This threshold remains consistent even if dependent children are included in the application. To meet the financial requirement, the UK sponsor must earn at least £29,000 gross annually. If the sponsor's income falls short of this amount, the applicant can combine it with savings. These savings must include a base amount of £16,000 plus an additional sum equivalent to 2.5 times the shortfall between the sponsor’s income and the £29,000 threshold. While the applicant’s overseas income from a salaried job doesn’t count towards this requirement, savings, rental income, or pension income (if applicable) can be used to meet the financial threshold, along with the sponsor’s income.

Methods for Meeting Financial Requirements

The financial requirement can be fulfilled in several ways: 1. Employment Income: The UK sponsor’s income from salaried or non-salaried employment (and the applicant's income if they are in the UK with work permission) under Category A or B, depending on the employment history.

2. Non-Employment Income: Income from sources like property rental or dividends from shares under Category C.

3. Cash Savings: Savings held by the sponsor and/or the applicant that exceed £16,000 and have been under their control for at least six months (Category D).

4. Pension Income: State, occupational, or private pension income of the sponsor and/or the applicant (Category E).

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

When Is Exemption from the Financial Requirement Applicable?

If your partner in the UK receives specific benefits or allowances, you may be exempt from meeting the £29,000 income threshold. Instead, you can satisfy the financial requirement by demonstrating "adequate maintenance." This applies if your partner receives any of the following:

Carer’s Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Attendance Allowance

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme

Police Injury Pension

If your partner is receiving one of these benefits on behalf of a child, you can also meet the financial requirement through "adequate maintenance." The required evidence to prove your partner's receipt of such benefits is detailed in Appendix FM-SE.

detailed in Appendix FM-SE

How Is Adequate Maintenance Calculated?

The UK Home Office uses a specific formula to assess whether you meet the adequate maintenance requirement for your civil partner visa entry clearance:

A−B≥CA - B \geq CA−B≥C

Where:

A represents net income (after income tax and National Insurance deductions).

B represents housing costs (rent and council tax).

C is the amount of Income Support an equivalent-sized British family would receive. What Is the Adequate Accommodation Requirement?

To meet the accommodation requirement, you must provide evidence of suitable housing for the family, including any other household members not listed in the application. This accommodation must be exclusively owned or occupied by the family without reliance on public funds. The accommodation will be deemed inadequate if:

It is or will become overcrowded.

It violates public health regulations.

Appropriate Work Experience

What Is the English Language Requirement?

Applicants must show proof of English proficiency through one of the following:  Nationality: Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.  Language Test: Passing a Home Office-approved English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of CEFR level A1.  Academic Qualification: Holding an academic qualification recognized by UK Ecctis as equivalent to a UK Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD, taught in English.  Exemptions: Applicants are exempt if they are aged 65 or over, have a physical or mental disability preventing them from meeting the requirement, or face exceptional circumstances.

Can You Reapply for Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance After Refusal?

If your civil partner visa entry clearance application is refused, you can submit a new application immediately if you choose not to appeal the decision. A fresh application allows you to address any issues that led to the refusal.

Age

Can You Appeal Against the Refusal of Civil Partner Visa Entry Clearance?

If you believe that the refusal of your civil partner visa entry clearance was unjust and not based on the relevant laws or facts, you have the right to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). This appeal must be filed within 28 days of the refusal decision. Our expert immigration appeal lawyers can assist you with your appeal against the refusal.

Free Immigration Advice and Fixed Fee Services

Our team of family visa solicitors offers free immigration advice online through our website's enquiry form. We also offer fixed fee services with a flexible payment plan for civil partner visa entry clearance applications. You can pay our fixed fee in two installments: half when we begin working on your application and the remaining half when your application is fully prepared and ready for submission to the Home Office. Additional Civil Partner Visa-Related Services

We offer a range of other services related to civil partner visas, including:

Proposed Civil Partner Visa UK

Civil Partner Visa UK

Switching to Civil Partner Visa UK (5 Years Route)

Switching to Civil Partner Visa UK (10 Years Route)

Extension of Civil Partner Visa UK (5 Years Route)

Extension of Civil Partner Visa UK (10 Years Route)

ILR as a Civil Partner (5 Years Route)

ILR as a Civil Partner (10 Years Route)

Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor Visa UK

Family Visa UK

Entry Clearance Appeal Against Refusal of Civil Partner Visa

Naturalisation as a British Citizen After ILR Grant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Entry Clearance for Civil Partner Visa in the UK

Upon successful application, you will receive a 90-day entry clearance vignette to enter the UK. Once in the UK, you will collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which confirms your civil partner visa status, valid for 33 months.

The flexibility for submitting financial evidence is outlined in paragraph D of Appendix FM-SE. Decision- makers have the discretion to allow additional time for submitting missing or corrected evidence. However, they may choose not to allow additional time if they believe that correcting the error would not result in approval. Minor issues with the evidence may be overlooked, but the absence of required documents cannot be ignored. In situations where certain documents are unavailable due to the country of issue or permanent loss, decision-makers have discretion. They can also request additional information before making a decision.

The documents required for a civil partner visa entry clearance application can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the UK sponsor. Our experienced family visa solicitors will provide a tailored list of supporting documents after reviewing your case.

The processing time for a civil partner visa entry clearance application varies based on the service selected:
Standard Service: Typically decided within 60 working days after biometric enrollment at the UK visa application center.
Priority Service: Usually decided within 30 working days following biometric enrollment at the UK visa application center.

If your application is refused by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO), you have the right to appeal the decision. You must file an appeal within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision.

Yes, you are allowed to work full-time in the UK while on a civil partner visa, whether through employment or self-employment.

Your application will be mandatorily refused if any of the following apply:
 The Secretary of State has directed that your exclusion from the UK is in the public interest.  You are under a deportation order.
 Your exclusion is considered beneficial to the public due to:
o A conviction resulting in a prison sentence of at least four years.
o A conviction with a sentence between 12 months and four years, unless 10 years have passed since the sentence ended.
o A conviction with a sentence of less than 12 months, unless five years have passed since the sentence ended.
Your conduct, character, or associations make it undesirable to grant entry clearance.
You have failed to comply with interview requests, provide information, submit physical data, or undergo a medical examination.
Granting entry clearance is undesirable due to medical reasons.
You left or were removed from the UK under conditions related to a criminal caution within the past five years.
The Secretary of State considers that your parent or their partner poses a risk to you, particularly if they have a conviction for an offense against a child, are a registered sex offender, or have failed to comply with a sexual risk order.



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