This application is submitted to the Home Office UKVI using the online FLR (M) form. You qualify as an unmarried partner if you and your UK sponsor have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years. To expedite the process, you can opt for the Super Priority Service, which provides a decision within 24 hours.
The application must comply with the Immigration Rules outlined in Appendix FM. If you meet all the necessary criteria, you will be granted 30 months (2.5 years) of leave to remain as an unmarried partner under the 5-year route. If you do not meet the requirements for this route, you may apply under the 10-year route.
Complimentary Immigration Advice for Transitioning to an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
Our team of expert immigration solicitors offers free initial consultations for your application to switch to an unmarried partner visa (5-year route) from within the UK. You can ask our family visa solicitors for advice online or schedule a detailed consultation.
Expert Solicitors for Transitioning to an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
Our experienced family visa solicitors have successfully guided thousands of clients through the process of switching to an unmarried partner visa. We offer fast, friendly, and reliable fixed-fee services for your application under the 5-year route. Our team can also facilitate a swift decision through the Super Priority Service, ensuring you receive a decision within 24 hours.
Cost of Transitioning to an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with your application:
Our Fixed Fees: Depending on the complexity of your case, our fees range from £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT. This fee covers all aspects of your application, including document review, form completion, appointment scheduling, and submission. An initial payment of 50% is required to start your application, with the remaining balance due upon completion.
If the full service cost is beyond your budget, you can opt for our one-off consultation service for £100 (including VAT) or our document checking service for £300 (including VAT).
UKVI Fees: In addition to our fees, you must pay the Home Office UKVI application fee of £1,048 and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £2,587.50, totaling £3,635.50. You can also pay an additional £1,000 for the Super Priority Service to receive a decision within 24 hours.
Steps to Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
To apply, follow these steps:
Complete the FLR (M) application form online via the UKVI website.
Submit the form along with the required Home Office UKVI fees, including the IHS.
Schedule your biometrics appointment through the UKVCAS portal.
Upload all supporting documents online before your biometrics appointment.
Attend your biometrics appointment with your BRP card, passport, and appointment letter.
Await a decision, typically within 3 to 6 months for standard service, or 24 hours with the Super Priority Service.
Using Super Priority Service for an Unmarried Partner Visa
As specialist family visa solicitors, we are registered with the Home Office UKVI and UKVCAS Sopra Steria to offer the Super Priority Service, ensuring a decision within 24 hours of your application.
Requirements for Transitioning to an Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
The key requirements include:
Valid Application: Submit a valid application per Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
Immigration Status: Applicants must not be in the UK as visitors or have leave granted for 6 months or less unless specific exceptions apply.
Relationship Requirement: You must be the unmarried partner of a British citizen, settled person, EU national with pre-settled status, or other qualifying individuals. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
Age: Both parties must be 18 or older.
Suitability: Meet the suitability criteria outlined in Appendix FM.
Financial Requirement: Demonstrate a combined income of at least £29,000 per year or sufficient savings.
Accommodation: Provide evidence of adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds.
English Language: Meet the CEFR level A1 English language requirement.
New Financial Requirement of £29,000 Per Year Effective April 2024
Starting April 11, 2024, applicants must meet the updated financial requirement of £29,000 gross per annum. If your income is below this threshold, you can combine it with savings to meet the requirement.
Ways to Meet Financial Requirements for Visa Applications
To satisfy the financial requirements, an applicant can typically do so in the following five ways:
Income from Employment: This includes earnings from either salaried or non-salaried employment of the UK partner or the applicant (if they have permission to work in the UK). This is categorized as Category A or Category B, depending on the employment history.
Non-Employment Income: This category (Category C) covers income derived from sources such as property rental or dividends from shares.
Cash Savings: The applicant or their partner can use cash savings above £16,000, provided these funds have been held for at least six months and are under their control. This is known as Category D.
Pensions: Income from state, occupational, or private pensions of the applicant or their partner is included under Category E.
Income from Self-Employment or Company Directorship: This involves income earned from self-employment or as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK. Depending on the financial year(s) being used, this falls under Category F or Category G.
Understanding the Adequate Maintenance Requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
If the applicants partner receives certain benefits or allowances, the applicant can meet the financial requirement by proving "adequate maintenance" instead of meeting the £29,000 income threshold. Benefits that qualify for this include:
Carers 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 the applicants partner is receiving any of these benefits on behalf of a child, the financial requirement can also be met through adequate maintenance. The required evidence for these benefits is outlined in Appendix FM-SE.
