Unmarried Partner Visa UK | Requirements, Eligibility, Expert Legal Support & Guidance
If you wish to bring your unmarried partner to the UK, or extend their stay under the Unmarried Partner route, this visa allows long-term partners of British, Irish or settled persons to live together lawfully in the UK.
For confidential legal advice or urgent assistance, contact ISUK on +44 7561 699666. Our specialist immigration solicitors assist clients nationwide by phone, online, and in person.
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What is an Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa (also referred to as the Durable Partner Route) allows a non-UK national to live in the UK with their British, Irish or settled partner under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
This route is specifically for couples who:
- Are not married or in a civil partnership, and
- Can demonstrate a genuine, subsisting relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership, and
- Have been in such a relationship for at least 2 years before the date of application.
This definition directly reflects the Home Office definition of a partner under paragraph 6.2 of the Immigration Rules and Appendix Relationship with Partner, which confirms an “unmarried partner” must have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years.
Eligible sponsors may include partners who hold:
- British citizenship
- Irish citizenship
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Settled Status
- Pre-Settled Status
- Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status
- Turkish ECAA worker or businessperson status
After completing 5 years on the partner route, applicants may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
To qualify under Appendix FM as an unmarried partner, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Partner (Sponsor) Eligibility
Your partner must be one of the following:
- A British citizen
- An Irish citizen
- A person settled in the UK (ILR, Settled Status, or permanent residence)
- A person with pre-settled status
- A refugee or a person with humanitarian protection
- A Turkish ECAA worker or businessperson
If your partner is being granted ILR on the same day as your application, they are treated as a settled partner for eligibility purposes.
2. Relationship Requirements (Appendix FM + Appendix Relationship with Partner)
To meet the relationship requirement, you must demonstrate:
- Both partners are aged 18 or over
- You have met in person at least once (required at first application)
- You have been in a genuine, subsisting relationship for at least two years
- Your relationship is akin to marriage or civil partnership (Home Office definition)
- You both intend to live together permanently in the UK
- Any previous relationships have permanently broken down (divorce, separation or dissolution)
- You are not within the prohibited degree of relationship (e.g., siblings, parent/child, etc.)
Important Legal Note from the Guidance
The Home Office guidance confirms:
A durable relationship does not always require cohabitation
As long as there is clear evidence of an ongoing relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership, and any periods apart have a reasonable explanation (work, study, safety, cultural restrictions).
Cohabitation is usually strong evidence, but not mandatory
Applicants may demonstrate durability through a combination of:
- Joint financial responsibilities
- Shared accommodation history
- Travel, communication, events together
- Evidence of commitment and long-term intention
The sections on durable relationships, genuine and subsisting relationships, and cultural awareness directly support this.
3. Financial Requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa (Including 2024/2025 Thresholds)
Applicants must meet the minimum income threshold under Appendix FM.
Correct 2025 rules:
- £29,000 applies to new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024.
- £18,600 (transitional rules) applies if the applicant entered the 5-year partner route before 11 April 2024 and is applying for an extension.
4. Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you will have adequate accommodation in the UK that is:
- not overcrowded
- secure
- compliant with public health standards
5. English Language Requirement (A1 Entry Clearance)
For first-time applicants under the Unmarried Partner route, you must meet the A1 English Language Requirement, unless exempt due to:
- Age
- Disability
- Exceptional circumstances
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To be recognised as an “unmarried partner” under Appendix FM and the Home Office’s Appendix Relationship with a Partner guidance, you must show that:
- You have personally met your partner
- You have been in a durable relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership for at least 2 years prior to application
- Your relationship is genuine and subsisting (assessed on the balance of probabilities)
- The relationship is not for immigration advantage
- Both partners intend to live together permanently
- Any prior relationships have permanently broken down
- You can provide a reasonable level of documentary evidence, or explain if evidence is limited (Home Office evidential flexibility applies)
The Home Office considers three categories of evidence:
Strong evidence (highest weight)
Examples: tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, bank statements, utility bills, tax letters, HMRC letters.
Acceptable evidence (moderate weight)
Examples: phone bills, student finance letters, driving licence address, employer letters.
Weak evidence (lowest weight)
Examples: photographs, communication records, letters of support.
Weak evidence alone cannot be the basis for refusal but the decision maker may request more information.
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On the date of submission of your Unmarried companion Visa application, both you and your companion must be at least 18 years of age.
To qualify as an unmarried partner under Appendix FM, you must demonstrate that you meet the relationship requirements:
- You and your partner are both aged 18 or over
- You have met in person
- You have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years before the date of application
- The relationship is genuine and subsisting
- The relationship is not a sham and not entered into for immigration advantage
- You both intend to live together permanently in the UK
- Any previous relationships have permanently broken down
- You are not within a prohibited degree of relationship (e.g., siblings, parent/child)
- You can provide credible evidence showing commitment, shared life, and intention to continue your relationship
You must have met your partner in person.
The Immigration Rules do not require multiple meetings, but the meeting must:
- Be face-to-face (not online),
- Have contributed to the development of a genuine relationship,
- Be supported by credible evidence (e.g., travel records, photos, messages).
Communication solely online is not sufficient, but the Home Office does not require a specific number of in-person meetings.
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When evaluating whether a relationship qualifies as genuine and ongoing for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, the Home Office assesses emotional, practical, and legal factors. This assessment is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique circumstances of each couple.
Some of the key indicators that may support the authenticity of your relationship include:
- Duration and commitment: Whether you and your partner are in a stable, long-term relationship demonstrating emotional commitment and the intention to remain together permanently.
- Cohabitation: Evidence that you live together now or have lived together previously in a way that reflects a shared domestic life.
- Parental responsibilities: Whether you jointly care for children, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren, may indicate a deeper family unit.
- Financial integration: Shared financial responsibilities, such as joint accounts, shared bills, or jointly owned property.
- Cultural and family ties: Visits to one another’s countries, meeting each other’s families, and integration into each other’s personal lives.
Future plans and domestic arrangements: Demonstrating practical and realistic plans to live together in the UK, including evidence of accommodation and future intentions.
If doubts arise regarding the legitimacy of your relationship, the Home Office may:
- Request additional supporting documents.
- Conduct in-person interviews with either or both partners.
- In rare cases, carry out an unannounced visit to your residence.
These measures aim to confirm that the relationship is genuine, continuing, and not entered into for immigration purposes.
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You must meet the financial requirement unless exempt. The rules come from three sources: Appendix FM, Appendix FM-SE, and the relevant Home Office policy guidance.
To meet the financial criteria, you must show that you and your partner can support yourselves without public funds. Meeting the income level alone is not enough, the income must come from a permitted source, be calculated correctly, and be supported by documentary evidence in the exact format required.
Since 11 April 2024, the minimum income threshold for partner visas (including unmarried partners) is £29,000 per year.
There is no additional amount required for dependent children under the updated rules.
Because the minimum income rules are complex, applicants often rely on professional advice to ensure compliance.
How You Can Meet the Financial Requirement
You may meet the financial requirement through:
- Employment income (before tax and NI)
- Self-employment income or UK-based company director income
- Cash savings over £16,000 held for at least six months
– For savings-only applications, the formula requires at least £88,500 - Pension income, investments, shares, bonds, or trust income
- Rental income or other permitted non-employment income
Applicants must provide evidence such as payslips, bank statements, employer letters, tax returns, business accounts, or other financial documents as specified in Appendix FM-SE.
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Applicants must show that they will have access to adequate accommodation in the UK without relying on public funds. The property must:
- Be owned or legally occupied by the applicant or sponsoring partner,
- Not be overcrowded under Housing Act standards, and
- Meet public health and safety requirements.
Evidence may include tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, property inspection reports, or letters from landlords confirming permission to live at the property.
You must meet the English language requirement unless exempt. This can be shown by:
- Entry Clearance (initial application): A1 CEFR level
- Extension after 2.5 years: A2 CEFR level
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (after 5 years): B1 CEFR level
You can meet the requirement by:
Passing an approved SELT test
You must complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider at the level required for your stage in the route.
Holding a recognised English-taught degree
A degree taught or researched in English can meet the requirement, but may require ECCTIS confirmation.
Exemptions apply if you are:
- 65 or older,
- Unable to meet the requirement due to a physical or mental condition, or
- A national of a majority English-speaking country such as the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
The most common reason for refusal is submitting insufficient or incorrectly formatted evidence. Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE contain exact documentary requirements, and the Home Office does not routinely request missing documents.
Because every case is assessed individually, standard online checklists are not reliable. Applicants should avoid submitting generic bundles and should instead prepare evidence specific to their relationship, financial circumstances, and living arrangements.
Missing or incorrectly formatted documents can result in refusal. Appeals take months and are uncertain, and submitting a new application incurs further fees and delays.
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Application Fee for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa
As of 2025:
- £1,846 — applications from outside the UK
- £1,048 — applications from inside the UK
Optional Priority and Super Priority services are available at additional cost.
Processing and Decision Waiting Times for UK Unmarried Partner Visas
Applications made outside the UK for an Unmarried Partner Visa currently take up to 12 weeks to process under standard service, according to the Home Office’s published timescales.
If using the Priority Service, a decision is usually made within 30 working days, depending on capacity.
Super Priority Service is not available outside the UK for partner applications.
Applications made inside the UK to switch into or extend under the Unmarried Partner route are normally decided within 8 weeks under standard service.
If the Home Office requests further evidence, or if the application involves complex financial circumstances, English language issues, or suitability concerns, the process may take longer.
For in-country applications, there is no 5-day Priority Service, but applicants may use the Super Priority Service, which aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day following biometrics, subject to availability at the time of application.
These timeframes are not guaranteed and can vary depending on demand and case complexity.
How Can Immigration Solicitors UK Help?
Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors routinely prepare and submit Unmarried Partner Visa applications. We help clients nationwide with:
Meeting the Relationship Requirement
We assess and compile evidence showing a genuine and subsisting relationship in line with the Home Office’s “Relationship with a Partner” guidance.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
The financial rules are technically complex and governed by Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE.
We ensure all evidence is:
- In the required format,
- Issued within the permitted timeframe, and
- From permitted income sources.
Document Preparation
We prepare a bespoke evidence bundle (not generic), tailored to:
- Cohabitation
- Communication records
- Shared finances
- Cultural considerations
- Time spent apart and explanations
Legal Representations
We draft persuasive legal submissions addressing:
- Eligibility
- Proportionality
- Home Office duty under Article 8 ECHR
- Relevant case law and guidance
Support During Delays or Enquiries
We respond to:
- Requests for further information
- Concerns about genuineness
- Financial omissions
- Suitability queries
Appeals & Refusals
Where necessary, we advise on:
- Administrative reviews
- Lodged appeals
- Exceptional circumstances applications
- Human Rights arguments
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sponsor an unmarried partner for a UK visa?
A sponsor is the partner living in the UK who supports the visa application. They must be:
- A British or Irish citizen,
- A person settled in the UK (ILR or permanent residence),
- A person with pre-settled status,
- Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection, or
- A person with leave as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker (ECAA routes).
The sponsor must intend to live together in the UK permanently with the applicant.
What qualifies as an authentic and ongoing relationship?
A genuine and subsisting unmarried partner relationship must:
- Resemble a marriage or civil partnership in seriousness,
- Have lasted at least two years, and
- Be supported by evidence showing emotional commitment, shared responsibilities, and long-term plans.
The Home Office looks for objective evidence, not just personal statements. Proof of shared finances, cohabitation, family involvement, and consistent communication strengthens the application.
Is it necessary to have lived together before applying?
Not strictly, but it significantly strengthens the application.
While two years of cohabitation is the most straightforward evidence of a genuine partnership, the Home Office may accept alternatives, provided the couple demonstrates:
- Frequent visits,
- Shared responsibilities, or
- Other clear evidence of a long-term committed relationship.
Lack of cohabitation usually triggers additional scrutiny.
What financial requirements must be met?
The sponsor must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000 (for applications made on or after 11 April 2024). This can be met through:
- Salaried or non-salaried employment,
- Self-employment,
- Certain non-employment income,
- Pension income, or
- Specified savings.
If the sponsor receives certain benefits (e.g., PIP, Carer’s Allowance), an adequate maintenance test may apply instead of the £29,000 threshold.
What qualifies as adequate accommodation?
Accommodation must be:
- Suitable and legally occupied by the couple,
- Not overcrowded under Housing Act 1985 rules,
- Compliant with public health and safety standards.
Tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or property inspection reports are typical forms of evidence.
What level of English language proficiency is required?
Applicants must show English proficiency at:
- A1 CEFR level for the initial application, and
- A2 CEFR level for the first extension.
This can be proven through a SELT test or a qualifying English-taught degree. Exemptions apply based on age (65+), disability, or exceptional circumstances.
How long is the visa valid, and can it be extended?
From outside the UK, an Unmarried Partner Visa is normally granted for 33 months.
From inside the UK, it is granted for 30 months.
Before expiry, applicants can apply for a further 30-month extension.
After 5 continuous years, applicants may be eligible for ILR.
What happens if my application is refused?
Most refusals carry a right of appeal on human rights grounds (Article 8 ECHR). The First-tier Tribunal reviews evidence and may overturn the decision.
If outside the UK, remote attendance may be possible.
If inside the UK, you normally have 14 days to appeal.
Legal assistance is strongly advisable due to the complexity of appeals.
Can I still apply if I don’t meet all the standard requirements?
Yes, in some cases.
If refusing the application would breach your right to family life, you may apply under exceptional circumstances, especially where:
- You have a British or Irish child,
- A child has lived in the UK for at least 7 years,
- Relocation would cause unjustifiably harsh consequences.
These cases require strong evidence and legal representation.
How long does it take to process an Unmarried Partner Visa application?
- Outside the UK: Up to 12 weeks (Priority: ~30 working days).
- Inside the UK: Around 8 weeks (Super Priority: next working day).
Complex applications can take significantly longer.
