UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA
The Unmarried Partner Visa is for individuals in a long-term relationship with a British or Irish citizen, someone settled in the UK, a person with pre-settled status, or a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holder. It also applies to partners of people with refugee status or humanitarian protection. If your partner is currently outside the UK but plans to return with you, you can still apply for this visa.
This visa can lead to permanent residency, allowing you to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of living together in the UK.
UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet the following requirements established by UK Visas and Immigration:
· Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status, or have a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa. They may also be someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
· Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
· You and your partner must have met in person.
· Your relationship must have been ongoing for at least 2 years, akin to a marriage or civil partnership.
· You must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
· You and your partner should intend to live together permanently in the UK.
· Any prior relationships must have ended completely.
· You must meet specific financial criteria to support yourselves.
· There must be adequate housing available for you and any dependents.
· You must demonstrate the required level of English language skills.
IS AN UNMARRIED PARTNER UK VISA OLDER ALLOWED TO WORK?
Yes, holders of the Unmarried Partner Visa are allowed to work and study in the UK.
WHAT ARE THE LENGHTS AND CONDITIONS OF AN UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA?
If you apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa from outside the UK and your application is approved, you will receive permission to enter the country for 33 months. If you apply from within the UK, such as when switching from another visa, you will be granted permission to stay for 30 months.
Holders of the Unmarried Partner Visa can work and change jobs without needing to inform the Home Office. Additionally, they are allowed to study, engage in voluntary work, and travel in and out of the UK.
CAN AN UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA BE EXTENDED OR RENEWED?
Before your initial visa period expires, you can apply to extend your Unmarried Partner Visa for an additional 30 months.
To successfully obtain an extension, you must demonstrate the following:
CAN I APPLY FOR INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN AS AN UNMARRIED PARTNER?
After maintaining your Unmarried Partner Visa for a minimum of five years, you may submit an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement.
The applicant must demonstrate that:
· You have lived continuously in the UK for five years without breaking any immigration laws.
· You have sufficient English language skills and have passed the Life in the UK test.
· You are still in a relationship with your British or settled partner.
· You have lived together in the UK since your visa was granted.
DOES AN UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA LEAD TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIP?
Yes, holders of an Unmarried Partner Visa can eventually obtain British citizenship. After being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen once you have held ILR for 12 months.