Unmarried Partner Visa for the UK

What is the Unmarried Partner Visa all about?

In many instances, couples are in a serious relationship, but not quite ready to tie the knot just yet. Others don’t want to get married for the wrong reasons, including marrying just to be able to get a UK visa. Fortunately, the UK immigration rules make provisions for couples that are in serious relationships in the form of the Unmarried Partner Visa.

As there is often confusion about the terms of the Unmarried Partner Visa, we have answered some of the most frequent asked questions.

I have heard that one is able to apply for the unmarried partner visa if you have been in a serious relationship for more than 2 years. What will qualify as a ‘serious relationship’?

The important part of the ‘serious relationship’ requirement is that the couple has to have lived together. So, it is important that you will have to be able to prove that you have lived together. In order to do so, you will have to provide evidence of two years cohabitation. This can be in the form of correspondence addressed to both parties over a period of two years.

It is also important to keep in mind that you have to prove that you intend to live together permanently. The relationship must be akin to marriage.

So, although marriage is not required, the relationship must be akin to this.

My partner and fulfill the requirement of the two years cohabitation for the Unmarried Partner Visa. However, most of this time we have lived together outside the UK. Will this still qualify as cohabitation?

Yes, your two-year cohabitation period can also include periods of joint residence abroad.

My partner is a British Citizen, and I now want to apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa. Do I have to fulfill a financial requirement to qualify for this type of visa?

Yes, if you are applying based on your relationship with a British citizen, you will have to meet the additional financial requirement.

A minimum income threshold of £18,600 is required in order to sponsor the settlement of the partner. If you are from within the UK, the £18,600 can be made up of the income of both parties, and it should thus be easier for you to fulfill the financial criteria.

My partner and I are in a same-sex relationship. Can we still apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa?

Yes, the unmarried partner visa is available to both persons in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

I am in the process of applying for my Unmarried Partner Visa. I also have dreams of opening my own business in the UK. Will this visa allow me to do so?

Yes, there are no work restrictions on the stay of an unmarried partner. This is, in fact, one of the biggest advantages of this visa. You will be able to start your own business, work for somebody, or even combine self-employment and employment.

If you are interested to find out more about the Unmarried Partner Visa, please feel free to contact Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd at info@bic-immigration.com Visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com or fill out the form below.