What are the Requirements and Documents for an Unmarried Partner Visa?

Who is eligible for an Unmarried Partner Visa?

Partners of a British National or settled person in the UK in a relationship akin to a marriage / civil partnership for at least 2 years can apply for an unmarried partner visa to enter or remain in the UK.

What if my partner and I have not been together for 2 years but we are engaged to marry?

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may not qualify as an unmarried partner but you may be able to apply for a fiancé(e) visa (from outside the UK) or a spouse visa once you are married.

What are the requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa?

Relationship Requirement

At the time of making an Unmarried Partner Visa (or Extension), both the applicant and sponsor partner must:

• Be over 18;
• Have met in person;
• Not be related to each other;
• Have been in a committed relationship akin to a marriage, for 2 years or more;
• Be/Remain in a genuine and subsisting relationship;
• If either person were previously married/in a civil partnership, the previous marriage/s must have permanently broken down;
• Intend to live together permanently in the UK once the visa/extension is granted

Financial Requirement

The Applicant and/or Sponsor (depending on whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK) must be able to show that they are earning or receiving income from their employment or other sources or else have significant savings, and  that this income/savings is sufficient for themselves and their partner for the duration of their visa. 

The current minimum income requirement they must meet for this is £29,000 (gross) per annum.

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The English Language Requirement

Another requirement is evidence of sufficient knowledge of the English Language. Unless you reside in a country where English is the primary/dominant language e.g. USA or Australia, you will need to take an English Language Test which assesses your speaking and listening ability. This must be at a minimum level of A1 (if switching from another visa category) or A2 (if making a partner visa extension).

If you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English and recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC), the English language requirement can also be satisfied.

Other Requirements

Accommodation Requirement

You must also show that you have adequate accommodation for both of you (and any dependant children) to live in when you are in the UK.  Adequate meaning that there will be no overcrowding as a result of you staying in the property.

What type of Documents do I need to prove I meet the requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa?

It is important to note as everyone's case is different with many possible variables in the applicant's/sponsor's personal circumstances. Therefore, there is no one size fits all list of specific documents applicants must submit. - Your own set documents must be tailored according to your and/or your partner's situation.

That being said, below are the type of items the UKVI will generally expect applicants to provide for their UK Spouse/Partner Visa application.

Documents to prove Relationship Requirement is met

If you and your partner live together:

You must provide evidence of continuous cohabitation for at least 2 years immediately prior to submitting the application e.g. Joint Tenancy Agreement/s, Council Tax and Utility Bills and other official letters of correspondence for both of you jointly and/or individually at the same address(es).

If you and your partner do not live together:

If you have not been living together for a minimum period of 2 years, or have been unable to live together due to work/study commitments or cultural reasons, you must be able to evidence that you and your partner have an ongoing commitment to each other. - You can demonstrate this with evidence showing:

• you communicate regularly with each other;
• you support each other financially;
• you care for any children you have together;
• you spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events

Such evidence could include items such as: photos together, bank statements, remittances, proof of travel to see each other/going away together, phone/video and chat logs etc.

Documents to prove Financial Requirement is met

The documents you must provide need to prove the source of income being used to meet the minimum income requirement. For example if the applicant is relying on employment income, they will need to provide payslips, bank statements and employment contracts.

Documents to prove English Language Requirement is met

If the applicant is required to evidence a sufficient level of English Language, they must provide a copy of their English Language Test Certificate or their Degree certificate.

Documents to prove other requirements are met

For the accommodation requirement, the documents to be provided will depend on whether the property is owned, rented etc. So the relevant documents could be a copy of the tenancy agreement, letter from landlord/Lettings Agent, land registry title etc.

Translation of Documents

Any supporting documents that are not in English or Welsh must be translated. This will typically apply to items such as Marriage and Birth Certificates that originate from non-English speaking countries. The Home Office's official rule on this is the following: Each original document must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office. Each translated document must contain:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• the date of the translation
• the translator's full name and signature
• the translator's contact details

For a Complete List of Supporting Documents you will need to submit for your own UK partner visa application, head over here.