Who Can Apply for a UK Partner Visa?
To be eligible, you must be in a relationship with a British citizen or a person with settled status (or in some cases, temporary status). The Home Office recognises the following relationships:
- Spouse (with a valid marriage certificate)
- Civil partner (with a civil partnership certificate)
- Unmarried partners (in a durable relationship for 2+ years)
- Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
UK Partner Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
A successfully filled application form requires you to meet several eligibility criteria, including:
Relationship Requirements
You must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship. Evidence may include:
- Evidence of cohabitation, such as utility bills
- Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate
- Evidence of visits and keeping in touch if you currently live apart
Financial Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum income requirement also known as the financial requirement. Your gross annual income can include:
- Employment income
- Self-employment income
- Pension income
- Property rental income
- Dividend income
- Cash savings
Complex earnings, such as from self-employment or multiple income sources, require careful documentation. The documents must meet the requirements of Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. Applicants must also demonstrate they will have adequate accommodation under public health standards.
English Language Requirement
Proficiency in English is assessed under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Unless you're from a majority English-speaking country or have academic qualifications taught in English and recognised by UK NARIC (now Ecctis), you must pass an approved Secure English Language Test at CEFR level A1 or above. IELTS Life Skills Test is commonly accepted.
Application Process & Visa Fees
Steps to Apply:
- Complete the correct visa application form
- Pay the application fee
- Book your biometric enrolment
- Upload evidential documents such as financial documents and identity records
- Attend your biometric appointment and submit biometric information
Visa costs vary depending on whether you apply in the UK or abroad. You can opt for standard, priority visa service or in some cases, super priority for a faster decision. Fee waivers may apply in certain cases. Be aware of additional fees such as the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge.
Why Choose Drummond Miller for Your Partner Visa Application?
Our firm is:
- Ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners
- Top Tier in The Legal 500
- Home to leading individuals like David Brown, Janey Armstrong and Humphrey Ndubuisi
Our Services Include:
- Personalised legal support tailored to partner and spouse visas
- Advice on initial applications, entry clearance, and extension of leave
- Representation for complex cases including unmarried partner visa and settlement applications
- Support with human-rights based applications and spouse visa appeals
Expert Legal Advice for Complex Cases
We assist clients across a wide range of situations, including:
- Bereaved partners applying for indefinite leave to remain
- Victims of domestic abuse seeking protection under the Immigration Rules
- Refugee status and protection status applicants reuniting with family members
It’s your future - let us help you make it a reality.
- Call us on 0131 226 5151
Frequently Asked Questions
It includes a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (a durable relationship of 2+ years akin to marriage/civil partnership), fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner. Applications outside this definition are assessed at the discretion of the Secretary of State.
Applicants must meet the validity, suitability, and eligibility criteria, covering areas like financial requirements, English language skills, accommodation, and immigration status. Some may require a TB test or Life in the UK test depending on their case.
- Out-of-country applications: 2 years and 9 months
- In-country applications: 2 years and 6 months
- Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner visas: 6 months
Most applicants qualify for indefinite leave to remain after 5 continuous years, though some may follow a 10-year route to settlement.
You may still be eligible to apply for leave. Seek legal advice immediately to assess your options.
A bereaved partner can apply for indefinite leave to remain if the sponsor passed away after entry. Legal support is advised to navigate the application for leave based on bereavement.
Speak With a UK Spouse Visa Lawyer Today
Need advice or support for your partner visa application? Whether it is a spouse visa application, unmarried partner visa application, or just exploring your options, contact Drummond Miller. Our skilled team of UK Spouse Visa Solicitors and immigration experts are here to guide you with clarity and care.
Contact us to begin your partner visa application today.
- Call us on 0131 226 5151