Section A: Understanding the Unmarried Partner Visa
There is no standalone visa category formally titled the “unmarried partner visa”. Instead, unmarried partners apply under the UK family visa route, specifically under the partner provisions of Appendix Relationship with Partner within the Immigration Rules.
For immigration purposes, an unmarried partner is someone who is in a durable relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership with a qualifying partner in the UK. The unmarried partner route is distinct from the spouse visa, civil partner and fiancé(e) visa routes, even though all sit within the wider family visa framework and can lead, in different ways, to settlement.
The qualifying partner must be a British citizen, an Irish citizen, or a person who holds settled status in the UK. This includes those with indefinite leave to remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, refugee status or humanitarian protection. Other limited categories can qualify where specifically provided for in the Immigration Rules, but most applications fall within the settled or British partner categories.
To qualify as an unmarried partner, the applicant must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and subsisting and that it is durable. In many cases, durability is shown by evidence that the couple has lived together for at least two years in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. However, current Home Office guidance recognises that two years of cohabitation is not mandatory in every case. Where a couple has been in a committed relationship for at least two years but has been unable to live together for good reasons, such as work commitments, immigration barriers, caring responsibilities or cultural or legal constraints, the Home Office can still accept the relationship as durable if it is properly evidenced.
This flexibility is particularly relevant for couples who have maintained long-distance or partially cohabiting relationships. In those cases, the focus shifts to the quality and consistency of the evidence showing commitment, stability and shared life plans, rather than a simple count of months spent at the same address.
As the unmarried partner route leads to settlement, applicants are expected to continue meeting the relationship, financial and suitability requirements at each stage. An application to extend stay must be made before the visa expires. Where the requirements continue to be met, further leave is normally granted for another 30 months, allowing the applicant to complete the five-year qualifying period required for settlement and ultimately become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Comparison to other relationship routes
The unmarried partner route does not cover fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners. These are separate partner categories within the family visa framework and operate under different rules.
Applicants applying as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner are granted six months’ permission to enter or remain in the UK. They are not permitted to work or study during this period and the route is intended solely to allow the couple to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK before switching into the spouse or civil partner route.
Couples who are not married and do not intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership should apply under the unmarried partner route only where they can meet the durability and relationship requirements described above.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The unmarried partner route is often described as the spouse visa without a marriage certificate, but the difference is more significant than that. Because the relationship isn’t legally recognised, this is reflected in how the Home Office approaches applications under this route, with a higher level of caseworker scrutiny. In practice, this means the evidence has to do more than just show that the relationship exists. It needs to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and also that it functions in a way that’s comparable to a marriage, with day-to-day commitment and shared life decisions that go beyond labels.
Section B: Unmarried Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
Applying under the unmarried partner route requires the applicant and their partner to meet a defined set of eligibility requirements set out in the Immigration Rules and supporting Home Office guidance. These requirements are designed to ensure that the relationship is genuine, durable and comparable to a marriage or civil partnership, and that the couple can realistically live together in the UK without recourse to public funds.
Eligibility is assessed at the date of application. The burden is on the applicant to show, on the balance of probabilities, that each requirement is met. The Home Office does not infer eligibility and does not correct weaknesses or omissions in an application.
1. Core eligibility requirements
To qualify as an unmarried partner under the UK family visa framework, the following requirements apply.
a. Both the applicant and their partner should be aged 18 or over at the date of application.
b. The relationship should be genuine and subsisting. The Home Office assesses whether the relationship is real, ongoing and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
c. The relationship should be durable and akin to marriage or civil partnership. Durability is often evidenced by long-term cohabitation, but this is not the only way the requirement can be met.
d. The couple should intend to live together permanently in the UK.
e. Any previous relationships should have broken down permanently.
f. The applicant should meet the English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.
g. The couple should have adequate accommodation available in the UK, which they own or occupy exclusively and which will not be overcrowded.
h. The financial requirement should be met, demonstrating that the couple can maintain themselves without accessing public funds.
2. Relationship durability and cohabitation
The Home Office assesses whether a relationship is durable by looking at its length, stability and the level of commitment demonstrated by the couple. In many cases, applicants evidence durability by showing that they have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years prior to the date of application.
However, current guidance recognises that two years of cohabitation is not mandatory in every case. Where a couple has been in a committed relationship for at least two years but has not lived together throughout that period, the Home Office will consider whether there are good reasons for this. Examples include work or study in different locations, immigration restrictions, caring responsibilities, or cultural or legal barriers that prevented cohabitation.
In these situations, applicants are expected to provide alternative evidence demonstrating the seriousness and longevity of the relationship, supported by a clear explanation of why cohabitation was not possible.
The couple should have accommodation available in the UK that they own or occupy exclusively and which is not overcrowded under UK housing standards. Where arrangements are temporary or due to change, applicants should explain the position clearly and support it with evidence.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The task at hand is to present your relationship authentically, but also in a way that satisfies the strict criteria you’ll be assessed against. Each requirement needs to be addressed clearly and convincingly, while also keeping sight of the overall narrative the application presents. Caseworkers are trained to look at both and to identify inconsistencies, mismatches and red flags across the file.
The financial requirement is an area where many applications come unstuck. The rules are technical and advice is often sensible, particularly to avoid errors around which threshold applies and how different types of income and earnings should be evidenced.
Living apart is not fatal to an application, but it does demand careful explanation and supporting evidence as to why cohabitation has not been possible. Caseworkers will expect a coherent and credible account rather than assumptions.
Caseworkers are also alert to signs of sham relationships or arrangements that appear to exist solely for immigration purposes. A well-prepared evidence bundle, presented clearly and logically, reduces that risk and allows the application to be assessed on its merits.
Section C: Supporting Documents
An unmarried partner visa application stands or falls on the quality, structure and consistency of the supporting evidence provided. The Home Office does not infer facts, fill gaps or reconcile inconsistencies on an applicant’s behalf. Each eligibility requirement must be evidenced clearly and in a way that aligns with how caseworkers are instructed to assess partner applications.
The documents required will vary depending on the couple’s circumstances, but all applicants should expect close scrutiny of relationship evidence, financial evidence and identity documents. Submitting large volumes of material without a clear evidential purpose often weakens an application rather than strengthening it.
| Requirement | Typical supporting documents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine and subsisting relationship | Photographs, communication records, third-party statements | To show the relationship is real, ongoing and consistent over time |
| Durable relationship | Cohabitation evidence or alternative durability evidence | To demonstrate commitment comparable to marriage or civil partnership |
| Financial requirement | Payslips, bank statements, tax records, savings evidence | To prove the correct threshold is met using permitted sources |
| Adequate accommodation | Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, property details | To confirm suitable, non-overcrowded housing is available |
| English language requirement | Approved test certificate or recognised qualification | To show the correct level is met for the application stage |
1. General supporting documents
In most cases, an unmarried partner application will require the following core documents. These establish identity, status and baseline eligibility before the Home Office moves on to relationship and financial assessment.
a. A valid passport or other travel document for the applicant.
b. Evidence of the partner’s status in the UK, such as a British or Irish passport, biometric residence permit, or confirmation of settled status.
c. Evidence that the English language requirement is met, or that a valid exemption applies.
d. Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK.
e. Financial evidence demonstrating that the applicable income or savings threshold is met.
f. Details of any dependent children included in the application.
g. Information relating to previous immigration history and any criminal convictions, where relevant.
2. Proof of relationship
Applicants should provide evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting and that it meets the durability requirement. The Home Office assesses relationship evidence holistically, looking for consistency across documents and over time rather than relying on any single piece of evidence.
Relationship evidence can include the following.
a. Photographs of the couple together taken over the course of the relationship, ideally covering different time periods, locations and social contexts. Where possible, photographs should be dated or accompanied by brief explanations to provide context.
b. Evidence of communication between the partners during periods spent apart, such as call logs, messages or emails, showing ongoing contact rather than isolated exchanges.
c. Statements from friends or family members who are aware of the relationship. These should explain how the writer knows the couple, how long they have known them and why they consider the relationship to be genuine.
d. A covering statement from the applicant, or from both partners, explaining how the relationship began, how it has developed, any periods of separation and the couple’s plans for the future.
3. Evidence of cohabitation or alternative evidence of durability
Where the couple has lived together, evidence of shared residence should normally cover a substantial period and demonstrate a stable living arrangement. Typical documents include joint tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, council tax bills, utility bills or official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
Where two years of cohabitation cannot be demonstrated, applicants should provide alternative evidence showing why cohabitation was not possible and how the relationship nevertheless meets the durability requirement. This may include evidence of time spent together, travel records, shared financial responsibilities, joint commitments or future plans, supported by a clear explanation of the reasons for living apart.
The Home Office expects the evidence to explain the reality of the relationship, rather than simply meeting a checklist of document types.
4. Financial evidence
Financial evidence must demonstrate that the applicable minimum income or savings requirement is met in accordance with the Immigration Rules and associated guidance. The evidence required depends on how the financial requirement is being met and which category of income or savings is relied upon.
Where income from employment is relied upon, applicants are usually expected to provide recent payslips, corresponding bank statements showing salary payments and confirmation of employment. Where self-employment or company director income is relied upon, additional documents such as tax returns and business accounts are required.
Where cash savings are relied upon, bank statements should show that the required funds have been held for the necessary period, unless an exception applies, such as funds derived from the recent sale of property or investments.
Where multiple income sources are relied upon, the evidence should clearly demonstrate how the combined income or income and savings meet the relevant threshold.
5. Identity and biometric documents
Identity documents are required to verify the identities of both partners and to support security and suitability checks.
a. Valid passports for both the applicant and the partner, including the biographical page and any pages showing previous immigration stamps or visas.
b. Biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, provided at a visa application centre or UKVCAS appointment as part of the application process.
c. Additional identity documents, such as national identity cards or birth certificates, where available and relevant.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Your evidence needs to strike the right balance between quality and quantity. Caseworkers are time-poor and won’t sift through disorganised, oversized bundles or try to fill gaps on an applicant’s behalf.
A strong application pack presents comprehensive but focused evidence that’s well organised, easy to follow and clearly mapped to the relevant visa criteria, so the story of the relationship and eligibility is immediately apparent.
Section D: Unmarried Partner Visa Application Process
Applications under the unmarried partner route are made under the UK family visa framework and are submitted online. The process involves completing the correct application form, paying the required fees, providing biometric information and submitting supporting evidence to demonstrate that all eligibility requirements are met.
The Home Office assesses the application strictly on the information and documents provided. Caseworkers do not request missing evidence as a matter of course, and inconsistencies or gaps can result in refusal even where the underlying relationship is genuine.
| Stage | What happens | What the Home Office assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | The applicant completes the family visa application form and selects the unmarried partner route | Correct route selection and completion of mandatory questions |
| Payment of fees | Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are paid online | That the application is validly submitted and fees are paid in full |
| Biometric enrolment | Fingerprints and a digital photograph are provided at a visa application centre or UKVCAS | Identity verification and security checks |
| Submission of evidence | Supporting documents are uploaded in line with the requirements | Compliance with the Immigration Rules and caseworker guidance |
| Decision | The Home Office issues a grant or refusal | Eligibility, credibility and overall compliance |
1. How to apply
An application for an unmarried partner visa begins with the completion of the online family visa application form on the UK government website. Applicants applying from outside the UK will apply for entry clearance. Applicants already in the UK may apply to switch into or extend leave under the partner route where the Immigration Rules permit switching from their current status.
The application form requires detailed information about the applicant’s personal circumstances, immigration history, relationship, accommodation and financial position. All information provided should be accurate and consistent with the supporting documents submitted, as inconsistencies are commonly relied upon in refusal decisions.
As part of the application, applicants upload electronic copies of their supporting documents. Documents should be clear, legible and translated into English where required. Before submission, the application should be reviewed carefully to confirm that the correct route has been selected and that the evidence provided matches the information entered in the form.
Applying from inside the UK and switching
Many applicants apply for an unmarried partner visa from inside the UK by switching from another immigration route. Whether switching is permitted depends on the applicant’s current immigration status, compliance history and the timing of the application.
Not all visa categories allow switching into the family route, and overstaying or breaches of immigration conditions can complicate or prevent a switch. Applicants should check carefully whether their current status allows switching and ensure that any application made from inside the UK is submitted before their existing leave expires.
2. Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
The visa application fee depends on whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. Each applicant, including dependent children, pays a separate application fee.
In addition to the visa fee, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. The surcharge is calculated based on the length of leave granted rather than the visa category itself and is payable in full at the point of application.
For unmarried partner visas, leave is normally granted for 30 months when applying from inside the UK or 33 months when applying from outside the UK. For Immigration Health Surcharge purposes, the Home Office charges in whole years, rounding up where the period of leave exceeds six months. In practice, this means a single applicant is usually charged for three years of Immigration Health Surcharge for an initial grant.
3. Biometric information
After submitting the application and paying the required fees, applicants are required to provide biometric information. This involves attending an appointment to enrol fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Applicants applying from outside the UK attend a visa application centre. Applicants applying from inside the UK usually attend a UKVCAS appointment. Appointment details and instructions are provided as part of the online application process.
Failure to attend a biometric appointment or to provide required information within the specified timeframe can result in delays or the application being treated as invalid.
4. Processing times and priority services
Processing times for unmarried partner visa applications vary depending on where the application is made and the circumstances of the case. Applications submitted from outside the UK are typically decided within around 12 weeks. Applications submitted from inside the UK are usually decided within around 8 weeks where the application is straightforward and all requirements are met.
These timeframes are service standards rather than guarantees. Applications can take longer where additional checks are required or where application volumes are high.
Priority and super priority services may be available for some applications for an additional fee. Availability varies by location and application type, and faster processing is not guaranteed in all cases.
5. Outcome of the application
If an unmarried partner visa application is approved, permission to stay is normally granted for 33 months where the application is made from outside the UK or 30 months where the application is made from inside the UK. During this period, the visa holder is permitted to work and study in the UK, subject to the conditions of their leave.
If the application is refused, the refusal notice will set out the reasons for the decision and confirm whether the applicant has a right of appeal or can request an administrative review. Appeal rights are not automatic and depend on whether the refusal engages human rights grounds.
Applicants who are refused may submit a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal or consider alternative immigration routes depending on their circumstances.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Mistakes made in an unmarried partner application rarely stay contained. The information and evidence submitted will form a reference point for future applications, including extensions, settlement and ultimately naturalisation. Inconsistencies, gaps or weak explanations that are overlooked at this stage can resurface years later and undermine later applications, even where circumstances have otherwise improved.
Section E: Common Application Challenges
Unmarried partner visa applications frequently encounter difficulties because the route requires a detailed assessment of personal circumstances rather than a simple box-ticking exercise. Even where a relationship is genuine, applications can fail if the evidence does not align with how the Home Office evaluates durability, financial stability and overall credibility.
Understanding where applications commonly fall down allows applicants to address weaknesses in advance, rather than reacting to a refusal after the event.
1. Demonstrating a durable relationship
One of the most common challenges is proving that the relationship meets the durability requirement. While long-term cohabitation remains strong evidence, many couples struggle where they have lived apart for periods of time or have not shared accommodation continuously.
The Home Office looks beyond labels and focuses on substance. Gaps in cohabitation, inconsistent addresses or limited joint documentation can undermine an application if they are not clearly explained and supported by evidence. Where couples have not lived together for two years, failure to explain why this was not possible is a frequent reason for refusal.
Applicants should ensure that their evidence tells a coherent story of commitment, stability and shared life, rather than presenting disconnected documents that require the caseworker to infer links.
2. Financial requirement pitfalls
Meeting the financial requirement is another common obstacle. Applications are often refused not because income is insufficient, but because the evidence does not meet the strict format, timing and calculation rules set out in the Immigration Rules and guidance.
Problems frequently arise where income fluctuates, where self-employment or company director income is relied upon, or where payslips and bank statements do not align precisely. Misunderstanding how savings can be used, or failing to meet the required holding period, can also result in refusal even where the headline figures appear sufficient.
Applicants should be clear about which financial category they are relying on and ensure the evidence submitted demonstrates compliance with that category, rather than attempting to combine documents in an ad-hoc way.
3. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents are a frequent reason for refusal. Differences in dates, addresses, employment details or financial figures can raise credibility concerns, even where they arise from simple oversight rather than deliberate error.
The Home Office does not correct mistakes on behalf of applicants. Missing documents, unclear scans or untranslated material can result in an application being refused without an opportunity to provide further clarification.
Careful cross-checking of all documents before submission is essential to ensure that the evidence is internally consistent and supports the information provided in the application form.
4. Delays and uncertainty
Processing delays can create practical and emotional strain, particularly where couples are living apart or where employment or housing arrangements depend on the outcome of the application.
Delays may arise due to background checks, verification of financial evidence or high application volumes. While priority services can reduce waiting times in some cases, they are not always available and do not remove the possibility of further scrutiny.
Applicants should plan for the possibility of delays and avoid making irreversible commitments until a decision has been received.
Section F: Summary
The unmarried partner visa allows couples who are not married or in a civil partnership to live together in the UK where their relationship meets the Home Office definition of durability. It is not a shortcut around the spouse route, and it is not assessed lightly. UKVI looks closely at whether the relationship is genuine, ongoing and comparable to marriage, and whether the couple can realistically establish and maintain a shared life in the UK.
Eligibility turns on three pressure points: the strength and durability of the relationship, the intention to live together permanently in the UK, and meeting the financial requirement in the correct way. The financial rules, in particular, cause frequent refusals where applicants misunderstand which threshold applies or submit evidence that does not comply with the prescribed format.
Applications succeed when the evidence tells a clear, consistent story that aligns with the Immigration Rules and current guidance. Where there are gaps, periods of separation or non-standard income, these need to be explained and supported properly. This is a route that rewards preparation and accuracy, not assumptions.
Section G: Need Assistance?
the unmarried partner visa UK rules are stricter than many expect, particularly if you have lived apart, have non-standard income or are relying on transitional financial rules.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, which financial threshold applies to you or how to present your evidence in line with current Home Office guidance, book a fixed fee telephone consultation for advice from one of our UK legal advisers.
Section H: FAQs
What is an unmarried partner visa?
The unmarried partner visa allows a person to live in the UK with their partner where they are not married or in a civil partnership but are in a durable relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. The route sits within the UK family visa framework and can lead to settlement.
Do we have to have lived together for two years?
Two years of cohabitation is strong evidence of a durable relationship, but it is no longer mandatory in every case. Where a couple has been in a committed relationship for at least two years but could not live together for good reasons, the Home Office can still accept the relationship if it is properly evidenced.
How long does an unmarried partner visa last?
If approved, an unmarried partner visa is normally granted for 33 months when applying from outside the UK or 30 months when applying from inside the UK. An extension is required before expiry to continue towards settlement.
What is the financial requirement for an unmarried partner visa?
For most applications submitted on or after 11 April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year. Some applicants extending under transitional rules may still be assessed against the lower £18,600 threshold. The correct threshold depends on the applicant’s immigration history.
Can we use savings instead of income?
Cash savings above £16,000 can be used to meet the financial requirement, either on their own or in combination with income, provided the funds meet the definition of permitted savings and are evidenced in line with the rules.
Can both partners’ income be used?
In many cases, income from the sponsoring partner, the applicant, or both can be relied upon, depending on where the application is made and the type of income. What matters is whether the income source is permitted and evidenced correctly.
Can I work on an unmarried partner visa?
Yes. Unmarried partner visa holders are permitted to work and study in the UK, subject to the conditions of their leave. This is different from the fiancé(e) route, which does not allow work.
Does time as a fiancé(e) count towards settlement?
Time spent in the UK as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner does not count towards the five-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Only time spent with leave as a partner counts.
What happens if my unmarried partner visa is refused?
If refused, the refusal notice will explain the reasons and whether you have a right of appeal or can request an administrative review. In many cases, applicants choose to submit a fresh application that addresses the issues identified.
Can unmarried partners apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
After completing five years in the UK with permission as a partner, unmarried partners can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they continue to meet the relationship, financial and suitability requirements and satisfy the KoLL requirement.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Defintion |
|---|---|
| Unmarried partner visa | A family visa route allowing partners who are not married or in a civil partnership to live together in the UK where their relationship is durable and akin to marriage. |
| Durable relationship | A committed relationship comparable to marriage or civil partnership, assessed by the Home Office based on length, stability and evidence of shared life. |
| Family visa | A category of UK visas that allows eligible family members, including partners and children, to live together in the UK. |
| Appendix Relationship with Partner | The section of the Immigration Rules that sets out the eligibility requirements for partners applying under the family visa route. |
| Financial requirement | The minimum income or savings threshold that must be met to show the couple can support themselves without accessing public funds. |
| Transitional provisions | Rules allowing some applicants who were granted partner leave before 11 April 2024 to continue meeting a lower financial threshold when extending with the same partner. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee paid as part of a visa application that allows access to NHS healthcare during the period of leave. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent immigration status allowing a person to live and work in the UK without time limits, usually available after five years on the partner route. |
| KoLL requirement | The requirement to demonstrate knowledge of the English language and life in the UK when applying for settlement. |
| Public funds | UK state benefits and housing assistance that most family visa holders are not permitted to access. |
| Entry clearance | Permission granted to enter the UK, usually applied for from outside the UK under the family visa route. |
| Extension | An application to continue leave in the UK before a partner visa expires, normally granted for a further 30 months. |
Section J: Additional Resources
| Resource | What it covers | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Family visa: partner or spouse | Overview of the UK family visa route, including partner eligibility, application process and fees | https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse |
| Appendix Relationship with Partner | Immigration Rules setting out relationship, durability and eligibility requirements for partners | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-relationship-with-partner |
| Relationship with a partner: caseworker guidance | Home Office guidance explaining how decision-makers assess partner relationships in practice | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationship-with-a-partner-caseworker-guidance |
| Financial requirement for family visas | Official guidance on minimum income thresholds, permitted sources and evidential rules | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chapter-8-appendix-fm-family-members |
| Visa fees | Current Home Office visa application fees and premium service costs | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Information on IHS rates, who has to pay and how the charge is calculated | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| Life in the UK test | Details of the Life in the UK test required for settlement applications | https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test |
