Partner Visa UK (Eligibility Requirements!)

The term “Partner Visa UK” is widely used but does not exist as a standalone category in the Immigration Rules. In practice, applications are made under the Family Visa route in Appendix FM for partners of British citizens or people settled in the UK. Within this framework, “partner” can mean a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, or an unmarried partner who has lived with the sponsor in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.

This distinction matters because each sub-route carries different conditions, evidence standards, and rights. Fiancé(e)s receive six months’ leave with no right to work or study until marriage or civil partnership and a subsequent switch, while spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners are typically granted 33 months from overseas or 30 months in-country with full permission to work and study. All applications are assessed against Appendix FM and the evidential rules in Appendix FM-SE.

What this article is about: This guide explains the Partner Visa as shorthand for the Family Visa partner routes. It sets out who qualifies as a partner, the relationship, financial, English language, and accommodation requirements, how to apply from overseas or inside the UK under current digital status processes, and how to extend and settle (ILR). It also clarifies common issues such as switching, travel while an application is pending, relationship breakdown, and evidencing income under the latest thresholds.

Section A: Understanding the Partner Visa UK (Family Route)

The “Partner Visa” is not a formal visa category in UK law but an informal term describing several partner-based routes within the Family Visa framework. This route allows non-UK nationals to apply for entry clearance or further leave to remain to live with a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or in some cases, a refugee or person with humanitarian protection. It sits under Appendix FM (Family Members) of the Immigration Rules, which defines eligibility, duration, and conditions for partners joining or remaining with their UK-based sponsors.

Although the Family Visa route applies broadly, each sub-category—spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner, or unmarried partner—has distinct criteria and rights. Understanding these differences is vital, as they affect the length of stay, work permission, and the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

1. Definition and Legal Basis

Appendix FM identifies four recognised partner categories:

• Spouse – a husband or wife of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
• Civil partner – a legally registered civil partnership recognised under UK law.
• Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner – an applicant intending to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK within six months of entry.
• Unmarried partner – an applicant who has cohabited with their British or settled partner for at least two consecutive years in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership.

All of these fall under the Family Visa framework but differ in purpose. A fiancé(e) visa allows short-term entry to marry or form a partnership, while spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visas provide longer residence with full rights to work and study. The legal authority stems from Appendix FM, supported by Appendix FM-SE for evidential standards.

2. Who Qualifies as a Partner?

Applicants must prove that their relationship with their UK-based partner is genuine and subsisting. Evidence typically includes:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates recognised under UK law.
• Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements showing shared residence.
• Correspondence and financial evidence demonstrating ongoing commitment.
• Photos, travel records, or communication logs evidencing continuity.

Unmarried partners must show at least two years of cohabitation before the date of application. The Home Office assesses the genuineness of relationships holistically, considering emotional, financial, and residential factors. Fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners must show a firm intention to marry or formalise their partnership within six months of arrival. This route does not allow work or study until the applicant switches to the spouse or civil partner category.

3. Key Features of the Family Visa Route

Despite differences, the Family Visa partner routes share core features:

• Duration: Fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner visas are valid for six months. Spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visas are granted for 33 months if applying from overseas or 30 months if applying in the UK.
• Extensions: Each visa can be extended for a further 30 months if eligibility continues to be met.
• Right to work: Spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visa holders can work and study freely. Fiancé(e) visa holders cannot until they switch after marriage or partnership.
• Settlement route: After five continuous years on the partner route, applicants may apply for ILR, provided all conditions under Appendix FM remain satisfied.

Applicants must also meet the suitability and evidential standards in Appendix FM-SE. Properly prepared evidence ensures compliance with Home Office expectations and helps avoid delays or refusals.

Section Summary: The “Partner Visa UK” serves as shorthand for the family-based routes under Appendix FM. It includes spouses, civil partners, fiancé(e)s, and unmarried partners. While all share a legal foundation, they vary in duration, entitlements, and settlement pathways. Selecting the correct route depends on the couple’s relationship status and long-term goals in the UK.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Partner Visa under the Family Visa route, applicants must meet the eligibility standards in Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. These requirements cover the relationship itself, financial stability, English language ability, and suitable accommodation. Each element must be proven with documentary evidence in the format prescribed by the Home Office.

Failure to meet or evidence any of these requirements—especially financial or relationship proof—can lead to refusal. It is therefore essential that both the sponsor and the applicant understand what is required before applying.

1. Relationship Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that their partnership with a British citizen, settled person, or refugee sponsor is genuine and subsisting. Evidence requirements vary by subcategory:

• Spouses and civil partners: A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate recognised under UK law, alongside ongoing cohabitation evidence.
• Unmarried partners: Proof of at least two years of continuous cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. Documents can include joint bills, leases, or shared bank accounts.
• Fiancé(e)s and proposed civil partners: Evidence of a genuine intention to marry or formalise a civil partnership in the UK within six months, such as registrar correspondence or wedding bookings.

The Home Office assesses relationships holistically, considering both documentary and circumstantial evidence. A lack of emotional, residential, or financial integration may cause refusal even if some documents are supplied.

2. Financial Requirement

The sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold to show they can support their partner without public funds. As of 11 April 2024, the minimum requirement is £29,000 per year. Higher thresholds may apply if dependent children are included in the application.

Acceptable income sources include:

• UK employment or self-employment income from the sponsor.
• Pension income.
• Rental or investment income.
• Cash savings above £16,000, which can be used to offset shortfalls based on the formula £16,000 + (shortfall × 2.5).

Applicants must provide evidence exactly as specified in Appendix FM-SE—such as payslips, bank statements, or HMRC tax records. Self-employed sponsors must show income from the last full financial year. Third-party financial support is not generally accepted unless explicitly allowed under the rules.

Applicants should confirm the threshold in effect when they apply, as government policy may revise the rates. Incorrect or incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of refusal.

3. English Language and Accommodation

Applicants must show basic English language ability. For initial Partner Visa applications, the requirement is a test at CEFR Level A1. At extension stage, the standard rises to A2, and for settlement (ILR) to B1. Exemptions apply for applicants aged 65 or over, nationals of majority English-speaking countries, those holding recognised English-taught degrees, or individuals with medical conditions preventing compliance.

Accommodation must also be suitable and not overcrowded under Part X of the Housing Act 1985. Applicants must provide evidence such as tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or letters from landlords confirming available space. The property must not breach overcrowding standards and must remain available for the applicant’s use.

Section Summary: The Partner Visa route requires couples to demonstrate a genuine relationship, sufficient income, English language ability, and suitable accommodation. Evidence must meet the standards of Appendix FM-SE, and applicants must remain compliant with all requirements throughout their visa journey to maintain eligibility for future extensions and settlement.

Section C: Application Process

The Partner Visa application process is structured, document-based, and subject to strict Home Office evidential rules. Whether applying from abroad or from within the UK, applicants must complete each stage carefully to avoid delay or refusal. All applications are made online and assessed under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE, with biometric verification and document submission required.

As of 2025, successful applicants will generally receive an eVisa confirming their immigration status digitally, replacing the older Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) format.

1. Applying from Outside the UK

Most applicants begin by applying for entry clearance under the Family Visa route through the official GOV.UK portal. The process involves:

• Completing the online application form and selecting the “partner” category under the family route.
• Paying the application fee of £1,846 and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year of visa validity.
• Booking and attending a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
• Uploading or submitting all required supporting documents as directed.

Processing times typically range between 8 and 12 weeks for standard service. Priority services may be available for faster decisions, often within 5 working days, depending on local capacity. If granted, the applicant receives a short entry vignette valid for 90 days to travel to the UK and activate their digital status upon arrival.

Fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner applicants must marry or register their partnership within six months and then apply to switch to the spouse or civil partner route before their visa expires.

2. Applying from Inside the UK

Applicants already lawfully in the UK may apply to switch to the partner route by submitting an online form for further leave to remain. The in-country application fee is £1,048, plus the IHS at the same rate as entry clearance.

Applicants must attend a UKVCAS appointment to enrol biometrics and upload documents digitally. During processing—typically up to 8 weeks under standard service—they must remain in the UK and not travel abroad, as doing so automatically withdraws the application under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules.

Switching is not permitted for visitors, short-term students, seasonal workers, or those on immigration bail. These applicants must leave the UK and apply from overseas instead.

3. Supporting Evidence

Strong documentation is essential for success. All evidence must comply with Appendix FM-SE standards and be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. The following categories of evidence are typically required:

• Relationship evidence – marriage or civil partnership certificate, correspondence, joint finances, or travel records.
• Financial evidence – payslips, bank statements, tax documents, or audited accounts for self-employment.
• Accommodation evidence – tenancy agreements, property deeds, or letters from landlords.
• English language evidence – test results or academic qualification confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC).
• Immigration status evidence – sponsor’s passport, BRP, or digital status record.

Applicants should prepare a well-organised evidence bundle. Missing, inconsistent, or incorrectly formatted documents frequently lead to refusals. Where required, certified translations and full document lists should accompany submissions.

Section Summary: The Partner Visa application process involves a digital submission, payment of fees and the IHS, biometric verification, and careful preparation of documentary evidence. The process differs slightly for applications from abroad and from within the UK, but all are assessed under Appendix FM and FM-SE using the same legal standards. Accuracy, consistency, and completeness of evidence remain critical for approval.

Section D: Settlement and Extensions

The Partner Visa offers a clear pathway to long-term settlement in the UK for partners of British citizens, settled persons, and certain protected status holders. After completing an initial visa period, applicants may apply for an extension and ultimately for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they continue to meet all requirements under Appendix FM. Compliance throughout every stage is essential, as each application is assessed afresh by the Home Office.

1. Extending a Partner Visa

Partner Visa holders must apply for an extension before their current leave expires. The application is made online and attracts a fee of £1,048, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship remains genuine and subsisting and that they still meet the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements.

Extensions are normally granted for 30 months, bringing the total period on the route to five years. All evidence must be updated, including recent financial and cohabitation documentation, covering the time since the previous grant of leave. Applicants should ensure that income thresholds are met at the level in force at the date of application, as changes may occur between periods of leave.

Dependent children can be included in the same application, provided they meet the child-specific rules under Appendix FM. It is good practice to submit a single, consolidated application for all family members living together.

2. Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After completing five years on the Partner Visa route, applicants may apply for ILR. To qualify, they must satisfy the following conditions:

• Have completed five continuous years in the UK under the partner route, with absences not exceeding 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.
• Continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with their sponsoring partner.
• Meet the financial and accommodation requirements applicable at the time of the ILR application.
• Have passed the Life in the UK Test.
• Demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B1 or higher.

ILR provides permission to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. However, it can be revoked in cases of deception, serious criminality, or long absences suggesting the applicant has made their home elsewhere. After holding ILR for 12 months, individuals may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting residence and good character requirements.

3. Common Issues and Refusals

Even well-prepared applications can face challenges. The most common refusal reasons include:

• Inadequate evidence of ongoing cohabitation or relationship continuity.
• Failure to meet updated income thresholds or provide documents in the format prescribed by Appendix FM-SE.
• Relationship breakdowns leading to loss of eligibility for the partner route.
• Errors or omissions in financial or accommodation evidence.

If refused, applicants may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). However, many couples choose to reapply after correcting the issues identified. Where a relationship ends due to domestic abuse, the applicant may qualify for ILR under the domestic violence concession in paragraph D-DVILR of Appendix FM.

Section Summary: The Partner Visa route leads to permanent settlement after five years, provided eligibility is maintained. Applicants must meet all requirements at each stage, remain compliant with financial and relationship evidence, and be aware of threshold changes. Careful preparation at extension and ILR stages ensures continuity and long-term immigration stability in the UK.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a Partner Visa and a Spouse Visa?

There is no specific “Partner Visa” under UK immigration law. The term refers broadly to the Family Visa route that includes spouses, civil partners, fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners, and unmarried partners. The Spouse Visa is a defined category within this framework, available to individuals legally married to a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. In short, “Partner Visa” is an umbrella term, while the Spouse Visa is one of the subcategories within it.

2. Can unmarried partners apply for a UK visa?

Yes. Unmarried partners can apply under the Family Visa route if they have lived together for at least two consecutive years in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. Applicants must evidence cohabitation through documents such as joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, or joint bank statements. The Home Office will only consider relationships that are genuine, durable, and ongoing.

3. How long does a Partner Visa take to process?

Processing times vary depending on where the application is made. Entry clearance applications from outside the UK generally take 8 to 12 weeks, while in-country applications for switching or extending usually take up to 8 weeks under standard processing. Applicants may pay extra for a priority service, which aims to deliver a decision within 5 working days.

4. Can I work on a Partner Visa?

Yes, if you hold a Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner Visa, you can work and study without restriction. However, if you hold a Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you cannot work or study until you marry or register your partnership and switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa.

5. What happens if my relationship ends?

If a relationship ends during the visa period, the Home Office must be notified using the change of circumstances (MCC) form. Your leave under the partner route may be curtailed, and you would no longer be eligible to remain under Appendix FM. Depending on your situation, you may be able to switch to another visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. Victims of domestic abuse may be eligible to apply for ILR under the domestic violence concession.

6. Can same-sex couples apply for a Partner Visa?

Yes. Same-sex couples are treated equally under UK law, following the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019. Same-sex spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners can all apply under the Family Visa route, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as opposite-sex couples.

7. Can I travel while my Partner Visa application is pending?

If applying from overseas, you must wait until your visa is granted before travelling to the UK. If applying from inside the UK, you must remain in the country while your application is being processed. Leaving the UK during this time will automatically withdraw the application under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules.

Section Summary: The Family Visa framework recognises different partner types but applies consistent eligibility rules. Applicants must maintain a genuine relationship, comply with evidence standards, and understand the restrictions on work, study, and travel. Same-sex couples have equal rights to apply, and those facing relationship breakdowns or abuse may be eligible for alternative immigration protection.

Conclusion

The “Partner Visa UK” is best understood as a general term for several routes under the Family Visa framework. Each route—spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner, and unmarried partner—falls within Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Together, they provide lawful means for partners of British citizens or settled persons to live in the UK and, ultimately, to achieve permanent settlement.

The visa route is built on clear and consistent eligibility tests. Applicants must prove that their relationship is genuine and subsisting, meet the financial requirement (currently £29,000 per year), satisfy the English language requirement, and show that suitable accommodation is available. Each stage—initial application, extension, and settlement—requires compliance with Appendix FM and the evidence rules in Appendix FM-SE.

Fiancé(e) visas allow short-term entry solely to marry or form a civil partnership, while the spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner routes provide longer-term residence with full permission to work and study. After five years of lawful residence under these routes, applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, giving them the right to remain in the UK without time restrictions.

Couples should maintain complete records throughout their visa journey to ensure eligibility at renewal and ILR stages. Any gaps in evidence or failure to meet updated thresholds can result in refusal or delay. Careful preparation, consistency of documentation, and early professional advice where needed can make the difference between a smooth application and an avoidable setback.

In summary: The UK Partner Visa route allows couples to build a stable life together in the UK under a legally defined family immigration system. Those who understand the structure of the Family Visa framework, meet all evidential standards, and maintain compliance throughout will be best positioned to achieve long-term settlement and, eventually, British citizenship.

Glossary

Useful Links