Unmarried Partner Visa
UK Unmarried Partner Visa – Live in the UK with Your Long-Term Partner
If you’ve built a life together but haven’t formalised it through marriage or civil partnership, the Unmarried Partner Visa UK may allow you to reunite and settle in the United Kingdom.
At Lexify Solicitors, we specialise in helping couples secure their future together. Whether you’re already living abroad or in the UK on another visa, we guide you through the application process with clarity, care, and strategy.
What Is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa (also known as the de facto visa or domestic partner visa) allows you to live in the UK with your long-term partner, provided your relationship meets certain criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
This visa is suitable for partners who have been in a genuine, durable relationship for at least two years, regardless of whether they’ve been able to live together full-time.
Key benefits include:
- Permission to live, work, and study in the UK
- A 33-month visa (if applying from outside the UK) or 30 months (if applying inside the UK)
- A route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa if:
- Your partner is a British citizen, has settled status (ILR or EU Settlement Scheme), or holds refugee/humanitarian protection
- You are both over the age of 18
- You’ve been in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
- You meet the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements
Not sure whether your relationship qualifies? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation eligibility assessment.
Financial Requirements – What You Need to Earn or Save
Minimum Income Threshold (Updated for April 2024)
As of 11 April 2024, the minimum financial requirement to sponsor a partner is:
- £29,000 gross annual income
Unlike previous rules, there is no longer an additional requirement per child.
What Counts as Income?
You can meet the financial requirement through any of the following:
| Income Source | Details |
| Employment or self-employment (UK) | Payslips, contracts, tax returns, and employer letters required |
| Pension income | State or private pensions allowed |
| Rental income | Must show regular payments with tenancy agreements |
| Dividends or investments | Verifiable income statements accepted |
| Cash savings over £88,500 | Must be held for 6+ months, used alone or to top up other income |
Exemptions from the Financial Requirement
You may be exempt if your UK sponsor receives specific benefits, such as:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- PIP, Attendance Allowance, or War Pension
In these cases, you must demonstrate that you can adequately maintain yourselves without public funds. We’ll guide you on what evidence is required.
Accommodation Requirement – Where Will You Live Together?
Applicants must prove that:
- The accommodation is secure, legally occupied, and not overcrowded
- The property meets UK public health and safety regulations
- The couple can live there exclusively after the visa is granted
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- Letters from landlords (if living with family)
- Inspection reports to confirm size and suitability
English Language Requirement – What You Need to Show
You must meet the required CEFR level depending on your visa stage:
| Application Stage | Required Level | Notes |
| First application | A1 | Speaking and listening only |
| Extension after 2.5 yrs | A2 | Slightly higher proficiency |
| ILR (after 5 years) | B1 | Must also pass Life in the UK |
Exemptions apply if:
- You’re aged 65 or over
- You have a long-term physical or mental health condition
- You’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)
Only UKVI-approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are accepted.
Proving a Genuine Relationship – How to Build a Strong Case
You must prove that your relationship:
- Has lasted at least two years
- Is genuine, ongoing, and exclusive
- Is equivalent in commitment to marriage or civil partnership
- Involves plans to cohabit long-term in the UK
Key Evidence Includes:
- Joint tenancy agreements or utility bills
- Photos and travel records together
- Communication records (emails, messages, call logs)
- Shared finances (bank accounts, bills, subscriptions)
- Statements from friends or family
- Evidence of visits to each other’s home countries
While cohabitation is helpful, it is no longer mandatory, especially in situations where couples were separated due to studies, employment, or cultural reasons.
We help craft compelling statements and collate well-presented evidence that supports your unique story.
Documents You’ll Need
To support your application, you’ll typically need:
- Current passport and previous travel documents
- Proof of income and employment
- Proof of savings (if used)
- Accommodation documents (rent or mortgage agreements)
- English language test certificate (A1/A2 level)
- Details of previous immigration applications
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (for applicants from certain countries)
We’ll provide a full, customised checklist based on your situation.
How Long Does It Take?
Application Type | Typical Decision Time |
Outside the UK (entry) | Around 12 weeks |
Inside the UK (switch) | 8-12 weeks (standard) |
Priority services | Available (for faster outcomes) |
Processing times vary depending on the time of year, complexity, and location. Delays can occur, we ensure your file is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
How Long Is the Visa Valid?
- Entry from outside the UK: 33 months
- Switching within the UK: 30 months
- Extension: Additional 30 months
- Permanent residency: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
This visa is a stepping stone to British citizenship through continuous lawful residence.
Refusals and Your Options
Unmarried Partner Visa refusals are often due to:
- Incomplete or weak evidence
- Missing financial documentation
- Questions about the relationship’s authenticity
- Past immigration violations
If your application is refused, you may have the right to:
- Appeal the decision (especially if your claim involves family life under Article 8 ECHR)
- Submit a fresh application with improved evidence
- Pursue Judicial Review or Administrative Review
Lexify Solicitors will evaluate your refusal letter and guide you to the most strategic next step.
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors?
- Specialists in Partner Visa Applications – including complex and cross-border cases
- Global Support – we’ve assisted clients from over 110 countries
- Evidence-led Approach – we don’t guess; we build strong, detail-backed applications
- Clear communication at every stage
- Fixed fees with no hidden surprises
We don’t offer false hope, but we do offer trusted advice, strategic guidance, and committed support grounded in years of immigration experience.
Start Your Unmarried Partner Visa Application Today
Bringing your relationship to the UK shouldn’t feel overwhelming, and with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re applying for the first time, need help after a refusal, or want advice on switching visa routes, Lexify Solicitors is here to support you.
Contact us today for a free initial assessment and begin your journey toward life together in the UK.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.