The Unmarried Partner visa allows your loved ones to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with the person who is present and 'settled in the UK' or ‘UK citizen’. The Unmarried Partner visa applies to both heterosexual and same sex relationships provided that the couple can prove their relationship is subsisting and has been in existence for two or more years.

If a person is currently in the UK with a valid leave for a period exceeding six months, the applicant may be able to switch into an Unmarried Partner Visa inside the UK.

The sponsor and the applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves (and any dependents) without claiming public funds. The sponsor (referring to the person present and settled in the UK) must be earning a gross income of at least £18,600. If a child is part of the application, the applicant would need to show an additional £3,800 per child. If the gross earning is not enough to be satisfied, saving, pension or other incomes can be added up. In some circumstances it is possible to rely on a combination of the above sources of income to satisfy the financial requirement.

Although marriage certificate is not required, the relationship must be genuine similar to marriage. The unmarried partners need to prove that they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for two years or more. They also need to prove their intention to live together permanently in the future. If one of the partner were involved in a previous relationship, they should demonstrate that the relationship was ended. It will be the best to collect any evidence to prove genuine relationship such as statement, photos, and letters from friends and family.

Partners looking to apply under this route must be able to show that they have been living together for the past 2 years. It is important to satisfy the cohabitation requirement. Possessing 2 years covering documents will normally suffice as proof of cohabitation such as utility bills, bank statement, TV license and tenancy agreements. The document would include joint account bills and other separate account bills being posted to the same address. The evidence will vary depending on the circumstances.