If you have a British national partner, you may be eligible for a visa that allows you to reside in the UK for up to 2 and a half years. Once this visa expires, you can apply to extend your stay in the UK for another 2 and a half years, provided you continue to meet the visa requirements. After a total of 5 years, if you still meet the criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The term ‘partner’ encompasses various relationships, including husband, wife, civil partner, and unmarried partner.
To meet the visa requirements, you must demonstrate the following:
– Both parties are aged 18 or over at the time of application.
– Your relationship is genuine, subsisting, and you intend to reside permanently in the UK with your partner.
– Your marriage or civil partnership is recognized under UK law.
– You and your partner can financially support yourselves and any dependents without relying on government benefits.
– Your command of the English language is satisfactory.
Proving a ‘genuine and subsisting’ relationship:
To satisfy this requirement, you and your partner will need to demonstrate the following:
– You are currently in a long-term relationship.
– You are living together or have plans to do so in the UK if you are not already.
– You share financial responsibilities and, if applicable, responsibilities for any children.
We understand that providing evidence of the validity of your partnership to satisfy the authorities can be a challenging task. Our highly experienced immigration lawyers are here to assist you. They can clarify any unclear aspects of the visa application and provide guidance on your eligibility, as well as advise you on how to prove your relationship status to the authorities.
Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa:
If you intend to come to the UK to get married or register your civil partnership, you may be eligible to apply for a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa. This application must be made from outside the UK, and the visa must be granted before you can travel to the UK for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership registration.
If both you and your proposed partner are already in the UK:
If you are legally residing in the UK but are subject to immigration controls, you must give notice to marry or register your civil partnership with a registrar at a designated office. Our immigration team can provide guidance on the process and assist you accordingly.
