A UK partner visa allows a non-British spouse, civil partner or fiancé to join their partner to live and work in the UK for a maximum of 33 months by applying for a UK spouse visa, also known as a partner visa. After five years in the UK, the applicant may request to renew their first spouse visa and, depending on the situation, eventually be granted permanent residence. If you are planning to shift to your partner in the UK, continue reading to find out everything about the UK Partner Visa– eligibility criterias to documents required.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Partner Visa
Relationship Requirements:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership with your partner. If you are unmarried, you may be eligible for an unmarried partner visa, which has slightly different requirements.
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: Your relationship with your partner must be genuine and subsisting at the time of application and must have existed for at least two years if you are unmarried.
Accommodation Requirements:
- Sufficient Housing: In order for you and your partner to live together, you must have sufficient housing that satisfies general housing standards in the United Kingdom. Having adequate room for the two of you and any dependents is part of this.
- Ownership or Tenancy Agreement: For the place you intend to live, you must present proof of ownership or a tenancy agreement.
Financial Requirements:
- Minimum Income Requirement: If you are in the UK with a child, your joint yearly income with your partner must be at least £18,600 (or £16,000). This money may come from a job, freelance work, or other designated sources.
- Cash Savings: You can rely on cash savings of at least £62,500 for your UK Partner Visa application if you do not satisfy the minimum income level.
- Adequate Maintenance Funds: You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your partner (and any dependents) without relying on public funds.
English Language Requirements
- English Language Test: Your partner must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test at the required level (usually A1 or A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Exemptions: Certain exceptions may apply, such as if your partner is a national of an English-speaking country or has a degree taught in English.
Immigration Status Requirements
- Your Immigration Status: You must be legally present in the UK with a valid visa or entry clearance if you are applying from within the UK.
- Your Partner’s Immigration Status: If your partner is a British citizen, they must provide evidence of their citizenship. If they are not a British citizen, they must have a valid UK immigration status that permits them to live in the UK.
Suitability Requirements
- No Criminal Convictions: You and your partner must not have any unspent criminal convictions or be subject to a deportation order if you want to get the UK Partner Visa.
- No Immigration Offences: You and your partner must not have any immigration offences, such as overstaying or breaching previous visa conditions.
Documents Required
Now that you know the eligibility criterias to apply for UK Partner Visa, let’s check out the documents you need.
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Valid Passport
You must provide your valid passport and a copy of the bio-data page. Your passport should have at least one blank page for the visa to be affixed.
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Proof of Relationship
You must submit documents that demonstrate the genuine and subsisting nature of your relationship with your partner. These may include:
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate if you have any children
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- Joint bank statements or utility bills
- Photographs of you and your partner together
- Letters or statements from friends and family confirming your relationship
Accommodation Evidence
You must provide proof of adequate accommodation in the UK for you and your partner to live together while applying for UK Partner Visa. This could include:
- Property ownership documents (e.g., mortgage statements, title deeds)
- Tenancy agreement or rental contract
- Letter from the homeowner or landlord confirming your accommodation arrangements
Travel History and Biometrics
You must provide your travel history for the last 10 years, including dates of travel, destinations, and purpose of travel. You will also need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and facial photograph) at a designated visa application centre.
Other Supporting Documents
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide other supporting documents, such as:
- Police clearance certificates
- Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)
- Evidence of any dependents accompanying you
- Employer letter confirming job details (if employed)
Conclusion
Knowing the eligibility criterias and required documents allows you to apply for the UK Partner Visa successfully. The spouse visa may be able to be extended for another 30 months if you want to extend it. After five years, you can be eligible for settlement as a spouse, depending on your situation. In other situations, you can only be eligible for a settlement ten years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1: How lengthy does it take to procedure a spouse visa?
A: Applications for partner visas are usually processed by UKVI in 12 to 24 weeks, but on occasion they’ll take longer.
Q.2: What are the costs for a UK partner visa?
A: The modern cost to use for a partner visa is £1846 from outside the UK and £1048 from inside.
Q.3: Could my visa arrive sooner?
A: You clearly can. For a further £500, you may use the Priority Service, which expedites the processing of your spouse visa application.
Q.4: Are marriage visitor visas and partner visas the equal kind of visas?
A: In essence, the marriage visitor visa is a form of visitation permit that permits you to enter the United Kingdom for marriage and then return to your home. On the other hand, a long-term stay inside the UK with a spouse is authorised with the Spouse Visa.
