Unmarried Partner Visa
Living together without being married? The Unmarried Partner route allows couples in a genuine durable relationship to live together in the UK.
CAN UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA HOLDERS WORK IN THE UK?
Yes. Individuals granted an Unmarried Partner Visa have full permission to work in the UK without restrictions. They can take up employment, change jobs freely, be self-employed, and also pursue studies.
WHAT IS AN UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA?
The Unmarried Partner Visa allows individuals in a durable relationship to join or remain with their partner in the UK. This route applies where the couple is not married or in a civil partnership but has been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
The sponsoring partner must be one of the following:
• A British or Irish citizen
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status
• A person with pre-settled status (subject to conditions)
• A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection
UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA REQUIREMENTS
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
• Both partners are aged 18 or over
• The relationship is genuine and ongoing
• The couple has lived together for at least 2 years (or can prove a durable relationship where applicable)
• They intend to live together permanently in the UK
• Any previous relationships have ended
• They meet the financial requirement (currently minimum £29,000 annual income, subject to updates)
• Adequate accommodation is available
• The applicant meets the English language requirement (minimum A1 at entry stage)
VISA DURATION AND CONDITIONS
If applying from outside the UK, successful applicants are granted:
• 33 months (2 years and 9 months) leave to enter
If applying from within the UK (switching):
• 30 months leave to remain
Visa holders can:
• Work without restrictions
• Study
• Travel in and out of the UK
• Access private healthcare (NHS subject to IHS payment)
CAN THE VISA BE EXTENDED?
Yes. Before the visa expires, applicants can apply for an extension of a further 30 months.
To qualify for extension, you must show:
• The relationship is still genuine and subsisting
• Financial requirements continue to be met
• English language requirement progresses to at least A2 level
CAN I APPLY FOR ILR AS AN UNMARRIED PARTNER?
Yes. After completing 5 years on the partner route, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
You must demonstrate:
• Continuous lawful residence in the UK
• Ongoing genuine relationship
• Cohabitation with your partner
• Knowledge of English (B1 level)
• Passing the Life in the UK Test
DOES THIS VISA LEAD TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIP?
Yes. After obtaining ILR, you may apply for British citizenship after 12 months, provided all eligibility requirements are met.