Can I work in the UK with an unmarried partner?
If your application for an unmarried partner visa is successful you will be eligible to work in the UK as soon as the visa is granted. To qualify for the Unmarried Partner visa you must satisfy the following criteria: You and your sponsoring partner must both be 18 years of age or over.
What is a partner visa for the UK?
Partner Visas. UK Unmarried Partner Visa. The Unmarried Partner visa (also known as the UK defacto visa) allows the unmarried partner to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with a person who is present and 'settled in the UK'. 'Settled in the UK' means that you are ordinarily resident in ...
Can I work in the UK with a Spouse Visa?
With a spouse or partner visa you can work in the UK without restrictions You can apply for this visa if you are married to a British citizen or a person who has a right to live and work or settlement status in the UK (i.e. a person who holds a valid visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain [ILR] or right of abode).
Can I switch into the unmarried partner visa category?
Please note that you cannot switch into the Unmarried Partner visa category if you are already in the UK and were initially admitted to the UK for a period of less than six months - for example, as a visitor or a short-term student.
Can you work on a partner visa UK?
Are there any work restrictions for UK Spouse Visa holders? UK Spouse Visa holders can work full-time and without restrictions. In addition, there are no limitations on the type of employment which can be undertaken or the sectors in which you can work.
What is unmarried partner visa UK?
The Unmarried Partner visa (also known as the UK defacto visa) allows the unmarried partner to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with a person who is present and 'settled in the UK'.
Can you work on a defacto visa UK?
Yes. Successful Applicants can work and study in the UK on the Unmarried Partner Visa without any restrictions.
Can you work under partner visa?
You must continue to meet the conditions of your visitor visa whilst is in effect. Once your visitor visa expires, you will be on the BVA associated with your lodged partner visa and you can work full time. You can choose your own employer, and you can work full time, part time, casually or on a contract.
How can I prove my unmarried partner status UK?
You can use things like: a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. a tenancy agreement, utility bills or council tax bills confirming that you live at the same address or pay bills together. a bank statement from a joint bank account, or confirming that you live at the same address.
What does unmarried partner mean?
What is an Unmarried Partner Relationship? According to the Immigration Rules and the EEA regulations, the term unmarried partner relationship is be defined as: "Two persons living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years".
Can you work while waiting for spouse visa?
This means that your immigration status will stay the same while you wait for a decision, but you will not usually be permitted to work in a completely different job or for a new employer in the interim period.
Are de facto relationships Recognised in UK?
Unlike Australia, the UK does not recognise de facto partners, and yet millions of Britons choose to live together. According to the British Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of "cohabiting couple families" doubled from 1996 to 2016, from 1.5 million families to 3.3 million families.
What is a de facto relationship UK?
The applicant can come to the UK or extend their stay within the UK as an unmarried partner. The de-facto visa allows couples and same-sex couples to stay in the UK on basis of their relationship. Same rights and benefits as are allowed to those who are married or living in a civil partnership.
Is a partner visa a permanent resident?
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently. It is usually only for people who currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
Do you have to live together for partner visa?
The basic answer is No – You do not have to be living together to apply for the partner visa. There is a misconception amongst many people that you have to be living together for 12 months before you can apply for the partner visa.
How long does a partner visa take?
The processing time for a Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801 or 100) starts from the date of eligibility. This is 2 years after the combined subclass 820/801 or 309/100 visa application was lodged.
How long can you stay in the UK on a partner visa?
Their visa will last for 6 months - they must marry you or become your civil partner before this ends if they want to stay in the UK. They can then apply as your partner for leave to remain for 2 years and 6 months. At the end of this, they can extend it again for the same length of time.
What documents do you need for a partner visa UK?
What Documents do I need for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?Valid passport.Proof that your relationship is genuine.Evidence of meeting the financial requirement.Proof of meeting the English language requirement.Adequate accommodation.
How much does a partner visa cost UK?
The cost of a spouse/partner visa made inside the UK is £1033. The applicant will also need to pay £19.20 biometric enrolment fee as part of the application. From outside the UK the spouse visa (classified as a “settlement visa” for the purpose of entry clearance) the visa cost is £1523.
How long does partner visa take UK?
You should get a decision within 24 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK.
How do I get a UK unmarried partner visa?
To be eligible, you must be in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years, and have lived together, with someone who...
How can I prove my unmarried partner status?
The visa application will need to include evidence of the UK citizen's or settled person's status, and proof that the relationship qualifies under...
How much does a partner visa cost UK?
The Home Office application fee in 2021 is £1,523 if you are applying outside the UK and £1,033 if you are applying inside the UK.
How much does a partner visa cost UK?
The Home Office application fee in 2021 is £1,523 if you are applying outside the UK and £1,033 if you are applying inside the UK .
Why is my unmarried partner visa refused?
Given the extensive nature of the supporting documentation for an unmarried partner visa, applications are regularly refused on the basis that the documents do not sufficiently evidence the eligibility criteria. This makes it vital to prepare your application well and ensure you are providing sufficient evidence of your eligibility.
Do you have a question about an unmarried partner visa?
DavidsonMorris is a law firm specialising in UK immigration. We help individuals with their UK immigration needs, and can guide and support you through any Home Office process, including applications for unmarried partners to join their loved ones in the UK.
How can I prove my unmarried partner status?
The visa application will need to include evidence of the UK citizen's or settled person's status, and proof that the relationship qualifies under the family route.
How long does a UK visa last?
If the Home Office approves your visa application, it will usually be issued for 33 months. If you are applying for leave to remain, the visa is generally issued for 30 months. To remain in the UK beyond this period, you will need to make an application to extend your stay. If you continue to meet the requirements of the partner visa, ...
What is a British citizen?
a British or Irish citizen; or. a person who is present and settled in the UK, with indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status ; or. a person with a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa; or. a person in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection. The following criteria must also be met:
How long do you have to live together to get a UK visa?
You must have also lived together for 2 years prior to the date of the visa application. Unmarried partners also include fiancé (e)s and proposed civil partners, although here the applicant must demonstrate that you plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.
What is an unmarried partner visa?
The Unmarried Partner visa (also known as the UK defacto visa) allows the unmarried partner to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with a person who is present and 'settled in the UK'.
Do you have to have accommodation for your partner?
You must have suitable accommodation available for you, your partner and any dependants.
Unmarried Partner Visa
The Unmarried Partner visa is for long-term partners of British Citizens or those who are Settled in the UK (holding Permanent Residence, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status) who wish to live with their partners in the UK.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application Requirements
In order to submit a valid UK Unmarried Partner Visa application you must be able to meet the following requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are in the UK with a visitor visa or other visa granted for less than 6 months then you would usually be expected to leave the UK and submit your Unmarried Partner Visa application from your home country.
Settlement – Indefinite Leave to Remain for Unmarried Partner Visa Holders
After 5 years in the UK with Unmarried Partner Visa status you should be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, (also known as ILR or Permanent Residence).
British Citizenship for Partners of British Citizens
Once you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) then you can immediately apply for British Citizenship if you meet the qualifying criteria.
What Is The UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa allows foreign non-EEA nationals to enter or remain in the UK in order to live with their British partner. This is allowed on the basis that they are in a provably genuine, committed and long-term relationship with a British national – or a person who is currently present and settled in the UK, possibly with Indefinite Leave to Remain. In any case, it’s crucial that the UK-based partner is living and remaining in the UK without immigration restrictions. This can include:
What is the best way to apply for an unmarried partner visa?
When applying for the unmarried partner visa, it’s important to present strong and thorough evidence proving you have a real and subsisting relationship with your partner. Our legal experts have a lot of experience with this kind of work. If you need some assistance in understanding the application process and how best to approach applying for the visa, our advice package gives you access to a one-on-one appointment with one of our experts, in which you can have all your concerns and questions addressed.
How Long Does The Unmarried Visa Last For?
For instance, if applying from overseas, the visa will be issued for a period of 33 months. However, if you are making the application from within the UK itself, then the visa will be issued for a period of 30 months instead.
How Long Is The Visa Processing Time?
UKVI (UK visas and immigration) boasts the impressive claim of processing around 95% of all UK unmarried partner visa applications within 12 weeks of them being submitted. As such, you can generally expect for your own application to be processed and to receive a decision in that kind of timeframe.
What is immigration advice?
Here at the Immigration Advice Service, our expert immigration advisors and legal experts have a proven track record of helping people to submit high-quality visa applications. Our informative and actionable advice package allows you to organise a one to one visa appointment with one of our experts, where they will discuss with you your eligibility, the supporting documents you should use to strengthen your application forms, how to prove you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship, how to meet the necessary English language requirements, and more.
How much does it cost to get a UK visa?
If you’re applying for the visa from within the UK, your fee will be £1,033 – applications from within the UK to bring dependents with you will cost an additional Home Office processing fee of £1,033.
What is the UK de facto visa?
Also, commonly known as the UK de facto visa, the unmarried partner route applies the same requirements and benefits to couples in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships – provided that you can demonstrate with evidence that you have been in a committed and serious relationship for two years or longer.
How old do you have to be to be a partner?
To apply as a partner, you and your partner both need to be 18 or over.
How long do you have to live together to apply for a job?
you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
How to apply for a job as a child?
Apply as a child. Apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative. Apply on the basis of your private life. Knowledge of English. Give proof of your income. Information you must provide. After you apply.
What are not considered strong evidence of your relationship?
Things like greetings cards, travel tickets, receipts, photographs and text or social media messages are not considered strong evidence of your relationship and are unlikely to help your application.
Can you include time spent in the UK?
You cannot include time you’ve spent in the UK:
Can you work during an engagement?
You will not be able to work during your engagement.
Can a child leave the UK?
you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK. there would be very significant difficulties for you and your partner if you lived together as a couple outside the UK that could not be overcome.
What is an Unmarried Partner Visa?
An Unmarried Partner Visa allows a non-British citizen to relocate with their British partner to the UK or to join their British partner in the UK. Here we are specifically talking about partners of British citizens, however it is worth noting that many other UK visa types allow for unmarried partners to apply as dependants.
Qualifying for an Unmarried Partner Visa
Moving to another country to live with your loved one is a big step. As a non-citizen, you will need to meet specific requirements to obtain an Unmarried Partner Visa, and these requirements mainly centre around your personal background, your relationship with your partner, and a financial requirement.
Personal Background
The personal information submitted with an Unmarried Partner Visa is very similar to other UK visa categories. You will complete an online application form which requests information about your individual and family background, your travel history, and your planned accommodation in the UK.
Relationship Requirement
The applicant must prove that they are in a committed relationship with their British partner – a relationship which is ‘akin to marriage’. More specifically, you and your British partner must have lived together in a relationship for at least two before submitting the application.
Financial Requirement
The financial requirements for Unmarried Partner Visas are rigorous. In very simple terms, your British partner must show income of at least £18,600 gross per annum and, if they are returning to the UK with you, that they have a job offer paying at least this amount which will begin within three months of your arrival.
Choose Eversage Associates
The UK immigration lawyers at Eversage Associates are ready to advise on the steps you must take to obtain an Unmarried Partner Visa.
What is the UK spouse visa?
The UK spouse visa or partner visa counts as qualifying time in the UK towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
How long is an unmarried spouse visa?
As with the marriage visa, the unmarried partner visa is initially issued for a two-and-a-half-year period with an extension application needed. At the end of this period, you may apply for ILR.
What is an extension of a visa?
An extension of this visa occurs when the main visa holder applies for their own extension . If the main visa holder applies for ILR, then the partner can either qualify to apply for ILR (visa dependent) or would need to apply for a further extension.
How long is a UK visa valid?
During the six months, the partner or spouse can apply for EU pre-settled status, which is valid for five years (until 31 December 2020).
How long does it take to get a UK visa extension?
There is also a speed service which will give you a decision on your UK spouse visa extension within 24 hours.
How long does an EEA family permit last?
The EEA family permit covers two different partner statuses: Married partner. Unmarried partner. The visa, which is initially issued for six months, allows the partner to move to the UK for a period of six months, and they may also exit and re-enter the country multiple times.
Can a British citizen be held jointly?
If the British citizen is resident overseas, then the earnings requirement must be met by them alone. If the cash savings route is taken, then it can be held jointly or separately.
