Secure Your UK Civil Partner Visa with Confidence
We provide expert guidance and representation through the entire civil partner visa process, so you can focus on what matters most – building your future together in the UK.
Introduction
Want to join your civil partner in the UK? The UK Civil Partner Visa allows foreign nationals in a legally recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status to live in the UK. Understanding the requirements and application process for the UK Civil Partner Visa is crucial for a successful immigration outcome.
What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Civil Partner Visa?
To qualify for a Civil Partner visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- Your partner is British or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain;
- You are both over the age of 18;
- You are in a civil partnership;
- Your relationship is genuine and you intend to live together permanently;
- Any previous relationships have broken down permanently;
- You will be adequately maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds;
- There is adequate accommodation for you and any dependents;
- You speak and understand English to the required level.
The Sponsor must demonstrate that they have a gross annual income of at least £29,000.
Financial Requirement
The financial requirement stipulates that the
partner residing in the UK must meet a minimum
income threshold of £29,000 unless they qualify
for an exemption. This is to ensure that the
couple has adequate means to sustain themselves
without relying on public funds. To demonstrate
compliance with this financial criterion,
applicants are required to furnish bank
statements, evidence of employment income and
other documentation in the strict format required
by the UK immigration authorities.
Alternative
sources of income, including savings and rental
income, can be combined to meet the financial
requirement. For example, bank savings over £16,000 can be used to reduce the
required income threshold of £29,000.
If you are unable to meet the financial requirements, you may still be eligible for the 10-year route to indefinite leave to remain (UK permanent residence).
Accommodation Requirement
Ensuring that you have suitable accommodation in the UK is crucial for a successful Civil Partnership Visa application.
Adequate Housing Evidence
To demonstrate suitable accommodation for the applicant and any dependents, various types of evidence are required. These may include:
- Property deeds,
- Mortgage documents,
- Tenancy agreements,
- Letters from landlords or family/friends,
- Utility bills,
- Housing report prepared by a Chartered Surveyor.
Overcoming Accommodation Obstacles
Failure to provide sufficient evidence of accommodation in the UK is a common reason for refusal of UK Civil Partner Visa application. Potential issues with housing arrangements in the UK Civil Partner Visa application process can be addressed through various strategies. These may include obtaining additional documentation, seeking legal advice, and exploring alternative housing options.
Meeting the Genuine and Subsisting Relationship Requirement
To meet the genuine and subsisting relationship requirement for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you and your partner must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, not solely to obtain a visa. This can be proven through various means, including:
- Civil Partnership Certificate: Providing a civil partnership certificate or other documentation that proves your relationship is legally recognized.
- Evidence of Cohabitation: Showing evidence of cohabitation, such as joint bank statements, utility bills, or rental agreements.
- Regular Communication: Providing proof of regular communication, such as emails, letters, or phone records.
- Statements from Friends and Family: Submitting statements from friends and family members who can attest to the genuineness of your relationship.
- Joint Travel: Providing evidence of joint travel or vacations.
- Joint Financial Commitments: Showing proof of joint financial commitments, such as joint loans or credit cards.
It is essential to note that the Home Office will assess your relationship on a case-by-case basis, considering all available evidence and individual circumstances. If the Home Office doubts your relationship’s genuineness, they may request additional evidence or conduct an interview. Ensuring comprehensive and well-documented proof can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful application.
UK Civil Partnership Visa Processing Times
Upon submission of your civil partner visa
application, the UKVI is anticipated to issue a
decision within 4 to 8 weeks if you are applying
from outside the UK. The exact duration may differ
due to your circumstances.
If you are
applying from within the UK the processing time is
approximately 8 weeks.
How Long is a UK Civil Partner Visa Valid For?
A UK Civil Partner Visa is initially granted for a period of 2 years and 9 months (33 months) if applying from overseas, or 2 years and 6 months (30 months) if applying from within the UK. After this initial period, you can apply for an extension of leave to remain for an additional 30 months, taking you to a total of 5 years.
After 5 years of continuous residence on a Civil Partner Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. To apply for ILR, you must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your civil partner, meet the maintenance requirement, and demonstrate your knowledge of English and life in the UK. Achieving ILR is a significant step towards eventually securing British citizenship.
Extending a UK Civil Partner Visa
To eventually obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence), you must lawfully reside in the UK for at least five years, which means that your initial UK Civil Partner Visa will have to be extended for another two-and-a-half-year period. To apply for this extension, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must remain married to your British sponsor and your civil partnership must remain genuine and subsisting.
- You must have lived with your civil partner in the UK for at least two years before the date of your application.
- You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirements.
- You must be able to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.
- You must meet the suitability requirements for the UK civil partner visa extension, including complying with UK immigration laws.
When applying for the extension, you will need to provide supporting documents, including your valid passport, evidence of your relationship, proof of your partner’s immigration status in the UK, and the visa application fee. Additionally, evidence of your relationship with your partner, such as photographs, shared bills or bank statements, and joint tenancy or mortgage agreements, is crucial.
During the application process, the UKVI may request an interview to verify your relationship with your civil partner. Being well-prepared, honest, and having all the necessary evidence on hand is essential for a successful interview.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
To qualify for permanent residence, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK on a civil partner visa, you must meet the following key eligibility criteria:
- Residency Period: You must have lived in the UK on a valid civil partner visa for at least five years. This is the minimum continuous period of residence required to be eligible for ILR.
- Lawful Residence: Throughout your five-year residency period, you must have maintained lawful status and complied with all immigration rules and regulations.
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: You must provide evidence that your relationship with your British civil partner is genuine and subsisting. The UKVI will assess the authenticity of your relationship, looking for evidence such as joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and communication records.
- Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you and your British civil partner meet the financial requirements for ILR. This typically involves proving that you have enough income or savings to support yourselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- Language and Knowledge Test: As part of your ILR application, you must pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language proficiency requirements. This involves demonstrating your understanding of British life, history, and society as well as your ability to communicate in English.
- Good Character: You should have a clean criminal record, free of any criminal activities or immigration violations.
- Continuous Residence: It’s important to ensure that you have not spent long periods of time outside the UK during your five-year residency period. There are strict rules about absences, and prolonged time spent abroad may impact your eligibility for ILR.
As the ILR application process is a significant step towards settling permanently in the UK, it is recommended to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer to ensure that you meet all the criteria. After securing ILR, you can live in the United Kingdom permanently and then qualify for British Citizenship.
UK Civil Partner Visa: Rights & Responsibilities
Individuals possessing a Civil Partner Visa are
granted the freedom to reside, work, study and
receive healthcare in the United Kingdom without
any limitations. However, you cannot receive
public funds or other government-provided
financial benefits.
Understanding the privileges and limitations
that come with
this visa is essential for fully benefiting from
your duration in the UK. Holders of a UK Civil
Partner Visa,
may ultimately seek indefinite leave to remain
(ILR), otherwise known as permanent residency,
once they have completed five years lawful
residence in the UK.
How Can Fab Global Immigration Services Help With Your UK Civil Partner Visa?
At Fab Global Immigration Services, we regularly assist Canadian and U.S.-based clients with UK civil partner visa applications. We understand that you want to reunite with your loved one quickly, with minimal disruption, and are here to help you navigate the detailed and often confusing immigration processes.
Fab Global Immigration Services can assist you with your UK civil partner visa application in the following ways:
- Eligibility Assessment: We will carry out a comprehensive assessment to ensure that you and your fiancé(e) meet all the eligibility requirements of the visa, including financial requirements, English language proficiency, relationship status, and intention to marry within six months.
- Documentation Support: We’ll guide you through gathering all necessary supporting documents. This includes proof of a genuine relationship, financial stability, adequate accommodation in the UK, and English language ability.
- Application Completion and Review: Our lawyers will assist in completing your immigration application form correctly, ensuring all information is accurate and comprehensive. We will then review the application and the supporting documents for potential issues.
- Submission Assistance: We will help submit the application and all supporting documents to the appropriate immigration authorities, following the required procedures to ensure a smooth process.
- Liaison with Authorities: Our team will maintain regular contact with UK immigration authorities on your behalf, monitoring the progress of your application and handling any issues that may arise during processing.
- Guidance on Next Steps: Once the visa is granted, we provide comprehensive advice on the next steps, including travel planning, what to expect on arrival in the UK, registering with a GP, opening a bank account, applying for a spouse visa after marriage, and eventually applying for British citizenship.
- Appeal Assistance: If you encounter a visa refusal, we can provide expert advice and representation in appealing the decision.
By choosing Fab Global Immigration Services, you’re choosing to put your visa application in the hands of trusted and experienced immigration lawyers who will take the time to understand your unique situation and guide you toward your goal.
Do You Have Questions About the UK Civil Partner Visa Process?
Our immigration lawyers regularly assist foreign national Civil Partners to relocate to, and settle in, the UK.
Whether you require expert advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules, an independent assessment of your prospects of qualifying for a visa or professional assistance with preparing an immigration application, our immigration lawyers can help.
For further information, please schedule a consultation.
UK Civil Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of UK immigration lawyers will handle your case promptly and diligently until you achieve the desired outcome. Your dedicated UK immigration attorney will provide you with an estimated processing period for your case and keep you informed through each stage of the UK visa process. To expedite the processing of your application, we will ensure that your forms are meticulously completed and that you provide sufficient supporting documentation.
However, please note that the UKVI processing time depends on several factors including the volume of cases the UKVI is receiving and whether there are any priority programs where UKVI gives precedence to applicants from war torn countries or countries affected by natural disasters.
We can offer a fast-track service if your application is time sensitive. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about this package and all the services provided by our immigration lawyers.
Hiring one of our qualified UK immigration attorneys can offer several benefits when applying for a visa. Here are some of the advantages:
- Expertise and Knowledge: Our UK immigration attorneys specialize in all aspects of UK immigration law and are well-versed in the complexities of the UK visa application process. They stay updated with the latest changes in immigration laws and regulations, ensuring that your application is accurate and compliant.
- Personalized Advice: Our immigration attorneys can assess your specific circumstances, understand your immigration goals, and provide tailored advice based on your situation. They can determine the most suitable visa category for you, explain the requirements, and help you gather the necessary supporting documents.
- Application Preparation: Immigration lawyers can assist you in completing and organizing your visa application. They have experience in preparing the necessary paperwork, filling out forms correctly, and ensuring that all required documentation is included. This can help reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to delays or a rejected application.
- Increased Approval Chances: With their expertise, our qualified UK immigration lawyers can identify any potential weaknesses or issues in your application and address them proactively. They can highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences effectively to demonstrate your eligibility for the visa. This can increase your chances of a successful application.
- Legal Representation: If your visa application is complex or encounters challenges, having one of our skilled immigration lawyers on your side can be invaluable. They can communicate with the UK Home Office or immigration authorities on your behalf, prepare detailed and persuasive legal submissions and provide guidance throughout the process.
Time and Stress Management: Navigating the UK visa application process can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements. By hiring one of our immigration lawyers, you can offload the paperwork, legal aspects, and administrative tasks to them, allowing you to focus on other important matters.
Our experienced UK immigration attorneys provide specialist legal advice and representation on all aspects of UK immigration law, to individuals and businesses. Our services can be classified as:
- Initial Immigration Consultations
- Immigration Application Preparation and Submission (Full Representation)
- Immigration Application Checking Service
- Sponsor License Applications and Corporate Immigration Services
Regardless of the service you require, you can be assured that you will have direct access to a specialist UK immigration lawyer who has an in-depth understanding of UK immigration law and procedure. Our flexible services are delivered professionally and are tailored to your individual situation. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about our cost-effective UK immigration solutions and the services provided by our immigration lawyers.