This visa exists for people who have been in a genuine relationship with a UK citizen or permanent resident (person who has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR). This visa has been available since 1997. This visa is more difficult to obtain than a marriage visa as you have to show that you have been together for at least two years and that you are in a permanent relationship.

As with a UK marriage visa there are requirements that you need to met for a UK Unmarried Partners Visa. These requirements are as follows:

• The sponsor and the applicant must be have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming that you have been living together for this time.
• You must have met each other.
• You must intend to continue to live together permanently.
• As the applicant you must be able to support yourself, or be supported by your partner, without access to public funds.
• There must be adequate accommodation in place.
• It is a requirement that the overseas unmarried partner has to be 16 years old or over, and the sponsor in the UK has to be at least 18 years old.
• Children of unmarried partners who are under 18 years old are allowed entry to the UK as dependants, and can make their application at the same time as the main applicant.
• After a total period of five years in the UK if you meet the residence requirements you may then apply for UK citizenship.

The UK unmarried partners visa is open to both heterosexual and same sex relationships. Dependent children can also be included in any such applications.

If you would like to get a UK unmarried partner’s visa application started then contact Immigration Consult and we will be happy to help you in anyway that we can with your application.