If you and your partner are not married but have been living together in a genuine and long-term relationship, the UK Unmarried Partner Visa may allow you to live together legally in the UK. At Staf H Immigration, we provide expert legal support to help couples apply confidently and avoid refusals under strict Home Office rules.
📞 Call us: +44 120 478 1301
📍 Office: 120 Bark Street, BL1 2AX, Bolton, UK
What Is a UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa falls under the UK Family Visa category. It allows partners who are not married or in a civil partnership to join or remain with their British, settled, or eligible sponsor partner in the UK.
This visa is suitable if you:
- Have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage
- Can prove long-term commitment
- Meet financial, accommodation, and English language requirements
Who Can Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa?
You may be eligible if:
- You and your partner have lived together for at least 2 years
- Your relationship is genuine and subsisting
- Your partner is a British citizen, holds ILR, settled or pre-settled status, or refugee status
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
Unmarried Partner applications are highly evidence-based and commonly refused without legal preparation.
Benefits of the UK Unmarried Partner Visa
With a successful application, you can:
- Live and work in the UK without restriction
- Study in the UK
- Access the NHS
- Extend your visa after 30 months
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- Apply for British citizenship (subject to eligibility)
UK Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements (2026)
1. Relationship Requirement
You must prove:
- At least 2 years of continuous cohabitation
- Shared responsibilities and life together
- Ongoing communication and commitment
Accepted evidence includes joint tenancy agreements, bills, bank statements, correspondence, and photos.
2. Financial Requirement
The sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income requirement:
- £29,000 per year (2026 threshold, subject to Home Office updates)
Income can come from:
- Employment or self-employment
- Savings (with strict calculation rules)
- Pension or permitted non-employment income
We carefully assess income to prevent refusal.
3. Accommodation Requirement
You must show adequate accommodation in the UK without overcrowding and with legal right to occupy.
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet A1 English level (initial application), unless exempt.
Documents Required for Unmarried Partner Visa
Essential Documents
- Valid passports
- Proof of relationship (2 years cohabitation)
- Financial evidence
- Accommodation documents
- English language certificate
- Immigration history
Additional Supporting Documents
- Cover letters
- Relationship timeline
- Statements from both partners
- Sponsor declaration
How to Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa
- Eligibility assessment
- Evidence preparation and review
- Online application submission
- Payment of visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometrics appointment
- Decision by UKVI
Professional legal support significantly improves success rates.
Processing Time
- Outside the UK: 12–24 weeks (priority may be available)
- Inside the UK (switching/extending): 8 weeks
Common Reasons for Unmarried Partner Visa Refusal
- Insufficient cohabitation evidence
- Gaps in relationship timeline
- Incorrect financial calculations
- Weak credibility assessment
- Poorly structured documentation
Most refusals are avoidable with expert legal preparation.
Switching to an Unmarried Partner Visa Inside the UK
You may be able to switch from:
- Student Visa
- Graduate Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
Visitor Visa holders usually cannot switch.
We assess eligibility before you apply.
Why Choose Staf H Immigration?
✔️ UK-based immigration lawyers
✔️ Specialist family visa expertise
✔️ Evidence-led application preparation
✔️ High success rate in complex cases
✔️ Local Bolton office with UK-wide support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do we need to be engaged or married?
No. You must prove a long-term relationship similar to marriage.
Can I work on an Unmarried Partner Visa?
Yes, with no work restrictions.
Is two years living together mandatory?
Yes, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Can this lead to ILR and citizenship?
Yes, after meeting residence requirements.
Speak to a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Lawyer Today
Unmarried Partner Visa applications are complex and evidence-heavy. Let Staf H Immigration handle your case with care and precision.
📞 Call now: +44 120 478 1301
📍 Office: 120 Bark Street, BL1 2AX, Bolton, UK
Build your future together in the UK with confidence.
