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The Unmarried Partner Visa, often called the “Unmarried Visa” in the UK, offers a pathway for those in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to live and work there. Here’s a closer look at this visa route:
Eligibility Criteria
Relationship Requirements:
- You must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying.
- You both must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Partner’s Status:
- Your partner must be a British citizen, have settled status in the UK, have refugee status, or be under humanitarian protection.
Proof of Relationship:
- You need to provide substantial evidence of your relationship, such as joint bank statements, shared utility bills, and proof of living at the same address.
Financial Requirement:
- You and your partner must have a combined income of at least £18,600 per year, plus additional amounts if you have dependent children.
Accommodation:
- You must have suitable accommodation where you and any dependents can live without recourse to public funds.
English Language Requirement:
- You must prove your knowledge of the English language unless you are from an exempt country.
Application Process
Application Form:
- Complete the application form online.
Biometrics:
- Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application.
Supporting Documents:
- Submit all required documents to prove your relationship, financial stability, accommodation, and English language proficiency.
Fees:
- Pay the visa application fee of £1048 (in country) (£1846 for out of country), and the Immigration Health Surcharge fee of £2587.50(in country) and £3105 for out of country application.
After Applying
Processing Time:
- The processing time for an Unmarried Partner Visa application can vary, but it generally takes around 8 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 6 months if applying from within the UK.
Decision:
- If your application is successful, you will be granted leave to remain in the UK for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- After living in the UK for 5 years on an Unmarried Partner Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, which is a step towards obtaining British citizenship.
Important Considerations
Refusal and Appeals:
- If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal against the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.
Public Funds:
- You are not allowed to access public funds (benefits) during your stay on an Unmarried Partner Visa.
Conclusion
The Unmarried Partner Visa route is designed for those who are in a genuine and long-term relationship with a British citizen, or a person settled in the UK. It requires thorough documentation and adherence to specific requirements to prove the validity of the relationship and the ability to support yourselves financially without recourse to public funds.
For Expert legal advice and assistance, reach out to Imran & Co Solicitors today.