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UK Visa Options for Unmarried Partners – ZAR Immigration consultants
Unmarried partners can apply for a UK visa if they have been in a committed relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. This applies to partners of British or Irish citizens living in the UK, or EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status, who may be eligible under the partner visa route. Partners of workers or students must apply as dependants under the relevant visa category.
All applicants must demonstrate a durable relationship, though the interpretation of this requirement can vary depending on the visa route—particularly if the couple hasn’t lived together for two years or is currently living apart.
Durable relationship
A durable relationship is generally understood to mean living together for at least two years, though this is not a strict Home Office requirement. In some cases, couples who are temporarily living apart may still qualify, provided there is clear evidence of a genuine relationship and valid reasons for the separation.
Examples accepted by the Home Office include work or study commitments, caring for a relative abroad, or waiting for a visa decision. Evidence of previous cohabitation and ongoing commitment during the separation is essential.
For support with proving a durable relationship, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Durable relationship for unmarried partners of work permit holders
For dependants of work permit holders, the Home Office requires proof of at least two years of cohabitation. This is a mandatory condition for a dependent visa.
The couple should ideally be living together at the time of application or have done so just before, especially if the main visa holder moved to the UK first. The two-year period can be cumulative but must be recent and lead up closely to the application.
For help meeting these requirements, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Durable relationship for unmarried partners of British citizens
For partner visa applications, the Home Office allows some flexibility in proving a durable relationship. Unlike other visa routes, couples may still qualify without two years of cohabitation if there are exceptional reasons, such as legal or cultural barriers—commonly affecting same-sex couples from countries where such relationships are not recognised.
In all cases, the couple must show a committed relationship lasting at least two years, going beyond a casual dating relationship.
Evidence of durable relationship
To prove a durable relationship, the strongest evidence includes official documents like joint tenancy agreements, shared bank accounts, property ownership, utility bills, or council tax. Letters from the NHS, universities, HMRC, or other official bodies also help support your case.
While personal evidence—such as photos, holiday bookings, or message histories—can add context, they’re not usually enough on their own. Statements from friends or family may be considered but should be backed by official documentation.
Dependent visa for unmarried partners in work related routes
If your partner holds a work-related or postgraduate student visa, you can apply as a dependant if you’ve been in a durable relationship for at least two years. No English language requirement applies at this stage.
Your visa will match the duration of the main applicant’s and can be extended accordingly. If their visa leads to settlement, they may qualify for ILR after five years (or three years under Global Talent or Innovator routes). As a dependant, you must complete five years in that role to qualify for ILR, even if your partner settles sooner.
When applying for ILR, you’ll need to meet the English language (B1 level speaking and listening) and Life in the UK test requirements.
Unmarried partners of British citizens
Unmarried partners of British citizens or settled persons can apply for a partner visa, which differs from the dependant visa route for partners of workers. This route has its own set of immigration requirements, often more demanding than those for dependants.
In addition to proving a durable relationship, applicants must meet the same criteria as for a UK spouse visa, including the financial requirement, English language requirement, and, in some cases, a TB test certificate.
For expert assistance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Extending unmarried partner visa
The unmarried partner visa can be extended under the same rules as a spouse visa. You must provide evidence of living together since your last visa was granted and continue to meet the financial and English language requirements, just like married couples or civil partners.
For help with your extension, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Getting married when holding unmarried partner visa
If you marry while in the UK on an unmarried partner visa, you don’t need to inform the Home Office or change your visa. You can include your marriage certificate in future extension or ILR applications, but it does not replace the need to show evidence of ongoing cohabitation.
For guidance on your next steps, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Indefinite leave to remain for unmarried partners of British citizens
Unmarried partners of British citizens can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years if they meet the financial and English language requirements. This route is only available within this specific immigration category.
If these requirements weren’t met initially but leave was granted due to undue hardship, the 10-year route may apply. This allows combining time spent under other visa categories toward ILR.
The 10-year route includes two options: long residence and private life, each with different rules on allowed absences and relationship criteria.
For help navigating ILR options, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Switching into the unmarried partner route in the UK
You can switch to an unmarried partner visa from most UK immigration categories, except visitor visas and some short-term visas like seasonal worker or parent of a child at school.
Your ILR qualifying period will begin from the date you receive permission as a partner and cannot combine previous time in other categories—unless using the 10-year long residence route, which allows continuous lawful residence across different visas.
If you are a dependant of a worker or another settled visa holder, switching to the partner route is not required unless the sponsor settled under the long residence rule. In that case, you must apply as an unmarried partner of a settled person, which restarts your ILR qualifying period.
For advice on switching visas, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Unmarried partner visa UK success rate
The Home Office does not publish success rates for unmarried partner visa applications, but these tend to be lower than for married or civil partner visas.
Refusals often stem from insufficient evidence of two years’ cohabitation, so it’s crucial to provide official documents like joint property ownership, bank accounts, or rental agreements.
Applications can also be refused for not meeting specific requirements or due to Home Office errors. Careful preparation and review of all criteria is essential.
For expert support, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
The role of legal representatives in unmarried partner visa applications
Your immigration consultants role is to ensure you meet all requirements and help make your unmarried partner visa application as strong as possible. They can present your case clearly, especially if discretionary assessment is needed due to limited evidence or exceptional circumstances.
Legal representation also reduces the risk of Home Office errors by addressing any follow-up questions promptly.
For advice or to book a consultation, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Does unmarried partner visa allow me to work in the UK?
Yes, the unmarried partner visa allows you to work for an employer, be self-employed, or start your own business in the UK. For more information, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
How much does it cost to apply for the unmarried partner visa?
The application fee for an unmarried partner visa is the same as the spouse visa if applying as the partner of a British citizen or settled person. For dependants of temporary visa holders, the fee varies based on the main applicant’s visa type and duration.
For detailed fee information, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
What happens if unmarried partners separate?
If unmarried partners separate, your visa won’t be extended on the partner route, and you’ll need another way to stay in the UK or leave.
If you have a British child living in the UK, you may apply to stay as a parent. Other options include a sponsored work visa, Global Talent visa, or student visa
Running a business alone doesn’t grant a visa, but if your business holds a sponsor licence and needs you, you might qualify as a sponsored skilled worker.
For advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants