Spouses and Civil/Unmarried Partners
Our UK immigration specialists work hard to maintain a high quality service at all times and deliver on our promises. It’s our business to know and be fully aware of constantly changing immigration rules in order to maintain our 100% success rate.
The UK Spouse/Marriage visa category enables your husband, wife or civil partner to apply for leave to enter, or leave to remain in the UK, on the basis that they are married or in a relationship with a person who is present and settled in Britain.
Your spouse/civil partner must apply for an entry clearance before travelling to the UK. Visas are issued for an initial 27 month period, following which a person can apply for settlement (ILR) in the UK.
Children of the marriage/partnership who are under 18 years of age will be granted entry to the UK as dependants in line with the main applicant. After a total period of three years in the country, the spouse and civil partner of a British citizen might be eligible to apply for a British passport under the 1981 British Nationality Act.
Unmarried Partner
Unmarried parnter immigration category is often referred to as a de-facto visa and it helps people with settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to be joined by their partner.
If you are returning to the United Kingdom to settle, your partner/spouse can also apply to join you at the same time. The relationship may be heterosexual or same sex.
The Unmarried Partner Visa is issued for a 27 month period. After two years, a person can apply for settlement (ILR) or permanent residence in the UK.
If you wish to remain in the UK under one of the above categories please contact us to discuss your options and how we can assist you in your application.
English Language Requirement
All applicants wishing to enter the UK as a spouse or unmarried partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK must satisfy the English Language Requirement. Prospective applications must pass an acceptable English language test with one of our approved test providers unless they can show that:
- They are a national of a majority English-speaking country or
- They hold a degree taught in English
By taking the test, applicants will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Settlement in the UK and absences
In the case of settlement eligibility of spouses, civil or unmarried partners of UK citizens there is no specific requirement in the Rules that the entire probationary period must be spent in the United Kingdom. For example, where an applicant has spent a limited period outside of the United Kingdom in connection with his/her employment, this should not count against the applicant. However, if they have spent the majority of the period overseas, there may be reason to doubt that all the requirements of the Rules have been met. In such instances each case must be judged on its merits, taking into account reasons for travel as well as the length of absences.
How can we help you?
Contact us to ensure that the Spouse, Civil/Unmarried Partner is the correct visa for you. We can discuss your details and offer advice or prepare the application on your behalf.
