Spouse or Civil Partner

The UK Spouse/Marriage visa category enables a husband, wife or civil partner of a British national or a person who is settled in the UK to apply for leave to enter, or leave to remain in the country.

Unmarried Partner

Unmarried partner 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. The unmarried partner visas apply to couples in either heterosexual or same sex relationship.

Entry clearance visas are issued for an initial 33 month period with applicants making an in-country application being granted leave to remain for 30 months. The initial period of leave will have to be then extended for a further period of 30 months. Children who are under 18 years of age are granted entry to the UK as dependants in line with the main applicant.

Under the immigration rules, the couple must meet the following financial requirement by being able to show that the sponsor:

(a) has a gross annual income of at least £18,600
(b) the couple have savings of at least £62,500 held over 6 months period
(c) the sponsor has annual income of at least £18,600 from non-employment

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 applicants must pass an acceptable English language test (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference with one of the approved SELT 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 and is recognised by NARIC as comparable to a British degree level

After lawfully remaining in the UK for four years and 11 months under the spouse/marriage visa category, the spouse/civil partner of a British citizen will be eligible to apply for settlement (ILR) in the UK.

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.

After obtaining the settlement or ILR status and having spent 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.

To be eligible for a UK fiancé/e or proposed civil partner visa, the applicant must be in a relationship with a British national or a person who is settled in the UK. The couple must have met in person, be in a genuine relationship and plan to marry within a reasonable time (usually six months).

The fiancée visa will be valid for 6 months. After the marriage or civil ceremony takes place, you can apply for Leave to Remain as a spouse or civil partner and you will be given leave to remain in the UK valid for 30 months which can be further extended to another 30 months.

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 applicants must pass an acceptable English language test (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference with one of the approved SELT 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 and is recognised by NARIC as comparable to a British degree level

Upon completion of four years and 11 months of residence in the UK under a spouse or marriage visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).