UK unmarried partner visa

The UK unmarried partner visa (also known as the UK defacto visa) makes it possible for the unmarried partner of a UK citizen to gain entry to the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with a person who is present and settled in the UK. Settled status in the UK means that you are ordinarily resident in the UK with no immigration restriction on the length of your stay.

The unmarried partner visa applies to both heterosexual and same sex relationships provided you can prove that your relationship is permanent and has been in existence for two or more years.

If your application for an unmarried partner visa is successful you will be eligible to work in the UK as soon as the visa is granted.

UK unmarried partner visa - eligibility

To qualify for the UK unmarried partner visa you must satisfy the following criteria:

  • You and your sponsoring partner must both be 21 years of age or over.
  • You and your partner must intend to live together on a permanent basis.
  • You must show that any previous relationship that you or your partner were involved in (whether it be as a married or an unmarried couple) has ended.
  • You need to show that you have been living with your partner for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming this.
  • You and your partner must have sufficient funds to support yourselves (and any dependants) without claiming public funds.
  • You must have suitable accommodation available for you, your partner and any dependants.

UK unmarried partner visa - duration

If you and your UK citizen partner have been together for less than four years you will be issued an unmarried partner visa for a period of two years.

At the conclusion of the probationary two year period you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR - also known as permanent residence in the UK) provided that you are still living together in a relationship.

If you and your UK citizen partner have been in a relationship outside the UK for four years or more, you will be granted ILR immediately when you make your initial application for the unmarried partner visa. This means that you are not required to fulfill the probationary two year period before you are eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

Additional information

Entry clearance

If you are seeking to enter the UK on the basis of your relationship with a UK citizen you are required to apply for entry clearance before you enter the UK.

It is possible to switch to an unmarried partner visa while you are in the UK provided that you have leave to remain in the UK on a visa that is valid for six months or more at the time your application is made. Please note that you cannot switch into the marriage visa category if you are already in the UK and were initially admitted to the UK for a period of less than six months, for example, as a visitor or a short-term student.


Dependants

If you and your partner have children who are under 18 years of age they are allowed to enter the UK as your dependants. You should make an application for your dependants at the same time that you make your unmarried partner visa application.