If you’re planning to join your partner in the United Kingdom, the UK Partner Visa is the key to making your dreams a reality. Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or simply living together in a committed relationship, this visa enables you to live and work in the UK for an extended period. In this post, we’ll discuss the process step by step, from eligibility requirements to the application process and frequently asked questions.
Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the UK Partner Visa:
Relationship Status
You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British citizen or a settled person in the UK. This includes being married, in a civil partnership, or living together for at least two years.
Financial Requirement
You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold set by the UK government, which varies depending on your circumstances. The financial requirement is a gross annual income of at least £18,600, with an additional £3,800 for the first child and an additional £2,400 for each child. You can demonstrate the financial requirement with the following sources or a combination thereof:
- Employment or self-employment income
- Pension income
- Non-employment income sources, such as rental income or income from investments
- Cash savings above £16,000
Your British partner can also demonstrate their overseas employment or self-employment income if they plan to return to the UK at the same time.
Adequate Accommodation
You must have adequate accommodation for you and your dependents without relying on public funds. The accommodation must not be overcrowded as defined by the Housing Act 1985.
English Language Proficiency
You may need to prove your English language skills, depending on your nationality and certain other factors. This can be done by passing an approved English language test or by showing that you have a degree taught in English.
Tuberculosis Test
In some cases, you may be required to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test if you are coming to the UK for more than six months and are from a specific country.
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
Prepare Documents
Gather the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Passport or travel document
- Passport-sized photographs
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of cohabitation
- Evidence of financial support
- Proof of adequate accommodation
- TB test results (if required)
- English language proficiency test results (if required)
Online Application
Visit the UK government’s official visa application website and complete the online application form. Pay the application fee, which can vary depending on your location and the type of visa you’re applying for.
Biometrics Appointment
Once you’ve submitted your online application and paid the fee, you’ll need to schedule a biometrics appointment at a local visa application center. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
Attend an Interview (if necessary)
In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview. This interview assesses the authenticity of your relationship and other aspects of your application.
Decision
After completing the above steps, you’ll have to wait for a decision on your application. Processing times can vary, but you can check the UK government’s website for estimated waiting times based on your location.
Visa Issuance
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport, which will allow you to enter the UK. Make sure to check the details on the vignette for accuracy.
Arriving in the UK
Once you arrive in the UK, you should collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated collection point. This BRP will serve as your official visa, containing important details about your immigration status, such as your right to work and study in the UK.
How can we help
To discuss your UK Partner Visa application with an experienced adviser from our team, please call us on +442087575751 or use our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
The processing time for a UK Partner Visa application can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the time of year, and the complexity of your case. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You can check the current processing times on the UK government’s website.
Yes, with a UK Partner Visa, you are generally allowed to work in the UK without any restrictions. You can seek employment, start your own business, or engage in other work-related activities.
Yes, after living in the UK on a UK Partner Visa for a specified period, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The length of time you must spend in the UK before applying for ILR depends on various factors, such as whether your partner is a British citizen or a settled person.
In some cases, it is possible to switch to a UK Partner Visa from another type of visa while you are in the UK. However, this depends on your current visa category and specific circumstances.
Yes, your dependent children can apply to join you in the UK if they meet the eligibility criteria. You will need to include them in your visa application and provide the necessary documentation to prove your relationship with them.
