Partners

There are two types of partner recognised under the immigration rules:

1.   Informal unmarried partners who have been living together for two years or more and are either same sex or different sex partners.

2.   Formal civil partners (or proposed civil partners) recognised under the Civil Partnership Act 2004. This type of partnership is same sex only.

For the purposes of immigration law, civil partners are treated exactly the same as spouses. This includes coming to the UK to enter a civil partnership. There is a visa available equivalent to a fiancé (e) visa, called a proposed civil partner visa.

For immigration rules, partners are defined as individuals with whom the sponsor has lived in a relationship ‘akin to marriage’ for two years or more.

An unmarried partner application for entry or permission to stay is only possible where both partners will be over the age of 21 at the time of the partner’s entry to the UK, any previous marriage or similar relationship of either partner has permanently broken down and the partners are not in a consanguineous relationship (for example siblings are excluded).

The rules are the same as for a spouse application. You must demonstrate adequate accommodation, adequate maintenance without resource to public funds, intention to live together, and apply for a visa to enter the UK in this capacity.

When a relationship ends because of domestic violence or bereavement the same rules apply as for spouses. 

For further advice contact our immigration team.