Over the last decade I've dealt with a number of similar cases and I've probably completed more applications for partners than any other type of application.

In 2012, the Rules for this type of application changed and the Minimum Income Requirement was introduced. In the eight years since then I've seen countless refusals where people applied, but weren't aware of the strict Rules on evidence that have to be met, in order for an application to be successful. The financial requirement is one of the main reasons this visa has a refusal rate of more than 20%, and this is why it's so difficult to make a successful application without expert support.

Given how difficult these applications have become, we've produced a guide for anyone going through the application process. It covers:

• The main visa requirements;
• The application process;
• Common problems with applications; and
• Top tips for a successful application.

If you are planning to submit an application, please read our guide and then let us know if you have any questions about the process or the support we offer with these applications.

While the UK wide refusal rate is more than 20%, we are proud to say that in the last four years our own success rate is close to 100% at the initial application stage, and the only cases which were refused were successful on Appeal. Our expert team of immigration specialists are here to help you through the process.