Unmarried Partner Visa Overview
The Unmarried Partner Visa — formally the Partner Visa for those not in a civil partnership or marriage — is available to couples who cannot or have chosen not to marry but who have been living together in a genuine relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
Two-Year Cohabitation Requirement
The central requirement is that the couple must have been living together for at least two years prior to the application. This must be continuous cohabitation — short breaks are permissible but extended periods of separation may undermine the claim. Evidence of cohabitation typically includes:
- Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements
- Bank statements showing the same address
- Utility bills, council tax letters, and other official correspondence
- Letters from employers, doctors, or other authorities confirming the shared address
- Statutory declaration of cohabitation
Other Requirements
- The relationship must be genuine and subsisting
- The sponsor must be British, settled, or have leave to remain in the UK
- The financial requirement must be met (currently £29,000 per annum)
- Adequate accommodation must be available
- English language requirement at A1 level (entry clearance) or A2 level (leave to remain)
Challenges with Unmarried Partner Applications
Unmarried partner applications are frequently scrutinised more closely than married partner applications. The Home Office will examine whether the cohabitation evidence is credible and whether the relationship is genuine. Applications that lack sufficient cohabitation evidence, or where the nature of the relationship is unclear, are at higher risk of refusal.
Britlaw Solicitors advises on the cohabitation evidence required and drafts detailed legal representations addressing the requirements of the Immigration Rules. We assess the strengths and weaknesses of your evidence before submission and advise on how to address any gaps.