The UK Civil Partnership Visa uk allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partner in the UK through a civil partnership. It’s similar to the UK spouse visa but applies to couples who are in or intend to enter into a civil partnership rather than marriage. This visa is a route to long-term residency and eventually British citizenship. In this guide, we will cover the key aspects of the UK Civil Partnership Visa for 2024.

1. Eligibility for the UK Civil Partnership Visa

To qualify for the UK Civil Partnership Visa, you and your partner must meet the following criteria:

• Relationship Requirements:

  • You must be in a genuine, legally recognized civil partnership.
  • You must prove that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
  • If you are applying as a proposed civil partner (before entering into the civil partnership), you must register the civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival.

• UK Partner’s Status:

  • Your partner must be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or be settled under the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Financial Requirement:

  • Your UK-based partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year. The threshold increases if you have children:
    • £22,400 for one child.
    • An additional £2,400 for each additional child.

• English Language Requirement:

  • You must pass an approved English language test at CEFR Level A1, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or meet other exemptions.

• Accommodation Requirement:

  • You must show evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK where you will live with your partner without relying on public funds.

2. UK Civil Partnership Visa Fees (2024)

The visa application involves various costs:

• Visa Application Fee: £1,538
• NHS Surcharge: £624 per year, payable upfront for the 2.5-year visa, totaling £1,872.
• Priority Processing (Optional): £573 if you want to receive a faster decision, usually within 5 working days.
• English Language Test: Approximately £150, depending on the test provider.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Between £65 and £110, if required, based on your country of residence.

3. Documents Required for the Civil Partnership Visa

You’ll need to submit several key documents as part of your application:

• Passports: For both you and your partner.
• Proof of Civil Partnership: A civil partnership certificate if you are already in a civil partnership, or evidence of your intention to register a civil partnership within 6 months if you are applying as a proposed civil partner.
• Proof of Financial Requirement: Your partner’s payslips and bank statements from the last 6 months, or proof of self-employment income.
• Proof of Accommodation: Documents such as tenancy agreements or mortgage statements showing where you will live in the UK.
• English Language Test Certificate: If applicable, to demonstrate you meet the A1 language requirement.
• TB Test Certificate: If required based on your country of residence.

4. Application Process for the UK Civil Partnership Visa

The application process is as follows:

• Step 1: Apply Online: Complete the civil partnership visa application form on the UK government’s official website.
• Step 2: Pay the Fees: Pay the visa application fee and the NHS surcharge.
• Step 3: Submit Your Documents: Upload all required supporting documents through the online portal.
• Step 4: Biometric Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. This can be done at a visa application center.
• Step 5: Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary, but it typically takes around 8-12 weeks for a decision. The priority service can speed up this timeline.

5. After Receiving Your Visa

If your visa is approved, you will be granted leave to remain in the UK for 2.5 years (30 months). After this period, you can apply for an extension and eventually for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the continuous residency requirement of 5 years in the UK.

Conclusion

The UK Civil Partnership Visa offers a route for couples in or intending to form a uk civil partner visa to live together in the UK. By ensuring you meet the financial, language, and accommodation requirements, and providing all necessary documentation, you can make the application process smoother. After being granted the visa, you can work toward long-term residency and British citizenship.