The UK civil partnership visa allows non-UK citizens to join their civil partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. Similar to the spouse visa, it’s designed for those in a civil partnership who wish to live and work in the UK. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to apply for a civil partnership visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and key information about extending your stay.

What Is a UK Civil Partnership Visa?

A civil partnership visa grants non-UK partners of British citizens or settled persons the right to live and work in the UK. Like the spouse visa, it is initially issued for 2.5 years (30 months) and can be extended. After completing 5 years on this visa, the holder may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually for British citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Civil Partner Visa

To apply for a uk civil partner visa, there are several requirements that must be met:

1. Relationship Requirement: You must be in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership that is recognized in the UK. The civil partnership must be legally registered, and you must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

2. Financial Requirement: The UK partner must meet a minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year to sponsor their non-UK partner. If the couple has children who are not British citizens or settled, the income threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

3. Accommodation: The couple must show that they have adequate accommodation in the UK, where they can live without relying on public funds.

4. English Language Requirement: The non-UK partner must demonstrate knowledge of the English language. This can be proven through passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher or by having an academic qualification taught in English.

5. Good Character: Applicants must not have any significant criminal convictions or breaches of immigration laws.

Documents Required for a UK Civil Partner Visa

The application process requires several documents to verify your eligibility. Here is a list of typical documents you may need:

• Proof of civil partnership: Civil partnership certificate recognized by UK law.
• Proof of relationship: Evidence such as shared bills, photographs, correspondence showing the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• Financial documents: Bank statements, payslips, tax returns, or evidence of self-employment to prove income requirements.
• Accommodation details: Rental agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from a homeowner confirming that you live with them.
• English language certificate: Proof of passing an English language test or an academic qualification.
• Passports: Both your passport and your UK partner’s passport or identity document.
• Previous visa: If applicable, provide a copy of your current visa showing lawful residence in the UK.

How to Apply for a UK Civil Partnership Visa

You can apply for a civil partnership visa either from within the UK (if switching from another valid visa) or from outside the UK. Here’s how to apply:

1. Online Application: Complete the visa application form online on the UK government’s website. If applying from outside the UK, you will apply using the VAF4A form.

2. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for a civil partner visa from outside the UK is £1,538, while it costs £1,033 to apply from within the UK (as of 2024). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year of the visa.

3. Submit Biometrics: Attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (if applying from outside the UK) or a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center (if applying from within the UK) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

4. Submit Supporting Documents: You can upload your documents online or have them scanned at the biometrics appointment.

5. Wait for a Decision: The standard processing time for a civil partnership visa is about 8 weeks if applying from within the UK, or 3 months if applying from outside the UK.

Civil Partner Visa Fees and Processing Times

The cost of applying for a civil partnership visa uk varies depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK:

• From outside the UK: £1,538 (standard fee).
• From inside the UK: £1,033 (standard fee for visa extensions or switching).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year.
• Priority service (optional): £500 for a faster decision within 5 working days.

Extending a Civil Partnership Visa

Just like the spouse visa, the civil partnership visa is initially granted for 30 months. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires to continue staying in the UK. The extension process requires meeting the same financial, accommodation, and relationship requirements. You must apply using the FLR (M) form.

Once you have completed 5 years on the civil partnership visa route, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK permanently.

Common Reasons for Civil Partner Visa Refusals

Civil partnership visa applications may be refused for several reasons, including:

• Failure to meet the financial requirement.
• Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
• Failure to meet the English language requirement.
• Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents.

To avoid delays or refusals, make sure all your documents are accurate and complete.

Conclusion

The UK civil partnership visa allows couples in a legally recognized civil partnership to live together in the UK. To apply successfully, it’s essential to meet the relationship, financial, and accommodation requirements and provide the correct supporting documents. After 5 years on this visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, paving the way for a settled life in the UK.