UK Civil Partnership Visa: A Guide to the Civil Partner Visa

If you're in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK, the UK Civil Partnership Visa (also known as the Civil Partner Visa) allows you to join your partner in the UK. Similar to the UK Spouse Visa, this visa is designed for same-sex and opposite-sex couples who have entered into a civil partnership. This guide outlines the key eligibility criteria, the application process, and other important considerations for obtaining a UK Civil Partner Visa.

What is the UK Civil Partner Visa?

The civil partnership visa uk allows non-UK citizens to live with their British or settled civil partner in the United Kingdom. A civil partnership is a legally recognized relationship similar to marriage, and couples in such partnerships are entitled to apply for this visa. The visa initially lasts for 30 months, with the possibility of extension and eventually applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Civil Partner Visa

To successfully apply for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements. These criteria are similar to those for a UK Spouse Visa but tailored for civil partnerships.

1. Genuine Civil Partnership

You must prove that your civil partnership is genuine and subsisting. This requires providing:

• Your civil partnership certificate.
• Evidence that you live together or intend to live together in the UK.
• Proof of shared financial responsibilities or joint commitments, such as bank accounts, bills, or rental agreements.

2. Financial Requirement

The UK-based partner must meet a minimum income threshold to prove they can financially support the applicant without relying on public funds. The income requirements are:

• £18,600 per year if the couple has no dependent children.
• £22,400 per year if they have one child, plus an additional £2,400 for each additional child.

The income can come from:

• Employment or self-employment.
• Savings (a minimum of £62,500 if relying solely on savings).
• Non-salaried income such as rental or pension income.

3. English Language Requirement

The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English, which can be done by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A1 level, or
• Having a degree taught in English, or
• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.

4. Accommodation Requirement

You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK. The home must meet the UK’s standards for living and not be overcrowded.

5. Immigration Status of the UK-Based Partner

The UK-based partner must either be:

• A British citizen.
• Someone with settled status, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection.

Application Process for the UK Civil Partner Visa

1. Online Application

The application process begins with an online form, where you provide personal information and details of your civil partnership. You’ll also be required to pay the application fee.

2. Supporting Documents

You’ll need to submit supporting documents, including:

• Civil partnership certificate.
• Proof of finances (such as pay slips or bank statements).
• Evidence of meeting the English language requirement.
• Documents showing adequate accommodation.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

3. Biometrics and Visa Fees

As part of the application, you’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. The application fee is around £1,538 for those applying from outside the UK, and £1,048 for those applying from within the UK.

4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The surcharge is £624 per year of the visa’s duration.

5. Processing Time

The processing time for a UK Civil Partner Visa can take up to 12 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK. Priority processing is available for an additional fee.

Duration of the UK Civil Partner Visa

The initial Civil Partner Visa uk is granted for 30 months (2.5 years). After this period, you can apply for an extension for another 30 months. Once you have lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you the right to live in the UK permanently. After obtaining ILR, you may also apply for British citizenship.

Key Considerations for the UK Civil Partner Visa

1. Visa Refusals

Visa applications may be refused if the applicant or UK partner fails to meet the eligibility requirements, particularly with regard to financial resources or proving the genuineness of the civil partnership. Refusals can be appealed or corrected by submitting a fresh application with additional documentation.

2. Dependent Children

If you and your partner have children, they can be included in your visa application as dependents. The financial requirement will increase based on the number of children, and additional documents will need to be provided.

3. Work and Study Rights

Once the visa is granted, the civil partner is allowed to work or study in the UK without restrictions, offering an opportunity for career development or education.

4. Switching Visas

If you are already in the UK on another type of visa, it may be possible to switch to a civil partner visa without leaving the country, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The Civil Partner Visa provides a pathway for couples in a civil partnership to live together in the UK. By meeting the eligibility requirements and providing the necessary supporting documents, couples can navigate the application process successfully. If you are considering applying, it is crucial to ensure that all financial, relationship, and accommodation requirements are met to avoid delays or refusals.