The UK Civil Partnership Visa allows individuals to join their civil partner in the United Kingdom and live together. It’s an important pathway for couples in a civil partnership who want to build a life together in the UK. Whether you are applying from abroad or within the UK, the process involves meeting specific requirements, preparing the right documents, and understanding the legal criteria.
This article will guide you step by step on how to apply for a Civil Partnership Visa UK, from eligibility to the final decision. It will also touch on the proposed civil partner visa and other critical considerations to ensure your application is successful.
What is a UK Civil Partnership Visa?
A UK Civil Partnership Visa is for non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals who are in a genuine, long-term civil partnership with a British citizen, or someone settled in the UK. The visa allows the applicant to live with their civil partner in the UK, and, in most cases, work during their stay. This visa is generally granted for an initial period of 2.5 years, after which you can apply for a further visa extension and, eventually, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Key Requirements for a UK Civil Partnership Visa
Before you start your application, it’s important to confirm that both you and your civil partner meet the basic eligibility criteria for a UK Civil Partnership Visa. Here are the essential requirements:
1. Relationship Requirement
To qualify for a UK Civil Partnership Visa, your civil partnership must be recognized as valid under UK law. The partnership must be genuine and subsisting (i.e., you must be in a committed, ongoing relationship with your civil partner). You must also be able to prove that you are not married or in a civil partnership with anyone else at the time of your application.
Both parties should be at least 18 years old, and you must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years prior to the application. If your partner is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK, they must also have the intention to live in the UK with you.
2. Financial Requirement
A key requirement for a Civil Partnership Visa application is meeting the financial threshold. As of 2024, the UK government requires that the UK sponsor (your civil partner) must earn at least £18,600 per year before tax. If you are bringing dependent children into the UK, this income requirement increases.
- £18,600 for a couple
- £22,400 for one child
- £2,400 for each additional child
Evidence of meeting the financial requirement can include payslips, bank statements, or a letter from your sponsor’s employer confirming their income.
3. English Language Requirement
You, the applicant, must meet a certain level of English language proficiency. This can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
- By passing an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College exams).
- If you are from an English-speaking country, you can provide proof of your nationality.
- If you have a degree that was taught in English, you may submit proof of your educational qualification.
4. Adequate Accommodation
You and your partner must show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK where you will both live. The accommodation should not be overcrowded or unsuitable for your needs. Proof of accommodation can be in the form of a tenancy agreement, homeownership documents, or an offer of accommodation from your partner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
To apply for a UK Civil Partnership Visa, you must complete an online application form. This form is available through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You will be asked for personal details, including information about your civil partner and the nature of your relationship. Be sure to fill out the form accurately, as incorrect or incomplete information can lead to delays or rejection.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee. As of 2024, the cost for a UK Civil Partnership Visa application is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,048 if applying from within the UK. Additionally, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The surcharge is £624 per year; for a 2.5-year visa, this would amount to £1,560.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
You will need to submit a range of documents to support your visa application. These documents help prove that you meet the eligibility requirements. The required documents include:
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document for the applicant.
- Proof of Civil Partnership: A civil partnership certificate showing you are legally recognized as partners.
- Evidence of Financial Support: Payslips, tax returns, bank statements, or other evidence to meet the income requirement.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing that you have adequate living space in the UK.
- English Language Proficiency: Your English language test results or proof of a degree taught in English.
- Relationship Evidence: Photographs, travel documents, and communication records to show that you have lived together in a genuine relationship for a minimum of two years.
Step 4: Submit Biometrics
As part of the application process, you will be required to attend a biometric appointment at a local visa application center. At this appointment, your fingerprints and photographs will be taken for identity verification purposes.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Once you have submitted your application, biometrics, and supporting documents, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary depending on the country where you apply, but it typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks for a decision to be made.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa vignette (a sticker in your passport) that allows you to enter the UK. If you are applying from within the UK, you will receive your biometric residence permit (BRP) after your visa is approved.
Proposed Civil Partner Visa
While the current Civil Partnership Visa is specifically for couples who are already in a legally recognized civil partnership, there have been discussions in the UK about expanding opportunities for unmarried couples to live together in the UK. The proposed Civil Partner Visa would provide a route for couples who are not formally registered in a civil partnership but still wish to live together in the UK under similar conditions.
This potential visa would open the door for more couples in long-term, cohabiting relationships to apply for residence in the UK. The UK government is considering reforms to make the process more inclusive for those in relationships that may not necessarily involve formal legal recognition, such as de facto partnerships or long-term cohabitation.
While the proposed changes have not yet been finalized, it’s important for couples to stay updated on any developments regarding relationship-based visa routes. These changes could potentially impact how non-EEA nationals apply for a visa to live with their UK-based partner.
Civil Partnership Visa Costs
As mentioned earlier, the cost of a UK Civil Partnership Visa application includes the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Visa Application Fee (Outside the UK): £1,538
- Visa Application Fee (Inside the UK): £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year. For a 2.5-year visa, this totals £1,560.
- Document Translation Fees (if applicable): If any of your documents are not in English, you will need to pay for certified translations.
It’s crucial to factor these costs into your planning, as the total expense can add up to several thousand pounds.
After the Visa is Granted
Once you receive your UK Civil Partnership Visa and arrive in the UK, you can live with your partner and enjoy the rights associated with living in the country. After your initial visa period (usually 2.5 years), you can apply for a visa extension or move on to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the required conditions.
To apply for ILR, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, demonstrate continued compliance with the financial requirement, and show that your civil partnership is genuine and ongoing. After obtaining ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if you meet the necessary criteria.
Conclusion
Applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa is a significant step for couples who wish to live together in the UK. By ensuring that you meet all the eligibility requirements, carefully preparing your documents, and understanding the application process, you can increase your chances of success. With the proposed changes in the works, the process could soon become more inclusive for other types of long-term relationships, but for now, the Civil Partnership Visa remains a critical route for committed couples.
