If you're in a committed relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK and want to live together legally, applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa is the best route to take. This visa allows non-British nationals to enter or remain in the UK as the civil partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status. Whether you’re starting a life together in the UK or continuing your relationship after registering a civil partnership, understanding the civil partnership visa process is crucial.
What is a UK Civil Partnership Visa?
A civil partnership visa allows a non-UK citizen to join their civil partner in the UK and live together legally. Much like the spouse visa, this visa is designed for couples who have legally registered their relationship as a civil partnership, providing the same rights to stay, work, and live in the UK as married couples.
This visa can be applied for either from outside the UK (entry clearance) or inside the UK if you're extending your stay after already being on a different visa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Civil Partnership Visa UK
To apply for a UK civil partner visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Genuine Relationship: You must be in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. The civil partnership must be legally recognized in the UK.
Financial Requirement: The sponsor (your civil partner in the UK) must meet the financial threshold. This means they must have an annual income of at least £18,600 or more. If you have dependent children, the financial requirement increases:
- £22,400 for one child.
- An additional £2,400 for each additional child.
This income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of sources.
Accommodation Requirement: You and your civil partner must have adequate accommodation in the UK. This means you must be able to show that you have a place to live together that meets the UK housing standards and that you can afford without relying on public funds.
English Language Requirement: As the applicant, you must prove you can speak and understand English at a minimum level. This is typically done by passing an approved English language test at A1 level or higher unless you are from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.
Age Requirement: Both you and your civil partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application.
Intention to Live Together: You must prove that you intend to live together permanently in the UK after you are granted the visa.
Required Documents for a Civil Partnership Visa
When applying for a UK civil partnership visa, you will need to gather and submit several important documents, including:
- Valid Passport: Both yours and your partner’s passports to confirm identity and travel history.
- Civil Partnership Certificate: A legal document proving your civil partnership is registered.
- Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements, and employer letters to show that your partner meets the financial requirements.
- Proof of Accommodation: A tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or a letter from the landlord proving that you and your partner will live together.
- English Language Test Certificate: If applicable, a certificate showing you’ve passed an approved English test.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence that your relationship is genuine, such as photos together, joint bank accounts, shared bills, and correspondence.
How to Apply for a Civil Partnership Visa in the UK
The application process for a civil partnership visa UK involves the following steps:
Complete the Online Application: The civil partnership visa application is done online. You’ll need to fill in the necessary details and provide accurate information that matches your supporting documents.
Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): As part of your application, you will need to pay:
- Application Fee: £1,538 (if applying from outside the UK) or £1,048 (if applying from inside the UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, paid upfront for the duration of your visa (2.5 years), which amounts to £1,560.
Book a Biometric Appointment: After submitting the application, you’ll need to attend an appointment at a visa application center (if applying from outside the UK) or a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center (if applying from inside the UK) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).
Submit Your Supporting Documents: You can upload your supporting documents online or bring them to your biometric appointment, depending on where you’re applying from.
Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary, but typically it takes around 12 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if applying from within the UK. You can choose to pay for priority services for a faster decision.
Civil Partnership Visa Fees 2024
Here is a breakdown of the key costs involved in applying for a civil partnership visa in 2024:
- Application Fee: £1,538 if applying from outside the UK; £1,048 if applying from inside the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,560 for a 2.5-year visa.
- Biometric Appointment Fee: Typically £19.20 for fingerprints and photos.
- Optional Priority Service: An extra £500 for faster processing.
After the Visa is Granted
Once your civil partnership visa is granted, you’ll receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that allows you to live, work, and study in the UK for 2.5 years. During this period, you and your partner must continue to meet the financial and relationship requirements. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship if desired.
Conclusion
A civil partnership visa uk is an excellent option for non-UK nationals who wish to join their civil partner in the UK and build a life together. By ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria, preparing the required documents, and paying the necessary fees, you can successfully navigate the application process. With the right preparation, you’ll be on your way to securing your visa and starting your life with your partner in the UK.
