UK Civil Partne

UK Civil Partnership Visa: A Complete Guide for 2024

The UK Civil Partnership Visa is a part of the family visa category, allowing non-UK citizens to live in the UK with their civil partner who is a British citizen or has settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain). Similar to the Spouse Visa, this visa is for couples in legally recognized civil partnerships, granting the applicant the right to live, work, and study in the UK.

This guide will explain the eligibility requirements, the application process, required documents, and fees for the UK Civil Partnership Visa in 2024.

What is a UK Civil Partnership Visa?

A UK Civil Partnership Visa allows non-UK nationals to join their civil partner, who is either a British citizen, has settled status, or holds refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK. It grants the visa holder the right to stay for an initial period of 2.5 years (30 months), with the option to extend and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Civil Partnership Visa

To qualify for the UK Civil Partnership Visa, both you and your partner must meet several conditions:

1. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

You must be in a legally recognized civil partnership, and you’ll need to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This may include:

• Your civil partnership certificate.
• Proof of cohabitation (e.g., shared bills, joint rental agreements).
• Photos, messages, or evidence of time spent together.

2. Financial Requirement

You and your partner must meet a minimum income threshold to show you can support yourselves without relying on public funds. For a couple without children, the income requirement is £18,600 per year. This increases with dependents:

• £22,400 for one child.
• An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

This income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, or other eligible sources.

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate a basic level of English proficiency by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A1 level or higher.
• Holding a degree taught in English.
• Being a citizen of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

4. Adequate Accommodation

You need to prove that you and your civil partner have adequate accommodation in the UK. This could be through a rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a letter from a landlord confirming you can both live at the property.

5. No Access to Public Funds

You must show that you can financially support yourselves without needing to access public funds or benefits.

Required Documents for a UK Civil Partnership Visa

When applying for the UK Civil Partnership Visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport and any previous travel documents.
• Civil partnership certificate.
• Proof of your genuine relationship (e.g., photos, communication logs, joint bills).
• Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (bank statements, payslips, tax returns, etc.).
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreements, mortgage statements).
• Evidence of English language proficiency (test results or exemption proof).
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Make sure all documents not in English are translated and certified.

UK Civil Partnership Visa Application Process

1. Online Application

The application for a uk civil partner visa is completed online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll apply using the family visa route, and if you’re already in the UK, you’ll use the FLR(M) form for further leave to remain.

2. Visa Fees

The costs for a UK Civil Partnership Visa in 2024 are:

• Application fee (outside the UK): £1,538.
• Application fee (inside the UK): £1,048.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, which totals £1,560 for the 2.5-year visa.
• Biometric fee: £19.20 for providing biometric information.

3. Biometric Appointment

You will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph at a UK Visa Application Centre or, if you’re in the UK, at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.

4. Submit Supporting Documents

You will either upload your supporting documents online or bring them to your biometric appointment. Ensure that all documents are complete and translated if necessary.

5. Processing Time

Processing times can take anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks for standard applications made outside the UK. However, priority services are available at an additional cost for quicker processing:

• Priority service: £500 for a decision within 5 working days.
• Super priority service: £800 for a decision within 24 hours.

Extending the UK Civil Partnership Visa

After your initial 2.5-year visa, you can apply to extend your stay in the UK for another 30 months. The requirements for the extension are similar to the initial application. You will need to continue proving that your relationship is genuine, meet the financial and accommodation requirements, and show proficiency in English at a slightly higher level (A2).

Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Once you have spent five years in the UK on a Civil Partnership Visa (two consecutive 2.5-year periods), you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This gives you the right to live in the UK permanently without time restrictions. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Key Considerations and Tips

1. Financial Requirement: Be sure that your income meets the minimum financial threshold and is well-documented. Incomplete or inconsistent financial evidence is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals.

2. Prove Your Relationship: Provide a range of evidence showing that your relationship is ongoing and genuine. This can include utility bills in both names, photos, and communication logs.

3. Apply Early: Submit your application before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying, which can negatively impact future immigration applications.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a UK Civil Partnership Visa is a key step for non-UK nationals who want to build a life with their civil partner in the UK. By understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and being aware of the fees and application process, you can improve your chances of success. If you’re uncertain about any part of the process, consider seeking advice from an immigration specialist to ensure everything is in order.