UK Civil Partner Visa
UK Civil Partner Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
The UK Civil Partner visa allows individuals who are in a legally registered civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live together in the UK. This visa is a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, financial requirements, application process, and visa conditions of the UK Civil Partner visa.
How to Apply for a Civil Partner Visa in the UK
To qualify for a UK Civil Partner visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Relationship Requirement
- You must be in a legally registered civil partnership, and it must be recognised under UK law.
- Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
- You must have met in person before applying.
- You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Financial Requirement (Updated April 2024)
You and/or your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year to apply.
- Only the British/settled partner’s income can be considered if applying from outside the UK.
- The applicant and their partner’s income can be combined if they apply from inside the UK.
- Acceptable income sources include:
- Employment (salaried or non-salaried)
- Self-employment or directorship of a UK company
- Rental income, dividends, or other non-employment income
- Pension income
- Cash savings held for at least six months
Using Cash Savings to Meet the Financial Requirement
You can use cash savings instead if you do not meet the income threshold. The amount required is calculated as follows:
- Base amount: £16,000
- Additional amount: 2.5 times the shortfall between the required income and actual income
Example Calculation:
- If you have no income, the shortfall is £29,000.
- Formula: £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £88,500
- Total savings required: £88,500
Below is a financial requirement table summarising the income and savings threshold:
| Income Level | Shortfall | Formula | Total Savings Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| £29,000 or more | £0 | Not applicable | No additional savings needed |
| £20,000 | £9,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000) | £38,500 |
| £0 (fully relying on savings) | £29,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) | £88,500 |
English Language Requirement for the UK Civil Partner Visa
- Applying from outside the UK: CEFR Level A1 (beginner level)
- Applying from inside the UK (extension or switching): CEFR Level A2 (higher level)
- Passing an approved English language test
- Holding a degree taught or researched in English
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Are 65 or over
- Have a disability or exceptional circumstances preventing you from meeting the requirement.
The English language requirement for the UK Civil Partner visa differs depending on where the application is made.
How to Meet This Requirement
Exemptions
You do not need to meet this requirement if you:
How to Apply for a UK Civil Partner Visa
- Civil partnership certificate
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, savings documentation)
- Accommodation details
- English language certificate (if required)
- Apply via the UK government website
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Upload supporting documents
- Outside the UK: Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Inside the UK: Book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre
- Standard processing time: 12 weeks
- Priority processing is available for an additional fee
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
Step 4: Await a Decision
Fees and Costs
- Application Fee:
- Applying from outside the UK: £1,846
- Applying from inside the UK: £1,258
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year (paid upfront for 2.5 years)
Estimated total cost: £4,421+
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Civil Partner visa can be complex, especially with strict financial and documentation requirements. Immtell provides expert guidance and support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and meets all Home Office requirements.
We assist with:
- Assessing financial eligibility (income vs savings)
- Document preparation and submission
- Planning for ILR and long-term UK settlement
Your Civil Partner Visa, Handled with Expertise
Ensure a successful UK Civil Partner visa application with expert guidance. Get tailored support on financial requirements, documents, and the best route to settlement in the UK.
Ensure a successful UK Civil Partner visa application with expert guidance. Get tailored support on financial requirements, documents, and the best route to settlement in the UK.
