Immigration, Simplified
UK Partner Visa (Unmarried)
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows eligible partners of British citizens or individuals with settled status to live together in the United Kingdom without being married or in a civil partnership. This settlement route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship, provided you continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements. Our experienced immigration advisers provide expert guidance to help you prepare a strong and successful application.
Official UK Government Updates
For the latest guidance, eligibility requirements, and visa regulations, we recommend checking the official UK Government website before submitting your application.
Core Eligibility
To qualify, you and your partner must satisfy these key requirements:
- Relationship Status: You must be in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years.
- The “Durable Relationship” Rule: While cohabitation for 2 years used to be mandatory, you can now qualify without living together if you have good reasons (such as work, study, or cultural/legal barriers) and can prove your relationship is genuine and durable.
- Partner Status: Your sponsor must be a British/Irish citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), have EU Settled Status, or hold refugee/humanitarian protection.
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
2026 Financial Requirements
For new applications submitted in 2026, the financial thresholds are as follows:
| Category | 2026 Threshold |
| Minimum Combined Income | £29,000 per year |
| Cash Savings (if no income) | £88,500 |
- Fixed Threshold: Unlike the old rules, the £29,000 requirement does not increase for dependent children.
- Transitional Protection: If you held a partner visa (including a fiancé visa) before April 11, 2024, you only need to meet the lower £18,600 threshold for your extensions and settlement.
2026 Costs and Fees
Total costs are paid upfront and differ based on whether you are applying from abroad or switching from within the UK.
| Fee Type | Outside UK (Entry) | Inside UK (Extension/Switch) |
| Visa Application Fee | £1,939 | £1,321 |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | £3,105 (for 33 months) | £2,587.50 (for 30 months) |
| Total Upfront Cost | £5,044 | £3,908.50 |
- Priority Services: You can pay £500 (outside UK) for a decision in 30 working days or £1,000 (inside UK) for a next-day decision.
The 5-Year vs. 10-Year Route
- 5-Year Route: The standard path for those who meet all requirements, including the financial and English language rules. You apply for ILR after 5 continuous years.
- 10-Year Route: If you do not meet the financial or English requirements but have “exceptional circumstances” (such as a British child or significant human rights grounds), you may be granted permission on the 10-year route. You must extend your visa every 2.5 years and can only apply for settlement after a full decade.
Rights and Restrictions
- Work: You have full rights to work or be self-employed in the UK.
- Study: You are permitted to study.
- English Requirement: For initial entry, you must meet CEFR A1 in speaking and listening. For your first extension (after 2.5 years), you must move up to CEFR A2.
- Public Funds: You generally have “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF), meaning you cannot claim most benefits.
UK Partner Visa (Unmarried)
Full support for your initial Unmarried Partner visa application or extension.
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Important Information About Our Fees
Professional Service Fees: Our quoted fees cover our professional immigration advice and application support only. They do not include UK Government application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointment charges, translation services, or any other third-party costs.
Personalised Fee Estimates: All prices provided are intended as estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the level of support required, the volume of documentation, and any urgent processing requests.
Disclaimer: All quoted service fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable.
Expert UK visa and immigration services designed to simplify your application, provide real-time progress updates, and maximise your chances of success.
