Spouse / Partner Visa
A UK partner visa allows spouses, unmarried or same-sex partners and fiances of UK citizens or permanent resident to come and live with their family in the UK.
Requirements:
Ø To qualify for a Partner visa, applicants must be an eligible partner of a UK citizen or permanent resident who is currently living or who intends to live permanently in the UK. An eligible partner is a:
Ø Spouse (husband, wife or civil partner); or
Ø Unmarried or same-sex partner; or
Ø Fiance(e) or proposed civil partner.
Ø you and your partner are both aged 18 or over at the date of application
Ø evidence the relationship being existing and genuine in nature
Ø you are competent in English language
Ø you and your partner can have accommodation and maintenance (funds)
Ø may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements
Visa holder entitlements:
Ø A Partner visa entitles the holder to come and live in the UK with their partner. A Partner visa is usually granted for an initial probationary period, depending on the type of relationship.
Ø Spouse: 2 year probationary period unless spouses have been married or in a civil partnership and living together for at least 4 years and the partner may be granted indefinite leave to remain immediately.
Ø Unmarried or same-sex partner: 2 year probationary period unless partners have been in a relationship and living together for at least 4 years and the partner may be granted indefinite leave to remain immediately.
Ø Fiance(e) or proposed civil partner: 6 months during which the applicant must marry or
Ø undertake a Civil Partnership Registration with their partner. After the ceremony, an application for a Partner visa as a Spouse can be made. This visa type does not entitle the holder to work in the UK.
Ø Dependent and unmarried children under 18 years of age may be included on the visa application to accompany their parent/s to the UK.
Ø A Partner visa may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK.