UK Immigration Rules about unmarried foreign partners

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UK Information about unmarried partners

Original source:

United Kingdom Immigration & Nationality Directorate

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Important! Please always visit the original sources above for the latest updates.

These pages explain what the UK Immigration Rules say about unmarried partners, whether heterosexual or homosexual, coming to the United Kingdom with or to join someone who is settled here. It is only a guide but aims to answer frequently asked questions.

Can I bring my unmarried partner to the United Kingdom?

Your unmarried partner may apply to join you in the United Kingdom as long as you are present and settled in the United Kingdom. Settled means that you are living here lawfully with no time limit on your stay. If you are returning to the United Kingdom to settle, your unmarried partner can also apply to join you at the same time.

How does my unmarried partner qualify?

You must both be able to show that:

any previous marriage (or similar relationship) that either of you were in has permanently broken down;
you cannot marry each other under United Kingdom law (unless it is because of a blood relationship or because of age);
you have both been living together as if you are married for at least two years;
you both plan to live together permanently; and
you both have enough money to support and adequately accommodate yourselves and any dependants without help from public funds.

Your unmarried partner must get entry clearance before they travel to the United Kingdom.

If you have followed the procedures correctly, your unmarried partner will be given permission to stay and work in the United Kingdom for two years. Near the end of this time, if you are both still in the relationship and you both plan to live together permanently, your unmarried partner can apply to stay here permanently.

How does my unmarried partner apply to stay here permanently?

He or she will need to complete an application form. Applications (except those for asylum and work permits or under European Community law) will not be valid unless they are made on the appropriate application form. You can get details of which form to complete and copies of the forms from this website, or from:

The Applications Forms Unit

Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)
Block C, Whitgift Centre
Wellesley Road, Croydon
Surrey CR9 1AT.
Telephone: 0870 241 0645

Your partner should send the completed form, by post, before their permission to stay ends. The application form will give you details of all the documents you will need to send with your application and where to send it.

If your partner's permission to stay in the United Kingdom is running out, and they need to travel urgently, they can apply in person at one of the public enquiry offices.

All documents should be originals, unless there is a good reason why your partner cannot produce them with the application. We will not normally accept photocopies.

Can my unmarried partner's children join us?

There is a separate leaflet giving details about children coming to the United Kingdom.

What are public funds?

If you come to live or stay in the United Kingdom, you must be able to support and accommodate yourself without claiming certain state benefits. These are:

Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA);
housing and homelessness assistance;
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit;
Working Families' Tax Credit;
a social fund payment;
Child Benefit; or
any disability allowance.

What is entry clearance?

Entry clearance is a visa or entry clearance certificate given to people so they can travel to the United Kingdom. Your partner must apply for entry clearance to the British Embassy, High Commission or other British Diplomatic Mission (known as British Diplomatic Posts) in the country where he or she lives.

You can also get guidance leaflets and information about visas from UK visas. Please write to:

Visa Correspondence Section
UKvisas
London
SW1A 2AH
United Kingdom.

General enquiries: +44 (0)20 7008 8438
Application forms: +44 (0)20 7008 8308
Fax numbers: +44 (0)20 7008 8359/8361