The civil partnership visa UK, also known as the uk civil partner visa, allows non-UK citizens to join their civil partner who is a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. It provides a legal pathway for couples in civil partnerships to live together in the UK, offering similar rights and requirements as the spouse visa. In this article, we will cover the key aspects of the civil partnership visa, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the steps involved in securing this visa.

What is a Civil Partnership Visa?

A civil partnership visa allows individuals who are in a recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK to live, work, and settle in the UK. Similar to a spouse visa, the civil partnership visa is granted for an initial period of 30 months (2.5 years), after which you can apply for an extension. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants permanent settlement in the UK.

Who is Eligible for a Civil Partnership Visa UK?

To apply for a civil partnership visa UK, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Civil Partnership Status:

   • You must be in a legally recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK (e.g., a person holding indefinite leave to remain, refugee status, or EU settled status).
   • The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, with both parties intending to live together permanently in the UK.

2. Financial Requirement:

   • The UK sponsor (your civil partner) must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children, this threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
   • Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of sources.

3. Accommodation Requirement:

   • You must demonstrate that you and your civil partner have suitable accommodation in the UK, which meets standard living conditions.

4. English Language Requirement:

   • You must prove that you can speak English by passing an approved English language test, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English.

Required Documents for a Civil Partnership Visa

When applying for a UK civil partner visa, you will need to provide several important documents to support your application:

• Valid Passport: Your passport, as well as your partner’s passport.
• Proof of Civil Partnership: Civil partnership certificate or proof that your relationship is recognized by UK law.
• Proof of Relationship: Evidence such as photos, communication, and joint financial documents that show your relationship is genuine.
• Proof of Financial Requirements: Payslips, bank statements, or employment contracts that demonstrate the financial threshold has been met.
• Accommodation Proof: Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement showing where you and your partner will live.
• English Language Proof: An English language test certificate from an approved provider (if applicable).

How to Apply for a Civil Partnership Visa UK

The application process for a civil partnership visa is similar to that of a spouse visa and involves the following steps:

1. Submit the Online Application: Complete the visa application form online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

2. Pay the Application Fee: The visa application fee is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK, and £1,048 if applying from within the UK (as of 2024). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

3. Attend a Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

4. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or send your supporting documents to UKVI for review.

5. Wait for a Decision: The standard processing time is up to 12 weeks for applications made from outside the UK. However, priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions (5 days or 24 hours respectively).

Extending a Civil Partnership Visa

After the initial 2.5-year period, you must apply for a visa extension to continue living in the UK. The extension application, known as the FLR (M) form, requires similar documentation and proof as the initial application, including:

• Proof of ongoing relationship and cohabitation
• Evidence of meeting the financial and accommodation requirements
• An updated English language test (if required)

Once you have completed five years of continuous residency, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency in the UK.

Key Considerations for Civil Partnership Visa Applications

1. Apply Before Your Visa Expires: Make sure to submit your application for a civil partnership visa before your current visa expires to avoid any immigration issues.

2. Meeting the Financial Requirement: Failure to meet the financial threshold is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals, so ensure that your income documentation is accurate and meets the criteria.

3. Providing Genuine Relationship Evidence: You must show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Collect and submit a variety of documents that demonstrate your partnership over time.

4. English Language Test: Ensure that your English language skills meet the requirement, and take an approved test if needed.

Civil Partnership Visa Fees and Processing Times

As of 2024, the fees for a civil partnership visa UK are:

• Application Fee: £1,538 (outside the UK) or £1,048 (inside the UK)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, which totals £1,560 for the 2.5-year visa
• Priority Service: £500 for a decision within five working days
• Super Priority Service: £1,000 for a decision within 24 hours

Conclusion

The civil partnership visa UK provides a clear pathway for non-UK citizens in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person to live, work, and build a life together in the UK. Understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the correct documentation, and following the application process carefully will help you increase the chances of a successful application. After completing the five-year residency period, you can then apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.