British Partner Visa

You may be eligible to apply for a British Partner Visa if you're in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.

It is often referred to as a Spouse Visa or UK Family Visa, which enables non-UK citizens to join their partner in the UK and live together as a family.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the British Partner Visa, including types, requirements, costs, and the application process.

For personalised legal support with your British Partner Visa application, contact Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or info@wembleysolicitors.com.

Table of Contents

What Is a British Partner Visa?

The British Partner Visa lets a non-UK citizen join their British spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner in the UK, provided their relationship is genuine. It's a type of family visa that allows couples to live, work, and study together in the UK legally.

Whether you're married, in a civil partnership, or have been living together in a committed relationship for at least two years, this visa could be your route to building a future together in the UK.

This visa not only allows you to live and work in the UK, but it can also lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, and eventually to British citizenship.

What Are the Different Types of British Partner Visas?

British Partner Visas come in different types, each designed for different stages of a relationship, whether you're engaged, married, or in a long-term partnership.

The four main types of UK Partner Visas are the Spouse Visa, Civil Partner Visa, Unmarried Partner Visa, and Fiancé(e) Visa (or Proposed Civil Partner Visa). These visas allow non-UK citizens to join their partners who are British or have settled status in the UK.

1. Spouse Visa

A UK Spouse Visa allows a married person to join their spouse who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK (e.g., indefinite leave to remain).

This visa permits an applicant to live, work, and study in the UK for 30 months (if applying from within the UK), or 33 months (if applying from outside the UK), with the possibility of extension and eventual settlement.

2. Civil Partner Visa

The UK Civil Partnership visa lets non-UK citizens live in the UK with their civil partner who is either British, Irish, or holds settled or pre-settled status. It works similarly to the Spouse Visa, requiring proof of your relationship, financial stability, and English language ability.

3. Unmarried Partner Visa

An Unmarried Partner Visa is for couples who are not married but have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. You must prove that your relationship with your unmarried partner, who is either a British national or has settled status in the UK, is both genuine and subsisting.

4. Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa

Fiancé(e) Visa or Proposed Civil Partner Visa is for individuals engaged to a British citizen or settled person, allowing them to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK. This visa allows you to come to the UK for six months to do so. Once married or in a civil partnership, you can then switch to the spouse or civil partner visa from within the UK.

Who Is Eligible for a British Partner Visa?

To be eligible for a British Partner Visa, you must have a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. You also need to meet specific requirements like the financial requirement, proving you can support yourselves without public funds, and showing you have suitable accommodation in the UK. Additionally, many applicants must meet the English language requirement to qualify.

You may be eligible for a UK Partner Visa if your partner is:

• A British or Irish citizen
• Someone who has Indefinite Leave to Remain (settled status)
• An individual with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• A person with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
• Someone who has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

Each type of UK partner visa has specific eligibility rules, so it's advisable to consult with an experienced UK immigration solicitor to guide you through the process and maximise your chances of approval.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2026

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you must have a legal marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.

To be eligible to apply for a UK Spouse Visa under the 5-year route, applicants must comply with all conditions outlined in Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

Key requirements for a successful UK Spouse Visa application include:

• Both partners must be 18 years or older.
• You must be legally married, with the marriage recognised in the UK.
• Your spouse must be a British citizen or have settled status.
• Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Your partner meets the financial threshold.
• You have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK.
• You meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
• You may need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test, if applicable.
• You must not have violated UK immigration laws.
• You do not fall under any general grounds for visa refusal.
• You meet additional requirements depending on your circumstances.

UK Civil Partnership Visa Requirements 2026

To get a UK Civil Partnership visa, you must prove a legally recognised civil partnership, a genuine ongoing relationship, and meet financial, accommodation, and English language criteria.

To qualify for a Civil Partnership visa, you need to meet these criteria:

• Both you and your partner are at least 18 years old.
• You have met your partner in person.
• You are legally in a civil partnership recognised by UK law.
• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• Any previous relationships have ended permanently.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You meet the financial requirements, showing you can support yourselves without public funds.
• You have suitable accommodation arranged for both of you.
• You meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
• You do not fall under any general grounds for visa refusal.
• You meet additional requirements depending on your circumstances.

UK Unmarried Partner visa Requirements 2026

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, both partners must be over 18 and in a genuine relationship, having lived together for at least two years.

You must meet the following key requirements:

• Both partners must be 18 or older at the time of application.
• You must have lived together in a relationship like a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years.
• Meet the financial requirement.
• Prove you're in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• Meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
• There must be adequate accommodation for you both in the UK.
• Additional requirements depending on your circumstances.

UK Fiancé Visa Requirements 2026

To get a UK Fiancé Visa, applicants must be over 18, intend to marry within six months of arriving and prove their relationship is genuine and subsisting.

To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, you must meet the following key requirements:

• You must apply from outside the UK.
• Both you and your partner must be 18 or older.
• You must plan to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
• You must show an intention to live together permanently in the UK.
• Meet the minimum financial threshold.
• Prove you're in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• Meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
• Show that suitable accommodation is available.
• Take a tuberculosis (TB) test, if required.
• Meet the Home Office suitability criteria.
• Ensure you submit a valid and complete application.

How to Apply for a British Partner Visa

Applying for a UK Partner Visa, whether you're married, in a civil partnership, or a long-term relationship, requires several key steps. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Complete the Online Application

Whether you're applying from inside the UK or from outside the UK, the UK Partner Visa application must be completed online.

Start by filling out the UK Partner Visa application form on the official GOV.UK website. Make sure you choose the correct visa type (e.g. Spouse Visa, Unmarried Partner Visa, etc.).

2. Gather Supporting Documents

You'll need to prepare documents such as:

• Valid passport
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
• Proof of meeting the minimum income requirement
• Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK
• Proof of English language proficiency (unless exempt)
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

3. Pay the Application Fees

Visa fees vary based on where you're applying from:

• £1,938 if applying from outside the UK
• £1,321 if applying from within the UK

In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year of your stay.

4. Attend a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you'll be asked to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photo.

If you're unsure or want expert guidance throughout your application, it's advisable to speak with our experienced UK immigration solicitor. We can help ensure everything is done right the first time, avoiding delays or refusals.

How Long Does the UK Partner Visa Process Take?

UK Partner Visa processing times are about 12 weeks from outside the UK, and 8 weeks inside the UK if the applicant meets financial and language conditions.

If you're applying for a Partner Visa from the UK, you can pay an extra £1,000 for the super priority service and receive a faster decision within 24 hours.

How Much Does a UK Partner Visa Cost?

As of 2025, the application fee for a Spouse/Partner visa is £1,938 when applying from outside the UK, and £1,321 for in-country applications. In addition, you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year.

When applying for a UK fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, you won't have to pay the Health Surcharge. This applies only to visas longer than six months or applications made from within the UK.

Healthcare Surcharge

As part of your visa application, you may be required to pay the healthcare surcharge.

For adults aged 18 and over, the fees are:

• £2,587.50 for a stay of 2 years and 6 months
• £3,105 for a stay of 2 years and 9 months
• £5,175 for a stay of 5 years

For children under 18, the fees are:

• £1,940 for a stay of 2 years and 6 months
• £2,328 for a stay of 2 years and 9 months
• £3,880 for a stay of 5 years

So, when applying for a Spouse Visa or Unmarried Partner Visa, it's important to factor in both the application fee and the IHS. The overall cost can be significant, so proper financial planning is essential.

What Happens After I Get a British Partner Visa?

Once you receive your British partner visa, you can live, work, and study in the UK. The initial visa is usually valid for 30 months. Before it expires, you'll apply to extend it, and after five years on this visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Holding ILR can lead to applying for British citizenship, giving you permanent status in the UK.

What Happens After I Get a UK Fiancé Visa?

Once your family visa as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner is approved, you're allowed to travel to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with your British or settled partner. The visa is valid for 6 months, and during this time, it's important to get married in the UK as planned.

Can I Sponsor My Girlfriend to the UK?

Yes, you can sponsor your girlfriend for a UK Partner Visa, but only if you can prove your relationship is genuine and long-term. You'll typically need to show that you've been in a committed relationship for at least two years, similar to a marriage or civil partnership. Immigration officials will closely assess your evidence to make sure it's not a sham or fake relationship.

Are Partner Visa and Spouse Visa the Same?

A UK Partner Visa and Spouse Visa are similar but not exactly the same. A Spouse Visa is for those who are legally married or in a civil partnership, while an Unmarried Partner Visa is for couples who have been living together in a relationship like marriage for at least two years.

Both visa types require you to prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing, along with meeting financial and accommodation requirements.

Why Should I Hire British Partner Visa UK Immigration Solicitors?

Hiring experienced British Partner Visa UK immigration solicitors can make a huge difference in the success of your visa application. Immigration rules can be complex and constantly changing, so expert legal advice ensures your application meets all requirements, from the financial threshold to relationship evidence.

Solicitors specialising in UK partner visas understand how to navigate the process smoothly, helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

What Services Do UK Immigration Solicitors Provide for British Partner Visa Applications?

Applying for a British Partner Visa can be complex, especially with the strict requirements around relationship proof, financial thresholds, and documentation. That's where expert help from trusted UK immigration solicitors like Wembley Solicitors makes all the difference.

Our immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility, advise on the best visa route, and help you gather the right documents to prove your genuine and subsisting relationship. We'll also ensure you meet financial, accommodation, and English language requirements, all of which are key to a successful partner visa application.

Our experienced partner visa lawyers in London offer tailored, step-by-step support to give your application the best chance of success. Whether you're applying for a Spouse Visa, Unmarried Partner Visa, or Civil Partner Visa, we're here to guide you through the entire process.

Services we provide for British Partner Visa applications include:

• Initial eligibility assessment: We evaluate your circumstances and advise on the most suitable visa route (Spouse Visa, Civil Partner Visa, or Unmarried Partner Visa).
• Document checklist and review: Ensuring your application is supported with strong evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• Support with financial requirement: Guidance on meeting the £29,000 income threshold or using cash savings (e.g., £88,500 for savings route).
• Drafting and submitting your application: Professionally completed to reduce errors, delays, or risk of refusal.
• Letter of representation: A detailed cover letter to strengthen your case and explain how you meet the Home Office requirements.
• Home Office communication: We liaise with immigration officers on your behalf for any queries or updates.
• Appeals and reapplications: If your visa is refused, we can represent you throughout the appeals process.

With our deep understanding of UK immigration law and extensive experience handling partner visa applications, Wembley Solicitors can help take the stress out of your journey to joining your loved one in the UK.

How Much Does a Solicitor Charge for a UK Partner Visa?

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee between £800 and £1,000 (plus VAT) for a UK Partner Visa application, depending on the complexity of the case.

By using our fixed fee services, you can rest assured that there are no hidden fees. We believe in honest pricing and a seamless UK visa application experience.

Need Help with Your British Partner Visa Application?

Applying for a British Partner Visa can be complex, especially with evolving financial and relationship requirements. At Wembley Solicitors, our immigration solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way, from gathering documents to submitting a strong application.

For expert legal assistance with your British Partner Visa, contact Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.

To book a consultation with our UK immigration solicitors in London, call 020 3417 3700 or use our online contact form.