The Civil Partner Visa is a vital immigration route for non-UK residents who wish to join their civil partner in the UK. This visa is specifically designed for those in a recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. Whether you’re considering applying for the first time or need information about the extension process, this guide will cover all you need to know about the Civil Partner Visa UK.
What is a Civil Partner Visa?
A Civil Partner Visa is a type of family visa that allows the civil partner of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK to live and work in the UK. This visa is part of the family visa category and is similar to the UK Spouse Visa, with the main difference being the legal recognition of a civil partnership instead of a marriage.
Who Can Apply for a Civil Partner Visa?
You can apply for a Civil Partner Visa if:
- You are in a Civil Partnership:
- Your civil partnership must be legally recognized in the UK.
- Your Partner is a British Citizen or Has Settled Status:
- Your partner must be either a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- You Intend to Live Together Permanently:
- You and your partner must plan to live together permanently in the UK.
- You Meet the Financial Requirements:
- The sponsoring partner must have an annual income of at least £18,600. This threshold increases if there are dependent children.
- You Have Adequate Accommodation:
- You must have suitable accommodation in the UK where you and your partner can live without relying on public funds.
- You Meet the English Language Requirements:
- You must pass an approved English language test at A1 level or higher unless you are from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.
Application Process for a Civil Partner Visa
The process for applying for a Civil Partner Visa is similar to that of other family visas in the UK, with several key steps:
- Complete the Online Application:
- Begin by filling out the online application form. This will require you to provide details about your relationship, financial situation, accommodation, and plans in the UK.
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Gather and submit the necessary documents, including your passport, civil partnership certificate, evidence of your relationship, proof of financial stability, and accommodation details.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment:
- You’ll need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
- Processing Time:
- The processing time for a Civil Partner Visa application typically takes around 12 weeks, although priority services are available for faster processing.
- Receive a Decision:
- If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa for an initial period of 30 months, allowing you to enter and live in the UK with your partner.
Extending a Civil Partner Visa
After the initial 30 months, you can apply for an extension to continue living in the UK with your partner. This extension is necessary if you wish to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years of residency.
Eligibility for Civil Partner Visa Extension
To be eligible for a visa extension, you must meet the following criteria:
- Continued Relationship:
- You and your partner must still be in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership.
- Financial Requirements:
- The financial requirements remain the same as in the initial application, with a minimum income threshold of £18,600.
- Accommodation:
- You must continue to have adequate accommodation in the UK.
- English Language Requirements:
- For the extension, you must demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency, typically at the A2 level.
Application Process for Civil Partner Visa Extension
- Timing:
- Apply for the extension before your current visa expires, ideally within 28 days of its expiration.
- Online Application:
- The extension application is completed online, requiring you to provide updated information and supporting documents.
- Supporting Documents:
- You will need to submit your current passport, proof of your civil partnership, financial documents, and evidence of accommodation.
- Biometric Appointment:
- Similar to the initial application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide updated fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
- Processing Time:
- The processing time for a Civil Partner Visa extension is usually around eight weeks. Priority services are available if you need a faster decision.
- Decision:
- If your extension application is successful, you will be granted an additional 30-month visa, allowing you to continue living in the UK with your partner.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship
After five years of residency in the UK on a Civil Partner Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency.
Requirements for ILR
To qualify for ILR, you must:
- Complete Five Years on a Civil Partner Visa:
- You must have lived in the UK for five years under a Civil Partner Visa, including the initial visa and extension periods.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test:
- This test assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and traditions.
- English Language Proficiency:
- You must demonstrate proficiency in English at the B1 level or higher.
- Meet the Financial Requirements:
- The financial requirements must still be met, ensuring that you and your partner can live without relying on public funds.
Pathway to British Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, allowing you to fully integrate into life in the UK as a citizen.
Common Challenges and Tips
Applying for a Civil Partner Visa or an extension can be challenging. Here are some common obstacles and tips to overcome them:
- Meeting the Financial Requirement:
- Ensure that you accurately document all income sources, and consider using savings to meet the financial threshold if needed.
- Proving a Genuine Relationship:
- The UK Home Office requires detailed evidence to prove that your relationship is genuine. Provide comprehensive documentation, including joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and personal statements.
- Processing Delays:
- Visa applications can experience delays. Apply early and consider using priority services if you need a quicker decision.
- Seeking Legal Advice:
- Given the complexity of the application process, many couples seek legal advice to ensure their application is complete and accurate. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide valuable guidance and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Conclusion
The Civil Partner Visa is an essential route for couples in a civil partnership to live together in the UK. Whether you are applying for the first time or seeking an extension, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is crucial. By meeting these requirements and providing detailed supporting documents, you can successfully navigate the Civil Partner Visa process and build a life together in the UK.
