Proposed Civil Partner Visa

Proposed Civil Partner Visa Overview

The UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa is designed for individuals engaged to a British citizen or a person settled in the UK who wishes to enter the country to register a civil partnership. This temporary visa requires applicants to demonstrate their intention to finalise the civil partnership within six months of arrival in the UK.

It is required to apply from outside the UK, and the visa does not directly lead to settlement. However, it opens the path to extend your stay and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain after the partnership is registered.

Key Requirements

• Partner Status: Your partner must meet specific criteria, including citizenship, settled status, or holding specific visas.
• Age: Both partners must be over 18.
• Relationship: Must be genuine, having met in person, with intent to live together in the UK.
• Financial Stability: Proof of adequate maintenance without public funds.
• Accommodation: Sufficient living arrangement for you and any dependents.
• English Proficiency: Required level of understanding and speaking English.

The UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa is for individuals engaged to:

• British or Irish citizens.
• Persons settled in the UK (those with indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence).
• Individuals holding a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish worker visa.
• Individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

If you are considering applying for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, get a free initial assessment from our experts.

General Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Your Partner:

• Holds British or Irish citizenship.
• Settled status, indefinite leave to remain, and proof of permanent residence in the UK.
• Possesses a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa.
• Has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

Relationship:

• Both you and your partner are over 18 years old.
• You have had a face-to-face meeting.
• Your connection is authentic and continuous.
• You plan to formalise a civil partnership in the UK within half a year of your entry.
• Any previous relationships have permanently ended.
• You both plan to live together permanently in the UK.

Financial and Living Arrangements:

• You can financially support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
• You have adequate accommodation arrangements for you and any dependents.

English Language:

• You have the required level of English language proficiency.

Important Note: Specific requirements may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. For personalised guidance, consider consulting an immigration solicitor.

Your Partner’s Eligibility as a Sponsor

For you to qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, your partner must meet one of the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a resident of the UK with British or Irish citizenship.
• Residential Status: Possess indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or evidence of permanent residency in the UK.
• Pre-Settled Status: Have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (Appendix EU).
• Turkish Worker: Holds limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker (Appendix ECAA).
• Refugee Status: Holds UK refugee leave or has humanitarian protection status.

Important Notes:

• If your partner is a British citizen coming to the UK with you, they also fulfil the sponsorship requirement.
• A person granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time as your application is also considered a valid sponsor.

Minimum Age Requirement

Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old when you submit your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application.

Relationship Requirements: Proposed Civil Partner Visa

To qualify for this visa, your relationship must meet the following criteria:

• Legally Allowed: Your relationship must not fall within prohibited degrees of kinship (i.e., you cannot be closely related).
• In-Person Meeting: You and your partner must have met in person before applying.
• Genuine and Ongoing: Your relationship must be proven as real and continuing.
• Intent to Form Civil Partnership: You must plan to register your civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival in the UK.
• No Prior Entanglements: Any previous relationships (yours or your partner’s) must have ended permanently.
• Intent to Live Together: You and your partner should intend to establish a permanent residence together in the UK.

Important Note: The UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) will thoroughly assess your relationship to ensure it meets these requirements.

Relationship Requirements

Two important requirements for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa are having met in person at some point and proving a genuine relationship.

Requirement to Have Met in Person

For a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you and your proposed civil partner must have met in person. This requirement means you must show evidence of face-to-face meetings that led to the development of your mutual relationship. 

Merely coming face-to-face once, followed by telephone or written contact, may not properly satisfy the UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa requirements.

Genuine Relationship Requirement

To qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you must provide the Home Office with evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Home Office assesses each case individually, considering all available evidence and personal circumstances.

Key Factors Considered

When determining if your relationship is genuine and subsisting, the Home Office may consider:

• The duration and seriousness of your relationship.
• Whether you and your proposed civil partner have lived together or are currently living together.
• Whether you share responsibilities for any children (biological, adopted, or step-children).
• Whether you share financial responsibilities.
• Visits to each other’s home countries and family members.
• Definite plans regarding living together in the UK.

If the Home Office doubts the authenticity of your relationship, they may conduct further checks, interviews, or arrange a home visit.

Documents Required

To prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting, the Home Office will expect compelling evidence of regular contact, affection, companionship, emotional support, and mutual interest in each other’s welfare.

Evidence of cohabitation is typically required, ideally with documents in both names jointly. Alternatively, documents addressed to you both individually at the same address are acceptable. These documents should be recent and may come from various sources. While official documents are preferred, other documents proving cohabitation can also be submitted if official ones are not available.

If you have not lived together or have only done so for a short period, you may still provide unofficial evidence of your relationship.

Should the Home Office have doubts about the authenticity of your relationship, they may conduct further checks, interviews and home visits. If they find reasonable grounds to doubt that your relationship is genuine or ongoing, your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application may be refused.

Intentions

Given that Proposed Civil Partner Visas are valid for six months, you must provide evidence of your intent to register your civil partnership within this timeframe. This includes showing planning and arrangements for your civil partnership.

Assistance With Applications

For help with preparing or reviewing your UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application, contact Axis Solicitors. Our solicitors have very high rates of success in all forms of family visa applications, because of how detailed oriented we are in collecting documentation and compiling portfolios of supporting evidence.

Financial Requirement

To ensure financial stability without relying on public funds, applicants must meet the financial requirement for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa.

To qualify for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa, unless exempt, you must prove that your proposed civil partner, or both of you jointly if already in the UK with valid leave to remain, has a gross annual income of at least £29,000.

No Separate Child Element

The minimum income requirement no longer includes a separate child element.

State Benefits and Financial Considerations

Different rules apply if your proposed civil partner receives certain state benefits or entitlements. In such cases, the financial requirement is that the sponsor can ‘adequately maintain and accommodate’ the family member being sponsored to enter or remain in the UK.

When to Meet Requirements

The financial requirement must be met at three critical stages:

1. When first applying to enter the UK as a proposed civil partner.
2. When applying to extend your stay as a civil partner.
3. When applying for indefinite leave to remain as a civil partner.

Rules and Evidence Requirements

The Immigration Rules for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa financial requirement demand specific documentary evidence. Applicants are responsible for demonstrating compliance with the financial requirement. A common reason for visa application refusal is the failure to provide mandatory financial evidence.

Meeting the Financial Requirements

There are several ways to satisfy the financial requirements for this visa. 

Income Sources

• Employment: Salaried or non-salaried income from your partner’s job (or yours if you have permission to work in the UK).
• Non-Employment: Income from sources like rental properties or dividends.
• Cash Savings: Savings exceeding £16,000 held for at least six months by either you or your partner can be used.
• Pensions: Government, occupational, or private pensions.
• Self-Employment/Director Income: Income from self-employment or as a director/employee of a specific limited company in the UK (if applicable).

Combining Income Sources

You can combine different income sources to meet the financial requirement, which can significantly strengthen your application.

Using Savings

To meet the financial requirement only by using savings, you must demonstrate savings of £88,500. If your savings are less than this amount, you can still use them partially, as long as they exceed £16,000. Any shortfall can be replaced with other permitted income sources, such as employment.

Calculation Formula

The Home Office uses the following formula to calculate the contribution of savings to the financial requirement:

1. Subtract £16,000 from your total savings.
2. Divide the remaining amount by 2.5 (representing the 2.5-years/30-month visa duration in years).
3. The result shows the annual contribution from savings.

Example Calculation

• Total Savings: £50,000
• Usable Savings: £50,000 – £16,000 = £34,000
• Annual Contribution from Savings: £34,000 ÷ 2.5 = £13,600
• Adjusted Annual Income Requirement: £29,000 – £13,600 = £15,400

Considerations for Savings

Savings can be held by the applicant, their partner, or jointly in a personal bank account, savings account, or investment account, as long as the funds are readily accessible. Multiple accounts can be combined if the savings are spread across different locations. There are specific restrictions on using investment accounts, which our immigration solicitors can advise you on.

Exemptions

If your partner receives certain state benefits or entitlements, different rules may apply. In such cases, the standard minimum income requirement of £29,000 (as of April 2024) may not be necessary. However, you still need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourselves in the UK and access suitable accommodation without relying on public funds.

Exceptional Circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, other credible financial resources available to the couple may be considered if refusing the visa would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Documenting Finances

Accurate and comprehensive documentation is crucial for meeting the financial requirements of your UK Unmarried Partner Visa application. Should you have any further questions or require assistance, our immigration solicitors are highly experienced and have a strong track record of success. Contact us today for expert guidance and support in compiling your application.

Financial Requirement Exemptions

The UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa requires applicants to fulfil the financial requirements. However, exemptions are available in certain situations, which can alleviate some of the financial pressures.

Financial Exemptions

As a sponsor for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa applicant, you may be exempt from the standard income requirement of £29,600 (as of July 2024) if you receive income from any of the following sources:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
• War Pension Scheme benefits: Mobility Supplement, Constant Attendance Allowance, or War Disablement Pension
• Police Injury Pension
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance

Important Note: While sponsors benefiting from these exemptions are not required to meet the £29,600 minimum income threshold, applicants must still provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and secure adequate accommodation in the UK without relying on public funds.

If you have questions about exemptions, our solicitors are here to review your case and ensure you understand and meet all requirements, including those related to financial exemptions.

Exceptional Circumstances

Strict adherence to the financial requirements of a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa can sometimes cause undue hardship, particularly in exceptional circumstances. UK immigration law recognises these situations and offers pathways for couples to overcome financial barriers under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Exceptional Circumstances are unique situations that are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Home Office. 

These circumstances can include:

• Medical Conditions: Severe health conditions requiring ongoing treatment in the UK.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Situations where returning to the home country would pose significant risks to the applicant’s safety or well-being.
• Compassionate Grounds: Cases involving exceptional hardship or compelling personal circumstances.

How Axis Solicitors Can Help

If you believe your situation involves exemptions or exceptional circumstances, Axis Solicitors can provide the necessary guidance and representation.

Our experienced immigration solicitors will:

1. Assess Your Case: Thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine if it meets the criteria for exceptional circumstances.
2. Gather Evidence: Assist you in collecting and presenting compelling evidence to support your claim, including documenting exemptions, medical records, expert opinions, and personal statements.
3. Prepare a Strong Argument: Craft a persuasive legal argument demonstrating how refusing the visa would violate your right to family life under Article 8 of the ECHR.
4. Represent You: Advocate for your case before the Home Office or immigration tribunals if required.

Contact us and arrange for a free initial assessment.

Accommodation Requirement

To qualify for this visa, you must prove you and your partner will have suitable housing in the UK without needing government assistance. This applies to other UK family visas such as the Spouse or Fiancé Visa as well.

Requirements

1. Ownership or Exclusive Access: You must either own the property or have the exclusive right to live there. You need to provide evidence such as a lease or mortgage agreement to prove this.
2. Adequate Space: The accommodation must not be overcrowded. Overcrowding is defined by the number of people and rooms, excluding bathrooms and kitchens. Evidence of the property size and the number of occupants will be needed.
3. Meets Health Standards: The property must comply with all public health regulations, ensuring it’s safe and habitable.

Evidence

• Ownership/Exclusive Access: Provide documents like title deeds, mortgage agreements, or a lease. If you live with family, a letter from them confirming your residence is acceptable.
• Adequate Space: Submit evidence of the property’s size (floor plan, estate agent details) and the number of occupants.
• Health Standards: An inspection report or confirmation from the local council might be needed.

Additional Considerations

• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): May need a letter from the local council confirming no objections to an additional resident.
• Private Tenancies: Require detailed documentation, including rent payment history and a letter from the landlord/agency.
• Property Inspections: The Home Office may request a professional inspection if there are concerns about the accommodation.

How We Can Help

We are experienced in ensuring your documentation demonstrates that your accommodation meets all requirements. 

English Language Requirement

As part of your UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language unless exempt. 

Initial and Subsequent Requirements

• Initial Application: When applying for entry clearance on the Proposed Civil Partner Visa route, you must demonstrate competence in the English language to at least CEFR level A1.
• Further Leave to Remain: Once you switch to the civil partner route and apply for further leave to remain after holding leave as a civil partner for 2.5 years, you must demonstrate competence to at least CEFR level A2.

How to Meet the English Language Requirement

You can fulfil the English language requirement through one of the following ways:

Nationality

• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.

Approved English Language Test

• Passing an approved English language test at or above the required CEFR level with an approved provider. The list of approved tests and test centres can be found on the Home Office website.

Academic Qualifications

• Holding a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree awarded in the UK.
• If the degree is awarded outside the UK, it must be recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as meeting or exceeding UK standards and confirmed to have been taught or researched in English at the required CEFR level.

Exemptions From the English Language Requirement

You may be exempt from the English language requirement if you can demonstrate one of the following:

• Age: You are over 65 years old at the time of application.
• Disability: You have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from meeting the English language requirement.
• Exceptional Circumstances: There are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from satisfying the English language requirement before entering the UK.

Exceptional Circumstances

In certain situations, you might be exempt from the English language requirement due to:

• Long-term residency in a conflict zone.
• Residence in a country without approved English language tests.
• Being a full-time carer of a disabled child.

These cases are assessed individually, and other similar situations may also qualify for exemption.

Exemptions for Certain Nationalities

Nationals of the following countries are exempt from meeting the English language requirement:

• USA
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Grenada
• Belize
• Barbados
• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Dominica
• Jamaica
• Guyana
• Ireland (for citizenship only)
• St Lucia
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Consequences of Not Meeting the Requirement

If you cannot demonstrate that you meet the English language requirement or qualify for an exemption, your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application may be refused.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive and accurate collection of documents that reflects your unique circumstances is vital for a successful application. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) typically requires at least the following evidence to support your application.

Mandatory Documents

1. Completed Application Form and Fee
   • Ensure you fill out the application form accurately and pay the appropriate fee.
2. Valid Passport and Previous Passports
   • Provide your current passport and any previous passports.
3. Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
   • Include items such as letters of reference, shared bills, photographs, and any correspondence between you and your partner.
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency
   • Submit a CEFR exam certificate or equivalent. For the initial application, a CEFR level A1 certificate is required. When applying for further leave to remain, a CEFR level A2 certificate is necessary.
5. Passport-Sized Colour Photos
   • Provide two photos that meet UK standards.
6. Proof of Financial Stability
   • Demonstrate this through bank statements, payslips, or other relevant financial documents. You must meet the financial requirement of a gross annual income of at least £29,600 as of July 2024, unless exempt.
7. Details of Previous Immigration Applications or Criminal Convictions
   • Include any relevant information about past applications or any criminal convictions.
8. Proof of Suitable Accommodation in the UK
   • Provide evidence of where you will live, such as property ownership documents, tenancy agreements, or a letter from a family member confirming your residence.
9. Biometric Information
   • Submit fingerprints and a photograph as part of your application.
10. Tuberculosis Test Results
    • Required if you are from a country where TB testing is mandatory.

Potential Additional Documents

1. Divorce Certificates
   • If you were previously married, include divorce certificates to prove the dissolution of your previous marriage.
2. National Insurance Number
   • Provide your National Insurance Number if you have one.

Accurate Documentation

Submitting all required documents in the correct format, including certified translations if necessary, demanded for a timely and favourable visa decision. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can result in delays or refusals.

Successful Applications

1. Ensure All Documents are Original or Certified Copies
   • Photocopies of documents may be accepted if they are certified by an appropriate authority.
2. Translate Non-English Documents
   • Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Organise Documents Clearly
   • Organise your documents logically and clearly, with each document properly labelled.
4. Check Current Requirements
   • Always check the latest Home Office guidance as requirements may change.

The number one reason these visas get denied is insufficient or incorrect supporting documents. 

No One-Size-Fits-All

Document needs vary based on your individual situation. Generic checklists can lead to mistakes.

Consequences of Errors

Missing or incorrect documents can mean visa refusal, lengthy appeals, and having to reapply (which means more cost and delay).

Costs and Processing Times

• Applying from Outside the UK: The Home Office fee for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application is currently £1,846.
• Switching or Extending from Within the UK: The fee to switch to the civil partner category or extend your stay as a civil partner is £1,048.
• Priority Service: An additional fee of £500 applies if you use the Priority Service.

Processing Times

• Standard Processing Time: The Home Office typically processes Proposed Civil Partner Visa applications submitted from outside the UK within 24 weeks.
• Priority Service: With the Priority Service, you can usually expect a decision within 30 working days. Please note, there is no Super Priority Service for applications submitted from outside the UK.

Important Notes

• You must apply for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa from outside the UK. You cannot switch from a different visa category within the UK.
• If you urgently need to visit the UK during processing, you may need to consider a different visa type.

Successful Applications 

What Happens After a Successful Application?

• Initial Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive a Proposed Civil Partner Visa valid for 6 months.
• After Your Civil Partnership: Once you have had your civil partnership ceremony in the UK, you can apply to switch to a Civil Partner visa without leaving the country.
• Civil Partner Visa: If approved, you will get a 30-month civil partner visa. Thereafter, you must extend this visa for another 30-month period before it expires.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After living in the UK for 5 years on the Civil Partner visa, you can apply for ILR (also known as settlement).

Secure Your Visa With Axis Solicitors

Our experienced solicitors specialise in helping foreign nationals relocate to the UK to be with their civil partners. 

We offer expert guidance and support through every step of the process:

• Understanding Your Eligibility: We will assess your situation and clearly explain the Proposed Civil Partner Visa requirements.
• Compiling a Strong Application: Your solicitor will help you gather the necessary documents, ensuring you meet all the requirements, especially the complex financial rules.
• Personalised and Professional Service: We remain committed to understanding your unique needs and providing clear, reliable advice throughout your application journey.

Why Choose Us?

• Successful track record with Proposed Civil Partner Visa applications.
• Expertise in navigating financial requirements.
• Offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Reach out to discuss your case and arrange for a free initial assessment..

Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa

Embarking on the application process for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa involves a number of steps. 

Step-by-step:

• Verify Eligibility: Begin by ensuring you fulfil all the eligibility requirements for the visa. This involves reviewing specific criteria such as relationship status, financial stability, accommodation arrangements, and English language proficiency.
• Compile Necessary Documentation: Collect all required documents that validate your eligibility. This includes your valid passport, proof of your relationship, evidence of intent to marry or form a civil partnership, financial records, accommodation evidence, and an English language test certificate.
• Online Application Submission: Utilise the designated application form available online to formally apply. This step involves accurately filling out your details and uploading the necessary documents.
• Application Fee Payment: Proceed to pay the applicable visa application fee. Ensure the payment is completed as per the instructions provided to avoid any delays in processing.
• Biometric Appointment Attendance: Schedule and attend a biometric appointment where your fingerprints and a photograph will be taken. This is a crucial part of the application process for identity verification purposes.
• Await Decision: Once all the above steps are completed, the only remaining task is to wait for the decision on your visa application. This period will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and the complexity of your application.

Get Help From Axis Solicitors

Axis Solicitors: Your UK Immigration Experts

At Axis Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors provide comprehensive support throughout your UK visa application.  We tailor our services to your unique needs, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

How We Can Assist You:

• Eligibility Assessment: We will determine the best visa category for your situation.
• Document Guidance & Review: Our team will help you gather the right documents and ensure they meet all requirements.
• Application Strategy & Form Completion: Your solicitor will strengthen your application and assist in completing all the forms accurately.
• Submission & Biometrics: We can handle your online submission and appointment scheduling.
• Cover Letter Preparation: Our experts can craft a compelling letter to support your case.
• Document Upload: We will ensure your documents are uploaded correctly.
• Home Office Communication: Our team can manage all official communication for you.
• Ongoing Support: Axis Solicitors will support you until the Home Office UKVI makes a decision.

Get Personalised Advice

Contact our friendly team at Axis Solicitors for expert guidance on your UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application. Call 0800 0487 573 or fill out our contact form.

Why Choose Axis Solicitors?

• Experienced Immigration Solicitors

• Successful Track Record

• Tailored Support

• Free Initial Consultation

For Proposed UK Civil Partnership immigration advice, you can arrange a free initial assessment.