Civil Partner Visa (5-year route)

Civil Partner Visa 

UK Civil Partnership 5-Year Route

Explore Your Path to Settlement in the UK with the Civil Partnership Visa

At Axis Solicitors, we guide individuals through the process of securing a Civil Partnership Visa in the UK. This visa caters to civil partners of British or Irish citizens, those settled in the UK, holders of pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, and individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection. Whether your civil partner resides within the UK or plans to return with you, our expert team is here to facilitate your journey towards permanent residency.

Requirements for the Civil Partnership Visa

To be eligible for the Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must ensure:

• Their partner meets the specific status requirements (British, Irish, settled, etc.)

• Both partners are over 18

• The relationship is legally recognised as a civil partnership in the UK

• The partnership is genuine, intending for a shared life in the UK

• Financial and accommodation needs are satisfactorily met

• English language proficiency is demonstrated

Each case is unique, and our immigration solicitors offer tailored advice, ensuring your the best chances for your application.

Requirements for Successful Application

• Proof of your partner’s eligibility status
• Evidence of age, relationship legality, and genuineness
• Financial stability and adequate living arrangements
• English language proficiency

Securing Your Future in the UK

Our immigration solicitors offer personalised guidance on meeting the Civil Partnership Visa requirements. We help navigate the complicated financial prerequisites and provide comprehensive support in gathering the necessary documentation to substantiate your genuine and subsisting relationship.

Upon successfully acquiring the Civil Partnership Visa, you embark on a path towards indefinite leave to remain after five years, laying the foundation for a permanent life in the UK with your partner.

Contact Us

Contact Axis Solicitors for guidance in securing your civil partnership visa. For a free initial assessment about how we can assist you, call 0800 0487 573.

Requirements

The UK Civil Partner Visa allows you to join or remain with your civil partner in the UK if they are:

• A British or Irish citizen
• Settled in the UK (with indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence)
• A Turkish citizen with a Businessperson or Worker visa
• Granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

Important Points

• You can also apply if your civil partner is currently outside the UK but intends to return with you.
• After 5 years on the Civil Partner Visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK.

Requirements for a UK Civil Partner Visa

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Your Partner:

• Holds British or Irish citizenship.
• Has settled status in the UK (indefinite leave to remain, settled status, proof of permanent residence).
• Holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa.
• Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

Your Relationship

• Both you and your partner are over 18 years old.
• Your relationship is not prohibited by family ties (i.e., you’re not closely related).
• You have met your partner in person.
• Your civil partnership is legally recognised in the UK.
• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• You both intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Any previous relationships have permanently ended.

Additional Requirements

• You must meet a minimum income requirement.
• You must have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents.
• You must demonstrate a specific level of English 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

To qualify for a UK Civil Partner Visa, your partner must meet one of the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a British or Irish citizen residing in the UK.
• Settled Status: Have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence in the UK.
• Pre-Settled Status: Have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (Appendix EU).
• Turkish Worker: Have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker (Appendix ECAA).
• Refugee Status: Have refugee leave or humanitarian protection in the UK.

Important Notes:

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

Age Requirement for the Civil Partner Visa

Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old when you apply for the Civil Partner Visa.

UK Civil Partner Visa Relationship Requirements

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).
• Valid Civil Partnership: You must be legally in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK.
• 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 Live Together: You and your partner must plan to live together permanently in the UK.
• No Prior Entanglements: Any previous relationships (yours or your partner’s) must have ended permanently.

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

Prohibited Degree of Relationship Requirement

The UK Civil Partner Visa prohibits civil partnerships between people who are too closely related. This is to protect against harmful or inappropriate relationships.

It Is Prohibited to Form a Civil Partnership With:

• Your direct family members: parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews. This includes adoptive relationships.
• Former step-family members (step-parents, step-children, etc.)

Additional Rule: If you are in a relationship with any of the following people, you cannot form a civil partnership until BOTH of you are 21 or older:

• Child or grandchild of your former partner (civil or marriage)
• Your former partner’s parent or grandparent

Important: These rules are complex. If you have any questions about whether your relationship qualifies, it’s best to consult an immigration solicitor.

The Requirement to Have Met in Person

For the UK Civil Partner Visa, you and your partner must have met face-to-face at least once. This means more than just briefly seeing each other in passing. You must be able to demonstrate that you had a real interaction that led to getting to know each other.

Let me know if you have questions about how to prove you’ve met this requirement!

Requirement for a UK-Recognised Civil Partnership

To qualify for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you and your partner must be in a civil partnership that is legally recognised by the United Kingdom.

Civil Partnership Requirements in the UK

For your civil partnership to be valid and qualify for the UK Civil Partner Visa, it must meet these conditions:

• Monogamous: You cannot be in another marriage or civil partnership at the same time.
• Legal Process: You must have followed all official procedures, including:
  • Giving notice of your intent to form a civil partnership.
  • Having the ceremony at a registered location.
  • Having the ceremony officiated by an authorised person.
• Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must have been at least 18 years old (in England and Wales) or 16 years old (Scotland and Northern Ireland) at the time of the ceremony.
• Official Certificate: You must have a civil partnership certificate as proof of your legal union.

Recognising a Civil Partnership Formed Outside the UK

Your overseas civil partnership will be recognised in the UK if it meets the following criteria:

• Valid in Country of Origin: The type of civil partnership must be legally recognised where it took place.
• Followed Local Laws: You adhered to all legal requirements of the country where the civil partnership was formed.
• No Conflicts with Home Country Laws: The laws of both partners’ home countries (at the time of the civil partnership) allowed for its recognition.
• Prior Relationships Ended: Any previous civil partnerships (for either partner) were legally dissolved.
• Official Documentation: You have proof equivalent to a civil partnership certificate, valid according to the laws where it was issued.

When an Overseas Relationship Qualifies as a Civil Partnership in the UK

Your relationship formed outside the UK might automatically be recognised as a civil partnership in the UK if it meets all of the following conditions:

• Officially Registered: It’s registered with a recognised authority in the country where it was formed.
• No Existing Marriages/Partnerships: Neither you nor your partner are currently married or in another civil partnership.
• Exclusive Commitment: The relationship is committed and treated like a marriage.
• Indefinite Duration: There’s no set end date for the relationship.
• Recognised by the UK: The type of relationship is on the official list found in Schedule 20 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (as updated).

Important Note: If your relationship meets these criteria, you may be eligible for a UK Civil Partner visa without needing to form a new civil partnership in the UK.

Proving a Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

A key requirement for the UK Civil Partner Visa is demonstrating that your relationship is real and continuing. The Home Office will assess this based on the evidence you provide and your individual circumstances.

How the Home Office Assesses Your Relationship

When deciding if your relationship is genuine and ongoing, the Home Office might consider factors like:

• Length of Relationship: How long you and your partner have been together.
• Living Together: Whether you’ve lived together in the past or currently do.
• Shared Children: If you have children together (biological, adopted, or step-children) and share parenting responsibilities.
• Finances: If you share financial responsibilities (joint accounts, bills, etc.).
• Visits and Future Plans: If you’ve visited each other’s home countries, met families, and have concrete plans for living together in the UK.

Important Note: If the Home Office has doubts, they may conduct further investigations, including interviews or a home visit.

Documents to Prove Your Relationship for the Civil Partner Visa

The Home Office wants to see clear evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This means you’ll need documents demonstrating:

• Regular Contact: Proof of ongoing communication (emails, call logs, chat histories, etc.).
• Affection and Support: Evidence of emotional connection (photos together, cards/gifts, travel together).
• Shared Lives: Proof you are invested in each other’s well-being (supporting each other during difficult times, making future plans together)

Living Together (Cohabitation)

• Ideal: Joint documents are best (shared lease, utility bills, bank accounts).
• Alternatives: If not possible, provide documents addressed to both of you at the same address, dated across a significant period of time.
• Official vs. Unofficial: Official documents are strongest, but other evidence may be used as well.

If You Haven’t Lived Together (Long)

You will need even stronger evidence of your relationship’s authenticity.

The Home Office May Investigate Further

If they doubt your relationship’s validity, they may conduct interviews, home visits, or further checks. Refusal of the visa is possible in these cases.

How an Immigration Solicitor Can Help

Immigration solicitors can offer personalised advice on the best types of documents to prove your relationship based on your unique situation. Axis Solicitors will not just provide generic lists of documents; we will tailor our guidance to your circumstances to present your application in the best way possible. This is to ensure that the strength of your situation and the authentic case for your Civil Partner Visa is demonstrated.

Proving Your Intent to Live Together Permanently in the UK

A crucial requirement for the Civil Partner Visa is demonstrating your intent to live together permanently in the UK with your partner.  Here’s what you need to know:

Initial Application:

• You must both express a clear commitment to living together permanently in the UK as soon as possible after your visa is granted.

Applying for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

• The Home Office expects that any time spent outside the UK will be:
  • Limited in duration
  • For valid reasons (e.g., work, holidays, training, study)
  • Consistent with your intent to live together permanently in the UK.

Concerns about Living Abroad

• Spending most of your time outside the UK could raise doubts about your permanent residency intentions.
• The Home Office will consider:
  • Reasons for your travels
  • Length of absences
  • Whether you and your partner lived together during any overseas periods

Proving Your Previous Relationships Have Ended

To qualify for a UK Civil Partner Visa, both you and your partner must be legally free to enter a civil partnership. This means:

• No Current Marriages or Civil Partnerships: Neither of you can be currently married or in a civil partnership with another person.
• Proof of Previous Relationship Dissolution: If either of you were previously married or in a civil partnership, you must provide official documents proving the following:
  • Divorce decree
  • Civil partnership dissolution certificate
  • Widower/widow certificate

Financial Requirements (2024 Update)

To meet the financial requirement for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you must prove that you and your partner can be adequately maintained in the UK without relying on public funds. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Minimum Income Requirement:

   • You must demonstrate that your civil partner (or both of you if you are already in the UK) has a gross annual income of at least £29,000. This is the new financial threshold as of 2024.
   • Note: There is no longer a separate child element to the income requirement, simplifying the financial criteria for families without children.

2. State Benefits Exception:

   • If your civil partner is receiving certain state benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance or Carer’s Allowance), the financial requirement shifts to proving that you can be adequately maintained and accommodated in the UK without public funds. This is determined based on the sponsor’s ability to support the household through other means.

3. When to Meet the Requirement:

   • You will need to meet this financial requirement at multiple stages:
     • Initial Application to enter the UK as a civil partner.
     • Extension Application to remain in the UK.
     • When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.

4. Mandatory Evidence:

   • The Immigration Rules are strict regarding the documentary evidence required to prove that you meet the financial requirement. This includes providing accurate payslips, bank statements, or other documentation that clearly shows your or your partner’s income.
   • One of the most common reasons for visa refusals is the failure to provide sufficient or correct financial evidence.

Given the complexity of the rules, it’s important to seek expert guidance. Failure to comply with documentary requirements can lead to a visa refusal, adding costs and delays to your application process.

For assistance in ensuring your application is complete, it’s highly recommended to consult an immigration solicitor.

How to Meet the Financial Requirements

To satisfy the UK Civil Partner Visa financial requirement, applicants can rely on a variety of income sources, either individually or in combination. Here’s a breakdown of the acceptable ways to meet this requirement:

1. Income from Employment

• Salaried or Non-Salaried Employment: The income of your civil partner, or your own income if you have permission to work in the UK, can be used. You’ll need to provide evidence such as payslips, bank statements, and employment contracts.

2. Non-Employment Income

• Rental Income or Dividends: Income from property rentals, dividends from shares, or other non-employment income sources is also acceptable. This will require supporting documentation like rental agreements or dividend statements.

3. Cash Savings

• Cash Savings: If you or your partner have cash savings above £16,000 that have been held for at least six months, these can be used to meet the financial requirement. It is important to note that the level of savings required differs between entry clearance, visa extensions, and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications.

4. Pensions

• State, Occupational, or Private Pensions: If either you or your partner receive a pension (UK or foreign), this income can be included. You’ll need to provide official documentation to confirm the pension payments.

5. Self-Employment Income

• Income from Self-Employment: Self-employment income or income from being a director or employee of a specified UK limited company is acceptable. Documentation such as tax returns, business accounts, and evidence of earnings will be required.

6. Combining Income Sources

• In some cases, applicants can combine multiple sources of income to meet the financial threshold. For example, combining salaried employment with non-employment income or savings can help satisfy the requirement.

Exceptions for State Benefits

• If your civil partner is in receipt of specific state benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance), the financial requirement may be adjusted to show that you can be adequately maintained and accommodated without the need for public funds.

Special Circumstances

• In exceptional cases, where a refusal of the visa would breach ECHR Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life), other credible sources of financial support may be taken into account, provided they are reliable and well-documented.

Given the complexities surrounding the financial requirement, it is crucial to ensure all necessary documentation is provided to avoid visa refusal. Consulting with an immigration expert can help clarify the requirements and ensure that your application meets all the necessary standards.

English Language Requirements

You must prove your English language skills to qualify for this visa unless you meet an exemption. Here’s what you need to know:

Proficiency Levels

• Initial Visa/Switching into the Category: Demonstrate at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Further Leave to Remain (after living in the UK as a civil partner): Increase your proficiency to level A2.

How to Prove Your English Skills

• Nationality: Be a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
• Approved Test: Pass an approved English test at the required CEFR level. [Include a link to the list of approved tests]
• Academic Qualification: Hold a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) that meets these conditions:
  • Earned in the UK, OR
  • Earned outside the UK but officially recognised as equivalent to a UK degree, AND
  • The degree program was taught in English at the required CEFR level.

Exemptions

You might NOT need to prove your English skills if you:

• Are over 65 years old
• Have a disability that prevents you from meeting the requirement
• Have exceptional circumstances preventing you from fulfilling the requirement before entering the UK

Important Note:  Applications will be refused unless you meet the English requirement or qualify for an exemption.

Get Help From Axis Solicitors

Axis Solicitors: Your UK Immigration Experts

Let Axis Solicitors simplify Your Civil Partner Visa application and get started on your immigration journey. Our proven expertise and dedicated solicitors will take the worry out of the UK visa application process, leading to successful outcomes for you and your civil partner. We help you develop a clear strategy and conduct meticulous preparation for your application, giving you the best chance of success.

How We Can Assist You:

• Eligibility Assessment: We assess your eligibility, identify the strongest visa option, and tailor a plan for your specific circumstances.
• Document Guidance & Review: Our team will guide you through the document requirements, review them for accuracy, and ensure they effectively showcase your case.
• Application Strategy & Form Completion: Your solicitor can manage the entire process – from form completion and submission to scheduling appointments.
• Submission & Biometrics: We can handle your online submission and appointment scheduling.
• Cover Letter Preparation: Our team crafts a persuasive cover letter to bolster your application.
• Document Upload: We can handle all uploads and official communication, saving you time and stress.
• Home Office Communication: Let our immigration experts navigate the complexities of official communication for you.
• Ongoing Support: Axis Solicitors will support you until the Home Office UKVI makes a decision.

Get Personalised Advice

Secure your future in the UK. Contact Axis Solicitors for personalised visa guidance and a successful UK Civil Partner Visa application. Call 0800 0487 573 or fill out our contact form.

Why Choose Axis Solicitors?

• Experienced Immigration Solicitors
• Successful Track Record
• Free Initial Assessment

Let us discuss your civil partnership visa application. Schedule a free initial assessment that fits your needs: in-person, via phone, or video call.