Andrew B.

Civil Partnership Visa UK: A Comprehensive Guide

The Civil Partnership Visa UK is designed for non-UK citizens who are in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who has settled in the UK. This visa allows the applicant to join their partner in the UK and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and even British citizenship. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential details about the Civil Partnership Visa, including eligibility, application process, and key requirements.

1. What is a Civil Partnership Visa UK?

The Civil Partnership Visa allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled civil partner in the UK. Civil partnerships in the UK offer similar legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. The visa is part of the UK’s family visa category and is sometimes referred to as the Civil Partner Visa.

2. Eligibility for the Civil Partnership Visa

To be eligible for a Civil Partnership Visa, the applicant must meet specific criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The main requirements include:

• Legal Civil Partnership: The applicant and their partner must be in a recognized civil partnership, either in the UK or abroad, that is legally binding.
• Genuine Relationship: The relationship must be genuine and subsisting. The UKVI will assess the nature of the relationship and may require proof such as shared financial responsibilities or joint living arrangements.
• Financial Requirements: The British or settled partner must meet a minimum income threshold, which is usually £18,600 annually. This threshold increases if the applicant has dependent children.
• English Language Proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency, either by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification taught in English.
• Accommodation: The couple must have adequate accommodation arranged in the UK for themselves and any dependents.

3. How to Apply for a Civil Partner Visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on applying for a Civil Partner Visa UK:

• Step 1: Gather Documentation: Collect the necessary documents, including your civil partnership certificate, proof of your relationship, financial evidence, proof of accommodation, and evidence of English language proficiency.
• Step 2: Complete the Application Form: Submit your application online via the UK government website. Make sure to fill in all the details accurately.
• Step 3: Pay the Application Fee: The current application fee for a partner visa from outside the UK is £1,538. If you’re applying from within the UK, it is £1,048.
• Step 4: Biometric Appointment: Once the application is submitted, you’ll be required to attend a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photographs.
• Step 5: Decision: UKVI will process your application, which can take anywhere between 8-12 weeks. You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview to verify your relationship.

4. Duration of the Visa

Once the Civil Partner Visa uk is granted, it is typically valid for 30 months if you are applying from inside the UK, or 33 months if you are applying from outside the UK. After this period, you can apply for a visa extension to remain in the UK.

5. Visa Extension and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

If you’re already on a Civil Partner Visa and nearing the end of your 30-33 month stay, you will need to apply for an extension to continue living in the UK. The extension is usually granted for an additional 30 months.

After completing 5 years on the Civil Partner Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay in the UK without any immigration restrictions. You must continue to meet all eligibility requirements, including proving that your relationship is still genuine and meeting the financial criteria.

6. Applying for British Citizenship

After receiving ILR, the next step for many is applying for British citizenship. You can apply for citizenship after one year of holding ILR, provided you meet the residency and other legal requirements.

7. Important Considerations

When applying for a Civil Partnership Visa UK, there are a few key things to remember:

• Proof of Relationship: The UKVI takes the genuineness of your relationship very seriously. Provide solid evidence such as joint bank accounts, utility bills, photos together, and correspondence addressed to both of you.
• Financial Stability: Ensure your partner meets the financial requirements. If there are issues, other sources of income such as savings might be considered, but it is best to be well-prepared financially.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the visa application fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access the UK’s NHS during your stay. The cost is £624 per year.

8. Refusals and Appeals

If your Civil Partner Visa application is refused, you will be given a reason by the UKVI. You may be able to appeal the decision or submit a new application with additional evidence to meet the visa requirements.

Conclusion

A Civil Partnership Visa UK is an excellent pathway for couples in a civil partnership to live together in the UK. By ensuring that you meet the financial, relationship, and documentation requirements, you can make the process smoother and increase your chances of success. Be mindful of the timelines and be thorough with your documentation to avoid delays or rejections. If successful, this visa opens doors to a longer-term future in the UK, including the possibility of applying for ILR and eventually British citizenship.