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UK Civil Partnership Visa: A Complete Guide

If you are in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, the Civil Partnership Visa (also called the Civil Partner Visa) allows you to live together in the UK. This article outlines everything you need to know about the Civil Partnership Visa uk, including eligibility criteria, application process, requirements, and other important considerations.

What Is the UK Civil Partnership Visa?

The Civil Partnership Visa allows individuals in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain (settled status) to enter or stay in the UK. It is part of the family immigration route, enabling couples to live together in the UK. It can also lead to settlement (permanent residence) and eventually British citizenship, provided certain conditions are met.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Civil Partner Visa, you and your partner must meet several requirements:

1. Civil Partnership Status: You must be in a legally recognized civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
2. Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Evidence such as joint bills, shared financial responsibilities, or correspondence may be required.
3. Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
4. Financial Requirements: Your partner must meet the minimum income threshold, which is £18,600 per year. This amount increases if you have dependent children.
5. English Language Requirement: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language, usually by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification taught in English.
6. Accommodation: You must provide proof that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK, which will not be overcrowded.

Financial Requirements

The sponsor (your partner) must meet the financial threshold to support your application. The minimum income requirement is £18,600 annually, and if you have children, the threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

Alternatively, savings can be used to meet the requirement if your sponsor doesn’t meet the income threshold. The savings must total at least £62,500, and this can be a combination of both your and your partner’s savings.

Application Process

1. Online Application: You will need to complete an online application via the UK government's website.
2. Submit Documents: You will need to provide several documents, including:
   • Proof of civil partnership (e.g., civil partnership certificate)
   • Evidence of your relationship
   • Proof of your partner’s immigration status in the UK
   • Proof of meeting financial and accommodation requirements
   • English language proficiency
3. Biometric Appointment: You’ll be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Application Fee: The current fee for applying from outside the UK is £1,538, while applying from within the UK costs £1,048.
5. Processing Time: The processing time for a Civil Partnership Visa typically takes between 2 and 3 months if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.

Visa Validity and Extensions

The Civil Partnership Visa is usually granted for 2.5 years (30 months). Before your visa expires, you can apply for an extension for another 2.5 years. After 5 years in the UK on a Civil Partnership Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you permanent resident status.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship

Once you have lived in the UK for 5 years with a Civil Partnership Visa, you may apply for ILR, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. After obtaining ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, depending on how long you have lived in the UK and other requirements, such as passing the Life in the UK test.

Refusal and Appeals

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision. You should review the reasons for refusal carefully, as appeals can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, reapplying with stronger supporting documents may be the better option.

Conclusion

The Civil Partner Visa uk is a valuable route for couples looking to build a life together in the UK. By understanding the eligibility requirements and preparing a thorough application with supporting documents, you can increase your chances of success. Be mindful of deadlines, and consider consulting with an immigration lawyer if you are unsure about any part of the process.

If you are in a genuine civil partnership and meet the financial and other requirements, this visa provides a pathway not only to live in the UK but also, in the long term, to obtain permanent residency and citizenship.