Partner Visa UK: Family Route Guide (2025)

The term “Partner Visa UK” is widely used by applicants and advisers but does not exist as a standalone immigration category. Under UK law, applications are instead made within the Family Visa route set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. This route allows partners of British citizens, settled persons, refugees, or individuals with humanitarian protection to live together in the UK. Within this framework, a “partner” can refer to a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, or an unmarried partner who has been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the date of application.

Each sub-route under the family framework carries different conditions, evidential standards, and rights. Fiancé(e)s receive six months’ leave with no right to work or study until the marriage or civil partnership takes place and the visa is switched to a long-term category. Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners are typically granted 33 months’ leave from overseas or 30 months in-country, with full permission to work and study. All applications are assessed against Appendix FM and the evidential provisions in Appendix FM-SE.

What this article is about: This guide explains the “Partner Visa” as shorthand for the Family Visa partner routes. It outlines who qualifies as a partner, the relationship, financial, English-language and accommodation requirements, how to apply from abroad or inside the UK under current digital status processes, and how to extend and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It also clarifies common issues such as switching visas, travel while an application is pending, relationship breakdown, and meeting income rules under the latest thresholds.

Section A: Understanding the Partner Visa UK (Family Route)

The Partner Visa is not a formal immigration category but a convenient term describing several partner-based routes within the Family Visa framework. This pathway enables non-UK nationals to apply for entry clearance or further leave to remain to live with a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or certain individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection. The rules are set out in Appendix FM (Family Members), which defines eligibility, duration of stay, and conditions attached to each partner route.

Although these routes share a common legal foundation, each sub-category — spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner, and unmarried partner — has distinct criteria and entitlements. Understanding these differences is critical because they determine the length of leave, work rights, and path to settlement in the UK.

1. Definition and Legal Basis

Appendix FM and Appendix Relationship with Partner recognise four partner categories for the family route:

• Spouse — a husband or wife of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK.
• Civil partner — a registered civil partnership recognised under UK law.
• Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner — an applicant intending to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival.
• Unmarried partner — an applicant who has been in a relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership with their sponsor for at least two years before the date of application; cohabitation is normally required as evidence but is not strictly mandatory under the definition.

All fall within the Family Visa framework but serve different purposes. A fiancé(e) visa permits short-term entry for marriage or civil partnership, while spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visas provide longer residence with full rights to work and study. Legal authority stems from Appendix FM and the supporting evidential rules in Appendix FM-SE.

2. Who Qualifies as a Partner?

Applicants must prove that their relationship with the UK-based sponsor is genuine and subsisting. Evidence normally includes:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates recognised under UK law.
• Joint tenancy, mortgage agreements, or utility bills showing shared residence and financial responsibility.
• Correspondence and financial records demonstrating ongoing commitment and communication.
• Photographs, travel history, and other proof of relationship continuity.

Unmarried partners must show a minimum two-year relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership prior to application. The Home Office assesses the relationship holistically, considering emotional, financial, and residential integration. Fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner applicants must show a firm intention to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of entry; work and study are prohibited until switching to the spouse or civil partner route.

3. Key Features of the Family Visa Route

The partner routes share common structural features:

• Duration of leave — Six months for fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner visas; 33 months if applying from outside the UK or 30 months if applying in-country for spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visas.
• Extensions — Further 30-month extensions available where eligibility continues to be met.
• Work rights — Spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visa holders may work and study freely; fiancé(e) visa holders may not work or study until after switching.
• Settlement path — After five continuous years on the partner route, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provided all Appendix FM conditions remain satisfied. There is no fixed 180-day absence limit for ILR under this route; caseworkers instead assess the genuineness of the relationship and the couple’s intention to live together permanently in the UK.

Applicants must also meet the suitability requirements and provide evidence in the format prescribed by Appendix FM-SE. Well-prepared documentation significantly reduces the risk of delay or refusal.

Section Summary: The Partner Visa serves as a collective term for partner-based applications under Appendix FM. It encompasses spouses, civil partners, fiancé(e)s, and unmarried partners, each with distinct rights and durations but a shared foundation in the Family Visa rules. Selecting the appropriate route depends on relationship status and the couple’s long-term plans in the UK.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Partner Visa under the Family Visa route, applicants must satisfy the eligibility standards in Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. These cover the relationship itself, financial stability, English-language ability, and adequate accommodation. Every element must be proven through documentary evidence that complies precisely with Home Office formatting and submission requirements.

Failure to meet or evidence any of these requirements—particularly the financial or relationship criteria—can result in refusal. Both the applicant and sponsor must understand the evidential burden before submitting an application.

1. Relationship Requirements

Applicants must show that their partnership with the British citizen, settled person, or refugee sponsor is genuine and subsisting. The evidence required depends on the type of relationship:

• Spouses and civil partners — Provide a valid marriage or civil partnership certificate recognised under UK law, supported by ongoing evidence of cohabitation and commitment.
• Unmarried partners — Demonstrate that the couple has been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the date of application. Proof often includes joint bills, tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or shared financial accounts. Cohabitation is expected but not mandatory where strong alternative proof of partnership exists.
• Fiancé(e)s and proposed civil partners — Show a clear intention to marry or register a civil partnership within six months of arrival, typically through registrar confirmations, venue bookings, or correspondence with officiants.

The Home Office evaluates the genuineness of relationships holistically, considering emotional connection, financial interdependence, and evidence of shared living arrangements. Supplying incomplete or inconsistent documentation can raise doubts about credibility and lead to refusal.

2. Financial Requirement

The sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold to prove they can maintain their partner without access to public funds. From 11 April 2024, the base requirement rose to £29,000 per year. This threshold is subject to further government review and may increase again; applicants should always check the rate in force on the date of submission. Where dependent children are included, higher combined thresholds apply.

Acceptable income sources include:

• Employment or self-employment income from the sponsor in the UK.
• Pension income.
• Rental or investment income.
• Cash savings above £16,000, which may offset income shortfalls using the formula: £16,000 + (shortfall × 2.5).

Evidence must comply with Appendix FM-SE specifications—payslips, bank statements, employer letters, and HMRC records for employed sponsors; or audited accounts, tax returns, and bank statements for self-employed sponsors. Only income earned by the UK-based sponsor can normally be counted unless specific exceptions apply. Third-party financial support is not accepted except in limited, exceptional circumstances outlined in the Rules.

Common refusal reasons include failure to supply all required documents, using incorrect formats, or submitting financial evidence covering the wrong period. Careful preparation against the checklist in Appendix FM-SE is essential.

3. English Language and Accommodation

Applicants must meet the English-language requirement at the relevant stage of their visa journey. For an initial Partner Visa, the standard is CEFR Level A1; for extension it rises to A2; and for settlement (ILR) to B1. Exemptions apply to applicants aged 65 or over, nationals of majority-English-speaking countries, holders of recognised English-taught qualifications verified by Ecctis, and individuals with medical conditions preventing them from meeting the requirement.

Accommodation must also be suitable and not overcrowded under Part X of the Housing Act 1985. Applicants should provide tenancy agreements, mortgage deeds, or a letter from the landlord confirming exclusive use of adequate living space. The accommodation must remain available for the couple’s use and comply with the statutory overcrowding standards.

Section Summary:
The Partner Visa route requires proof of a genuine relationship, sufficient income, English-language competence, and adequate accommodation. Evidence must meet the technical standards set out in Appendix FM-SE. Sustained compliance with these requirements at each renewal stage ensures continued eligibility for extension and eventual settlement under the Family Visa framework.

Section C: Application Process

The Partner Visa application process follows a fully digital structure and is governed by Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE. Whether applying from outside or inside the UK, applicants must complete the official online form, submit documentary evidence, pay the prescribed fees, and provide biometric data. From 2025, successful applicants receive an eVisa confirming digital immigration status rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

The process is document-heavy and time-sensitive. Applicants must ensure that every piece of evidence corresponds precisely with Home Office standards and that payments, biometrics, and uploads are completed within the required time limits.

1. Applying from Outside the UK

Applicants based overseas must apply for entry clearance under the family route using the official GOV.UK service. The main procedural stages are:

• Complete the online Family Visa application and select the “partner” category.
• Pay the current fee of £1,938 (as at April 2025) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year of permission requested.
• Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• Upload or submit all supporting evidence as directed in the portal or through the scanning service provided.

Standard processing normally takes up to 12 weeks, but times vary by location and case complexity. Paid priority (five working days) and super-priority (24 hours) services may be available in certain countries. Applicants receive an entry vignette valid for 90 days, which enables travel to the UK. On arrival, digital status is activated automatically once the applicant verifies their identity online.

Those entering as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner must marry or register their civil partnership within six months of arrival and then submit a fresh in-country application to switch into the spouse or civil partner route before expiry.

2. Applying from Inside the UK

Applicants who are lawfully in the UK under an eligible visa can apply to switch to the partner route by submitting the online form for Further Leave to Remain (FLR (M)). The in-country fee from April 2025 is £1,321, in addition to the IHS of £1,035 per year.

Applicants must book a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to enrol biometrics and upload evidence digitally. Standard processing typically takes around eight weeks; priority and super-priority upgrades may be offered depending on capacity.

Applicants must remain in the UK during processing. Leaving the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) before a decision is made will cause the application to be automatically withdrawn under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules.

Switching into the partner route is not allowed for visitors, short-term students, seasonal workers, or anyone on immigration bail. Such individuals must leave the UK and apply for entry clearance from overseas instead.

3. Supporting Evidence

Comprehensive evidence is vital to success. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation, and must comply strictly with Appendix FM-SE. Typical evidence categories include:

• Relationship evidence — marriage or civil-partnership certificates, correspondence, photographs, travel and communication records, or joint financial arrangements.
• Financial evidence — payslips, bank statements, tax documents, audited accounts for self-employment, or proof of pension and investment income.
• Accommodation evidence — tenancy agreements, property deeds, or landlord letters confirming exclusive use and compliance with overcrowding rules.
• English-language evidence — approved test certificates or confirmation of English-taught academic qualifications verified by Ecctis.
• Immigration-status evidence — copies of the sponsor’s passport, biometric card, or digital-status confirmation.

Applicants should organise evidence in a clear and logical order, with indexes and certified translations where necessary. Missing, inconsistent, or incorrectly formatted documentation is one of the most frequent causes of delay or refusal.

Section Summary:
The Partner Visa process requires precise digital submission, biometric verification, and comprehensive documentation. Fees are £1,938 for overseas entry clearance and £1,321 for in-country applications, plus IHS. Applicants must remain within the UK while an in-country application is pending, as leaving the Common Travel Area triggers withdrawal under paragraph 34K. Accuracy and completeness of evidence remain the determining factors for approval.

Section D: Settlement and Extensions

The Partner Visa provides a clear and structured pathway to long-term settlement in the UK for partners of British citizens, individuals with indefinite leave to remain, refugees, or those holding humanitarian protection. After an initial period of permission, applicants may extend their visa and ultimately qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided all criteria under Appendix FM continue to be met. Each application stage is treated as a new decision, requiring fresh evidence and compliance with the prevailing immigration rules.

Maintaining a continuous and genuine relationship, meeting the financial and English-language requirements, and adhering to suitability standards throughout are all essential for achieving settlement.

1. Extending a Partner Visa

Before the current grant of leave expires, holders must apply online for an extension under the partner route. The in-country extension fee as of April 2025 is £1,321, in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. An extension normally grants a further 30 months of leave.

Applicants must continue to meet all relationship, financial, accommodation, and English-language requirements. The Home Office expects updated evidence covering the period since the last grant of leave, including new payslips, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and cohabitation proof. Income thresholds and evidential rules are applied based on the rates and requirements in force at the date of application.

Dependants, such as children, can be included in the same application, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements under Appendix FM. Families living together are encouraged to apply jointly to maintain synchronised visa expiry dates.

2. Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After completing five years on the partner route (or ten years in cases where applicants initially applied under the 10-year route due to exceptional circumstances), applicants may qualify for ILR. To be granted ILR, they must:

• Have spent five continuous years in the UK under the partner route.
• Continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the sponsoring partner.
• Meet the financial, English-language, and accommodation requirements applicable at the time of the ILR application.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test and demonstrate English ability at CEFR Level B1 or above.
• Show ongoing compliance with all suitability and immigration conditions throughout the qualifying period.

There is no fixed absence limit (such as the 180-day rule) for ILR under the family route. Instead, decision-makers assess whether the relationship remains genuine and whether the couple intends to live together permanently in the UK. Long or frequent absences may still raise doubts about this intention, so applicants should maintain records explaining any prolonged time abroad.

ILR grants permanent permission to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration time limits. However, it can be revoked for reasons such as deception, serious criminality, or extended absences indicating that the UK is no longer the applicant’s main home. After holding ILR for twelve months, most individuals become eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to residence and good-character requirements.

3. Common Issues and Refusals

Even well-prepared applications may encounter difficulties. The most common refusal reasons include:

• Insufficient evidence of cohabitation or relationship continuity.
• Failure to meet the income threshold or provide evidence in the correct format as required by Appendix FM-SE.
• Changes in relationship status such as separation or divorce during the visa period.
• Omissions or errors in documentation or inconsistent financial information.

If refused, the applicant may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). Alternatively, they may choose to submit a fresh application addressing the refusal reasons. Where a relationship ends due to domestic abuse, the applicant may qualify for ILR under the domestic violence concession found in paragraph D-DVILR of Appendix FM.

Section Summary:
The Partner Visa leads to long-term settlement after five years, provided eligibility is maintained. Applicants must remain compliant with the requirements at each stage and ensure documentation is current and accurate. There is no fixed absence limit, but the relationship must remain genuine and continuous. Proper preparation and evidence management help secure ILR and, ultimately, British citizenship.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a Partner Visa and a Spouse Visa?

There is no standalone “Partner Visa” category in UK immigration law. The term is shorthand for the partner routes within the Family Visa framework in Appendix FM. Within that framework, the Spouse Visa is a specific subcategory for applicants who are legally married to a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. Other recognised partner types are civil partners, fiancé(e)s/proposed civil partners, and unmarried partners who have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the date of application. Each sub-route carries different eligibility criteria, conditions, and evidential requirements.

2. Can unmarried partners apply for a UK visa?

Yes. Unmarried partners can apply under the Family Visa route if they have been in a relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the date of application. While cohabitation is normally expected as the main way to evidence the relationship, the definition itself focuses on a two-year relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. Applicants should provide robust proof such as joint tenancy or mortgage documents, shared bills or bank accounts, correspondence addressed to each partner at the same address, and other records demonstrating continuity and interdependence.

3. How long does a Partner Visa take to process?

Processing times are indicative and vary by location, caseload, and the completeness of the application. As a general guide, entry clearance applications made from outside the UK often take up to around 12 weeks under standard service, while in-country applications typically take around 8 weeks. Where available, paid priority (around 5 working days) and super priority (around 24 hours) services can expedite a decision. Applicants should always check the latest UKVI service standards and local availability before applying.

4. Can I work on a Partner Visa?

If you hold permission as a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner, you can work and study without restriction. If you hold a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa, you cannot work or study until you have married or registered your civil partnership within six months of arrival and successfully switched into the spouse or civil partner route from within the UK.

5. What happens if my relationship ends?

If your relationship ends during your visa period, you should notify the Home Office using the online change of circumstances process. Your permission under the partner route may be curtailed because eligibility depends on being in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsoring partner. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to switch into an alternative immigration category (for example, a work route) if you meet its requirements. Where the relationship has ended due to domestic abuse, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the domestic abuse provisions in Appendix FM.

6. Can same-sex couples apply for a Partner Visa?

Yes. Same-sex couples are treated the same as opposite-sex couples. Following the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and the Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can marry or register a civil partnership. Same-sex spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners can all apply under the Family Visa route, provided they meet the same eligibility and evidential requirements as other applicants.

7. Can I travel while my Partner Visa application is pending?

If you apply from overseas, you must wait for a decision and the issue of your entry vignette before travelling to the UK. If you apply from inside the UK, you must remain in the UK while your application is under consideration. Travelling outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) before a decision will result in your application being treated as withdrawn under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules.

Useful Links

Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

See Full Bio