Marriage and Partnerships

SPOUSES AND CIVIL PARTNERS

If you are the husband, wife or civil partner of someone who is British or has indefinite leave to remain here, then you may be able to apply to join them in the UK under British immigration laws.

You will have to show that you meet the following requirements:

  • You will both be aged 21 or over when you enter the UK; and
  • You have met in person and are legally married or in a civil partnership; and
  • Your relationship is genuine and you intend to live together permanently; and
  • There will be enough accommodation for you and any dependents without relying on public funds; and
  • There will be enough money to support you and any dependents without relying on public funds; and
  • You speak and understand English to the required level.

If you applied to enter the UK, you will be granted a visa that lasts for 27 months. If you applied from inside the UK, you will be given 2 years. You can work during this time. Once you have lived together in the UK for two years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Once you have been here for 3 years in total you can then apply for British citizenship.

UNMARRIED AND SAME SEX PARTNERS

If you are not married or in a civil partnership but you are in a long-term relationship with someone who is British or has indefinite leave to remain here, then you may be able to apply to join them in the UK.

You will have to show that you meet the following requirements:

  • You will both be aged 21 or over when you enter the UK; and
  • You have been living together and your relationship has lasted for at least two years; and
  • Any previous marriage or civil partnership that either of you have had has broken down; and
  • There will be enough accommodation for you and any dependents without relying on public funds; and
  • There will be enough money to support you and your dependents without relying on public funds; and
  • You speak and understand English to the required level.

The length of your visa and the requirements for being granted indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship are the same as for spouses and civil partners.

FIANCE(E)S AND PROPOSED CIVIL PARTNERS

If you are engaged to someone who is British or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK, then you may be able to apply to join them here as their fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.

You will have to show that you meet the following requirements:

  • You will both be aged 21 or over when you enter the UK; and
  • You have met in person; and
  • Your relationship is genuine and you both intend to live together permanently; and
  • There will be enough accommodation for you and any dependents without relying on public funds, both before and after the marriage or civil partnership; and
  • There will be enough money to support you and any dependents without relying on public funds, both before and after the marriage or civil partnership; and
  • You can speak and understand English to the required standard.

A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa will be issued for six months. You cannot work in the UK during this time. Once you have had your marriage or civil partnership, you can apply to switch into the spouse category. You will then have to meet the requirements set out above.

BEREAVEMENT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If, after you have come to the UK, your spouse, civil partner or partner dies, or your relationship breaks down because of domestic violence, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

CONTACT US

For advice and assistance with a marriage / partnership visa application or appeal in any of the above categories, call our immigration lawyers & immigration barristers direct on 0203 440 5820 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it