Immigration, Simplified
UK Partner Visa (Unmarried)
The Partner visa is a settlement-track route for couples in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership. As of January 31, 2024, the rules have been significantly modernized to provide more flexibility for couples who have not lived together.
Official UK Government Updates
For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:
Core Eligibility
To qualify, you and your partner must satisfy these key requirements:
- Relationship Status: You must be in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years.
- The “Durable Relationship” Rule: While cohabitation for 2 years used to be mandatory, you can now qualify without living together if you have good reasons (such as work, study, or cultural/legal barriers) and can prove your relationship is genuine and durable.
- Partner Status: Your sponsor must be a British/Irish citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), have EU Settled Status, or hold refugee/humanitarian protection.
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
2026 Financial Requirements
For new applications submitted in 2026, the financial thresholds are as follows:
| Category | 2026 Threshold |
| Minimum Combined Income | £29,000 per year |
| Cash Savings (if no income) | £88,500 |
- Fixed Threshold: Unlike the old rules, the £29,000 requirement does not increase for dependent children.
- Transitional Protection: If you held a partner visa (including a fiancé visa) before April 11, 2024, you only need to meet the lower £18,600 threshold for your extensions and settlement.
2026 Costs and Fees
Total costs are paid upfront and differ based on whether you are applying from abroad or switching from within the UK.
| Fee Type | Outside UK (Entry) | Inside UK (Extension/Switch) |
| Visa Application Fee | £1,939 | £1,321 |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | £3,105 (for 33 months) | £2,587.50 (for 30 months) |
| Total Upfront Cost | £5,044 | £3,908.50 |
- Priority Services: You can pay £500 (outside UK) for a decision in 30 working days or £1,000 (inside UK) for a next-day decision.
The 5-Year vs. 10-Year Route
- 5-Year Route: The standard path for those who meet all requirements, including the financial and English language rules. You apply for ILR after 5 continuous years.
- 10-Year Route: If you do not meet the financial or English requirements but have “exceptional circumstances” (such as a British child or significant human rights grounds), you may be granted permission on the 10-year route. You must extend your visa every 2.5 years and can only apply for settlement after a full decade.
Rights and Restrictions
- Work: You have full rights to work or be self-employed in the UK.
- Study: You are permitted to study.
- English Requirement: For initial entry, you must meet CEFR A1 in speaking and listening. For your first extension (after 2.5 years), you must move up to CEFR A2.
- Public Funds: You generally have “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF), meaning you cannot claim most benefits.
UK Partner Visa (Unmarried)
Full support for your initial Unmarried Partner visa application or extension.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Service Fees: Our quotes are for professional consulting only and exclude Home Office fees, IHS, biometrics, and third-party costs.
Estimated Quotes: Prices shown are indicative. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific scale of your documentation.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are exclusive of VAT.
Simplify your application, track real time progress and secure your UK visa with confidence.
