Our Immigration Team recently received the good news that our client (“the Applicant”) had been granted her unmarried partner visa. She had applied to for the unmarried partner visa from within the UK before the expiry of her previous student visa. The Applicant’s application was not straightforward but our solicitors submitted a strong application and submissions to the Home Office which resulted in a successful application. If you have an unmarried partner visa enquiry then please do not hesitate to contact our team to arrange a consultation to discuss your case in more detail in accordance with the latest immigration rules.
The case for a successful unmarried partner Visa
The Applicant was an Australian national who was in the UK on a Student Visa. She had been in a relationship with her British partner for over 2 years and decided that after she had completed her university degree, she wanted to remain in the UK. Therefore, she decided to apply for an unmarried partner visa on the basis of her relationship. However, there were complexities to the Applicant’s case as she had not been residing with her partner for a continuous 2 year period in a relationship akin to marriage; as her partner lived in London and she was attending University in Wales. Therefore, she would stay at her university accommodation whilst attending lectures and classes. However, we explained the Applicant’s circumstances in detail within our supporting legal representations and provided ample documents to demonstrate that their relationship was genuine and subsisting.
Just over 8 weeks after the Applicant had submitted her biometric information, we received an update from the Home Office confirming that her application was successful and she was granted a visa for 30 months.
How do you prove an unmarried partnership?
One of the main requirements for the unmarried partner visa is being able to demonstrate that the relationship with the Sponsor is genuine and subsisting and akin to marriage. Therefore, it is important that Applicant’s are able to submit the specified documents under Appendix FM-SE in order to demonstrate their relationship. Our immigration team regularly submit unmarried partner visa applications and if instructed, we will inform our clients of exactly what supporting documents are needed to demonstrate an unmarried partnership and conduct a thorough review of the same.
Can you switch to an unmarried partner visa in the UK?
Like other Appendix FM visa categories, it is possible to switch to the unmarried partner from within the UK. The most popular categories which allow switching to the unmarried partner visa include (but are not limited to):
It is not possible to switch from a visitor visa to an unmarried partner visa.
Can you get a partner visa without living together?
Unlike spouse visa Applicants who do not necessarily need to live with their sponsor, unmarried partner visa Applicants must demonstrate at least 2 years cohabitation with their sponsor. The two year cohabitation requirement is mandatory as it demonstrates that the relationship is akin to marriage. However, there are certain exceptional circumstances the Home Office will take into consideration if the 2 years cohabitation requirement is not met. Examples of these exceptional circumstances can include time spent at university or medical situations.
Can you work on an unmarried partner visa in the UK?
Yes; if granted an unmarried partner visa the Applicant will be allowed to undertake employment and self-employment in the UK. Unlike other visas such as a student visa, there are also no limits on he number of hours that unmarried partner visa Applicants are allowed to work.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit an Unmarried Partner visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an Unmarried Partner visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Unmarried Partner Visa applications with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting an Unmarried Partner visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an Unmarried Partner visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Unmarried Partner application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.