Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsoring Partner

To be eligible for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, the sponsoring partner must meet one of the following conditions:

• Hold British or Irish citizenship and be residing in the United Kingdom; or

• Possess indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence, or settled status in the UK; or

• Have pre-settled status under Appendix EU; or

• Hold limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker under Appendix ECAA; or

• Be granted refugee leave or have humanitarian protection status within the UK.

A British citizen in this context also includes a British national who intends to enter or return to the UK with you as their partner. Similarly, an individual with indefinite leave to remain may also refer to someone who is being granted settlement at the same time as your application.

Minimum Age Eligibility for Partner Visa Applications

To qualify for a partner visa, both you and your partner must have reached the age of 18 years or older at the time your application is formally lodged. This age requirement is a strict legal condition that ensures applicants meet the minimum threshold for entering into a recognized relationship under immigration law.

Failure to satisfy this minimum age criterion may result in delays or refusal of the visa application, as it is one of the fundamental eligibility factors assessed during the evaluation process.

Relationship Criteria for UK Civil Partnership Visa

The relationship eligibility criteria encompass several crucial conditions that must be fulfilled to qualify for a UK civil partnership visa:

• Both partners must not fall within any prohibited degrees of kinship or familial relationship under UK law.
  
  
• The couple must have met each other in person at least once prior to the application.
  
  
• The relationship must be genuine, committed, and ongoing, with clear evidence to demonstrate its authenticity.
  
  
• Applicants must be traveling to the UK with the specific purpose of registering their civil partnership within six months of arrival.
  
  
• Any previous marriages or relationships must have ended permanently and irrevocably.
  
  
• Both partners must have the serious intention to cohabit permanently in the UK after the civil partnership is formalized.

Prohibited Degree of Relationship Criteria for Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a proposed civil partner visa, both applicants must ensure that they are not connected by a prohibited degree of relationship as defined under the Marriage Act 1949, the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Act 1986, and the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

In essence, this requirement prohibits a civil partnership between individuals who are closely related by blood, adoption, or familial ties. Relationships that fall under these categories are strictly disqualified from meeting the visa criteria.

Relationships That Fall Under the Prohibited Degree

The following relationships are not eligible for a proposed civil partnership visa:

• Adoptive child

• Adoptive parent

• Biological child

• Former adoptive child

• Former adoptive parent

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Parent

• Parent’s sibling (aunt or uncle)

• Sibling (including brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister)

• Sibling’s child (niece or nephew)

Here, the term “sibling” applies to all variations, including half-siblings.

Conditional Relationships Eligible Only After Age 21

Certain familial relationships are subject to additional conditions. A civil partnership involving any of the following will only be considered valid if both individuals are aged 21 or above, and the younger individual was not treated as a child of the family by the other party before turning 18:

• Child of a former civil partner
  
  
• Child of a former spouse
  
  
• Former civil partner of a grandparent
  
  
• Former civil partner of a parent
  
  
• Former spouse of a grandparent
  
  
• Former spouse of a parent
  
  
• Grandchild of a former civil partner
  
  
• Grandchild of a former spouse

Requirement of Personal Meeting

To qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, it is mandatory that both you and your intended civil partner have met in person. This condition requires evidence of a genuine, face-to-face interaction that led to the establishment of a mutual and meaningful acquaintance. A mere physical encounter, followed only by communication through phone calls or written correspondence, will not fulfill the eligibility criteria for this visa category.

Genuine and Ongoing Relationship Criteria

To be eligible for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, applicants must present credible and substantial evidence to the Home Office demonstrating that their relationship with their partner is authentic, enduring, and not entered into for immigration purposes.

The assessment of whether a relationship meets the “genuine and subsisting” standard is conducted on a case-by-case basis, with immigration authorities meticulously evaluating all submitted documentation, personal circumstances, and any other relevant factors before reaching a decision.

Key Considerations by the Home Office to Determine a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

When evaluating whether a relationship is authentic and ongoing, the Home Office carefully assesses various elements, such as:

• Duration and continuity of the relationship – Whether you and your intended civil partner are currently in a committed, long-term partnership.

• Cohabitation history – Evidence showing that you and your proposed civil partner have lived or are currently living together.

• Children and parental responsibilities – Whether you share biological, adopted, or step-children and have joint responsibility for their upbringing and welfare.

• Financial interdependence – Proof of shared financial obligations, such as joint bank accounts, utility bills, or other financial commitments.

• Family and cultural connections – Whether you have visited each other’s home countries and met with one another’s families.

• Future living arrangements – Clear and practical plans regarding living together permanently in the UK.

If there are any uncertainties about the authenticity or continuity of the relationship, the Home Office may take additional steps. These could include conducting detailed interviews with both partners, requesting further supporting evidence, or arranging a home visit to verify the nature of the relationship.

Documents Required to Demonstrate a Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

When assessing a Proposed Civil Partner Visa application, the Home Office requires substantial evidence that reflects the authenticity and continuity of the relationship. This includes proof of consistent communication, emotional connection, mutual care, and genuine concern for each other’s overall wellbeing.

One of the strongest indicators of a genuine relationship is cohabitation. Ideally, applicants should provide documents that bear both partners’ names jointly. If joint documents are unavailable, individual documents addressed to each partner at the same residential address may also be accepted. These documents should be recent (preferably within the past few years) and drawn from diverse and reliable sources. Official records are most highly regarded; however, credible non-official documents evidencing cohabitation can also be submitted when official documents are limited.

For couples who have not lived together or have only cohabited for a short period, it is still possible to present alternative forms of evidence that demonstrate the depth and commitment of the relationship. This can include correspondence, photographs, travel itineraries, or any other tangible proof of ongoing contact and shared experiences.

The Home Office places significant emphasis on verifying that a relationship is both genuine and subsisting. If any doubt arises regarding the authenticity of the relationship, additional scrutiny may follow, such as interviews with both partners, background checks, or even a home visit. Should the Home Office determine that there are reasonable grounds to question the sincerity of the relationship, the Proposed Civil Partner Visa application is likely to be refused.

Intention to Register a Civil Partnership in the UK Within Six Months

To obtain entry clearance under the Proposed Civil Partner Visa category, applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to enter the UK for the purpose of registering a civil partnership within the country. As this visa is granted for a maximum duration of six months, it is essential to provide clear evidence that the civil partnership ceremony will be arranged and completed within this time frame.

The UK Home Office typically requires applicants to show proof of preparations or formal arrangements for the civil partnership. This could include documentation such as provisional bookings, correspondence with registry offices, or any other credible evidence that reflects your commitment and readiness to register your civil partnership during the permitted period of stay.

Previous Relationship Must Be Permanently Ended

To qualify for this visa category, neither you nor your intended civil partner should be legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, another individual at the time of submitting your application. Both parties must be legally free to marry or enter into a civil partnership.

If you have a history of marriage or a civil partnership, it is essential to demonstrate to the Home Office that the previous relationship has legally ended through divorce, dissolution, or widowhood.

Supporting documentary evidence must be provided, strictly adhering to the requirements outlined under the Immigration Rules.

In cases where either you or your partner were previously married or in a civil partnership that has not been legally dissolved, there may still be eligibility for an Unmarried Partner Visa. However, you must present compelling evidence that your current relationship is genuine, ongoing, and that any prior relationship has irreversibly and permanently broken down.

Intention to Reside Together Permanently in the UK

UK Visas & Immigration requires convincing evidence that both you and your prospective civil partner have a genuine and enduring intention to live together permanently in the United Kingdom.

At the initial visa application stage, it is essential to provide a clear declaration of your mutual commitment to establishing a shared life in the UK, either immediately upon the approval of your visa or as soon as it is practically feasible thereafter.

When applying for further leave to remain or for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as a civil partner, the Home Office will scrutinize any extended absences from the UK. Such absences must be minimal, well-justified, and aligned with your expressed intention to reside together permanently. Acceptable reasons for temporary periods abroad may include professional obligations, vacations, educational pursuits, or training requirements.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa – Financial Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, applicants must prove that they can be financially supported in the UK without relying on public funds. This involves meeting specific financial eligibility criteria as outlined by UK immigration regulations.

Under the current rules, unless exempt, the applicant must show that their proposed civil partner – or both partners collectively (if the applicant already has valid leave to remain in the UK) – earns a minimum gross annual income of £29,000.

It is important to note that there is no additional income threshold for dependent children under this visa category.

In circumstances where the proposed civil partner is receiving certain state benefits or entitlements, the financial assessment differs. In such cases, the sponsor must demonstrate the ability to “adequately maintain and accommodate” the applicant without requiring additional public funds.

The financial requirement must be satisfied at every stage of the application process – when initially applying to enter the UK as a proposed civil partner, during any extension applications, and when applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as a civil partner.

The financial criteria for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa are highly detailed and involve strict documentary evidence requirements. Applicants bear the full responsibility of proving that these requirements are met. Visa refusals frequently occur due to incomplete or incorrect financial documentation, making it crucial to prepare evidence with precision and accuracy.

Proposed Civil Partner Visa – English Language Requirement

Applicants for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa must, unless exempt, demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement set by the Home Office. This requirement is designed to ensure that applicants can effectively communicate and integrate into life in the UK.

When applying for entry clearance under this route, you must prove your English language ability to at least CEFR Level A1. After switching to the Civil Partner Visa route and completing 2.5 years of leave as a civil partner, an application for Further Leave to Remain will require proof of English proficiency at CEFR Level A2.

How to Satisfy the English Language Requirement

You can meet the English language requirement for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa through one of the following ways:

1. Nationality – Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.

2. Approved Test – Successfully passing a Home Office-approved English language test at or above the required CEFR level with an authorised test provider.

3. Academic Qualification – Holding a recognised academic qualification, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, which:

   • Was awarded in the UK, or

   • Was obtained outside the UK but is confirmed by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD and was taught or researched in English at or above the required CEFR level.

Exemptions from the English Language Requirement

You may be exempt from fulfilling the English language requirement if you can demonstrate that:

• You are 65 years or older at the time of application.
  
  
• You have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
  
  
• There are exceptional circumstances making it impossible to meet the requirement before entering the UK.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa – Essential Supporting Document Checklist

One of the leading causes of refusal for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application is the failure to provide adequate and correctly formatted documentary evidence. Even a single missing or incomplete document can result in rejection, leading to costly delays and the need for fresh applications.

The UK Immigration Rules impose stringent requirements regarding the type and format of supporting documents necessary for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa. Since every applicant’s situation is unique, the documents required can differ significantly based on individual circumstances.

Applicants should exercise caution when relying on generic or pre-prepared document checklists, as these may not cover the specific requirements for every case. It is essential to ensure that each piece of evidence meets the precise criteria outlined by the Home Office to avoid complications or refusals.

If any required document is omitted, incorrectly formatted, or missing key information, the visa application may be refused outright. Appeals against refusals can take several months with no guaranteed success, while submitting a new application entails additional costs and prolonged waiting times.

Specialist immigration professionals can review the supporting documents for compliance with the Immigration Rules, ensuring that every detail aligns with the Home Office requirements for a successful outcome.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Fees

The Home Office currently charges £1,938 for submitting a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application from outside the United Kingdom. For applicants who wish to switch to the civil partner category from within the UK, or extend their stay as a civil partner, the current application fee is £1,048.

Applicants opting for Priority or Fast-Track Services should note that additional charges will be applied on top of the standard application fee.

Duration of a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa

Upon approval of a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, the initial validity period is 6 months.

Once your civil partnership ceremony has taken place within the UK, you will have the opportunity to transition into the Civil Partner Visa category without the need to leave the country.

When you successfully apply for further leave to remain under the Civil Partner route, you will receive an additional 30 months of stay. Before the expiry of this period, it will be necessary to apply for an extension of another 30 months to continue your lawful residency.

After completing a continuous residence of 5 years in the UK as the civil partner of a British citizen or an individual with settled status, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), marking your path toward permanent residency.

Employment Restrictions for Proposed Civil Partner Visa Applicants in the UK

Individuals holding a Proposed Civil Partner Visa are legally prohibited from engaging in employment or business activities while residing in the United Kingdom under this visa category. This restriction remains in effect until their immigration status is updated or transitioned to a visa class that permits work rights.

Where Can I Submit an Application for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa?

A UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application must be lodged from outside the United Kingdom. The correct place to apply is the country where you legally reside (provided your stay is not as a temporary visitor). It is not a requirement to hold citizenship of the country from which you apply; your legal residence status there is sufficient.

How to Apply for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa?

The application process for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa is conducted online through a dedicated digital application form.

Before beginning your application, it is crucial to ensure that you are using the correct form suitable for your personal circumstances. Seeking expert advice from an experienced immigration lawyer can help you avoid errors and ensure compliance with the latest immigration rules.

While completing your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application, it is advisable to prepare all necessary supporting documentation simultaneously. Certain documents are required to be dated prior to the submission of your online application, making early preparation essential.

Currently, the Home Office allows applicants to upload scanned copies of their supporting documents for assessment. However, procedures can vary depending on the country where you apply, and the Home Office frequently updates its document submission policies. Therefore, it is important to verify the specific process applicable to your country of application at the time of submission.

What Happens If I Fail to Register a Civil Partnership Within 6 Months?

If your civil partnership is not formalized before the expiration of your Proposed Civil Partner Visa, it is possible to request an extension of your stay for an additional 6 months. This extension is typically granted when there is a valid and compelling reason for the delay and sufficient evidence demonstrating that the civil partnership ceremony is scheduled to occur within the next 6 months.

When Am I Eligible to Apply for a British Passport?

Upon entering the Proposed Civil Partner Visa category, you will initially receive permission to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of six months. During this time, once you have formally registered your civil partnership, you may transition into the Civil Partner Visa category. A successful application will grant you an additional stay of 30 months (two and a half years). Prior to the expiration of this visa, an extension application will be required, which, if approved, will allow you to remain in the UK for another 30 months.

In most cases, individuals under the Civil Partner Visa route follow a five-year settlement pathway. This means that after two successful grants of 30-month leave, you will become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

However, some applicants may be placed on a ten-year settlement route, requiring four grants of leave before becoming eligible for ILR. If you initially start on the five-year route and later switch to the ten-year route, both of your previously granted leaves will still count toward the ten-year settlement period.

Once you have successfully secured Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, your path to British citizenship depends on your marital status. If you are married to a British citizen, you can immediately apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. Conversely, if you are not married to a British national, you will need to wait an additional 12 months before submitting your application for naturalisation and, subsequently, a British passport.

What Happens If My Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Is Denied?

If your proposed civil partner visa application is rejected, you generally have the right to appeal the decision. This is because such applications are automatically treated as human rights claims under UK immigration law.

The appeal process takes place at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) within the UK legal system.

For applicants residing in the UK, both you and your proposed civil partner can attend the hearing and present evidence directly to the Judge.

If you are outside the UK, your proposed civil partner can still attend the hearing in person. Meanwhile, you can submit a written statement along with supporting evidence for the Tribunal’s consideration. In certain circumstances, arrangements can be made for you to provide evidence remotely.

It is important to note that immigration appeals can be lengthy, often lasting several months, and the final decision is not guaranteed. Therefore, obtaining expert legal advice and representation from an experienced immigration lawyer prior to initiating an appeal is highly advisable.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

Link And Day Lawyers specialize exclusively in immigration services, offering expert assistance to foreign nationals seeking to relocate to the UK as proposed civil partners. With extensive experience, they have successfully guided numerous applicants through the intricate process of securing a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa.

Whether you need comprehensive guidance on the latest Immigration Rules, an impartial evaluation of your eligibility for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or meticulous support in preparing and submitting your visa application, their team of immigration professionals stands ready to assist.

Navigating the financial requirement regulations can be especially challenging, as these rules demand precise documentary evidence to prove access to the necessary funds for UK Visas and Immigration. Link And Day Lawyers possess a deep understanding of these complexities, particularly for applicants with intricate financial situations, ensuring the strongest possible application is presented.

Known for their approachable and client-focused approach, Link And Day Lawyers are committed to delivering thorough, dependable immigration advice. Their proactive and dedicated team strives to provide a seamless experience for individuals pursuing a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, combining professionalism with a warm, supportive service.