The Unmarried Partner Visa is essential in today’s society, where more couples are choosing to live together without formalising their relationship through marriage.

However, unlike married couples, unmarried partners often face challenges in proving the legitimacy and duration of their relationship to apply for a partner visa.

Additionally, UK visa rules are stringent, with immigration laws changing frequently and requirements varying on a case-by-case basis, all adding complexity to the application process.

If you are considering moving to the UK to join your loved one via the Unmarried Partner Visa, you may wonder how to overcome these hurdles. This article discusses the challenges unmarried couples face with a partner visa application and provides solutions that’ll help you increase your chances of having a visa approval.

Understanding the UK Unmarried Partner Visa

The Unmarried Partner Visa is designed for couples in a committed relationship but not legally married or in a civil partnership. It allows the partner who is a foreign national to join their loved one who is a British citizen or settled person in the UK, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.

If your application for the Unmarried Partner Visa is successful, for an initial 33-month period, you will be able to live, work for any employer, and study in the UK. When your visa expires, you can apply for an extension of 30 months as long as you still meet the visa’s requirements.

One benefit of this visa is that it counts towards your residency requirement for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). So, after spending five years on the Partner Visa, you can apply for permanent settlement. You may be eligible for British citizenship after one more year as a settled resident.

Key Challenges in Obtaining an Unmarried Partner Visa

Demonstrating Eligibility

Applicants must fulfil specific eligibility criteria to apply for the Unmarried Partner Visa. Some requirements, such as being 18 years or above, proficiency in the English language, and having a partner with an acceptable residency status, might be easy to fulfil and prove.

However, certain requirements may be challenging to prove. These include demonstrating that:

• Any previous relationships have ended
• You and your partner have been in a relationship for at least two years.
• You are in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• You live together as a couple, or there are reasons why you can’t live together.
• You intend to live permanently with your partner in the UK
• You meet the minimum income requirement.

The burden of proof is high, and any gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence you submit can jeopardise your application.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for the Unmarried Partner Visa can be intricate and requires careful attention to detail. Some common pitfalls that applicants encounter include submitting an incomplete application form, not paying the proper visa fees, and not submitting all supporting documents.

Additionally, each applicant may need to submit specific documentation depending on the country they’re applying from and their circumstance. For instance, if you are from a country that requires a tuberculosis or English language test, you must submit the results.

Furthermore, documents not in English or Welsh must be translated and certified with specific instructions. Without expert guidance, it can be challenging to navigate this process or understand what’s required.

Dealing with Lengthy Processing Time

Besides an incomplete application or missing documentation, some applicants may experience delays in their applications, particularly if the case is complex. If you find yourself in such situations, the delay could be because the Home Office:

• Wishes to interview you about your application
• Needs further information from you
• Wants to conduct external checks relating to your application
• Has a high volume of applications to process during the period you applied.

Receiving a Rejection

Unfortunately, visa applications can sometimes be rejected. This situation can disrupt personal plans, and applicants may face uncertainty and stress, especially if they are separated from their partners.

Solutions to Common Challenges in Applying for the Unmarried Partner Visa

Strengthening Relationship Evidence

The Home Office typically determines if couples have a genuine and subsisting relationship on a case-by-case basis. When assessing an application, they’ll consider the following:

• Whether both individuals have met in person or visited each other
• The length of the relationship
• If the couple have children together
• Any shared financial responsibilities
• Their living arrangement plans in the UK.

The Home Office typically accepts evidence under four years old and comes from the government, a bank, or other recognised authority. As such, when submitting documents that prove cohabitation, use a tenancy agreement or utility bills. If you share financial responsibilities, you can submit joint bank account details.

If you do not have evidence that meets the Home Office criteria, especially if you and your partner do not live together, you can submit proof of the following:

• Correspondence
• Time spent visiting each other during holidays
• Gifts you’ve bought each other
• Photographs together
• Statements from friends and family.

Meeting the Income Threshold

When assessing the financial requirement, the Home Office only considers the income of the UK-based partner. As such, only applicants already working in the UK and applying to switch to the Unmarried Partner Visa can combine their income with their partners to meet the requirement.

The minimum income for the partner visa is currently £29,000 annually. Your partner must submit their payslips for six months to prove that you meet this threshold. However, if their earnings do not meet the threshold, they can submit evidence of other sources of income, such as property rentals, dividends, pensions, and cash savings.

If you do not meet the financial requirements, you may still be able to apply for the visa under certain circumstances. However, you can only apply for settlement after ten years.

Successfully Navigating the Application Process

During the online application process, it’s essential to fill out all required fields on the application form correctly. Also, ensure that the information you provide is consistent with the information on your supporting documents. Pay attention to the details and review the form again before submitting it.

You should also pay the visa application fee of £1,846 (£1,048 for applications made inside the UK) and a health surcharge of £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK. Afterward, book and attend an appointment to submit your biometrics.

Appealing a Rejection

If you receive a rejection of your application, you may be able to appeal the decision. It’s crucial to carefully review the reasons for refusal, which can range from insufficient evidence to discrepancies in the application, to determine the best course of action.

The appeals or administrative review process can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring legal assistance. To have a successful outcome, you’ll need to prepare a strong appeal with additional evidence to address the issues highlighted in the rejection.

Conclusion

Navigating the Unmarried Partner Visa application process alone can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. It’s advisable to seek expert guidance from an immigration lawyer to avoid pitfalls and achieve your mobility goals.