Spouse, Unmarried Partner and Same-Sex Partner Visas

Spouse, Unmarried Partner and Same-Sex Partner Visas – How to Bring Your Partner to the UK or Remain Together Here

Building a life together should not be made harder by complex immigration rules. Whether you are married, in a committed unmarried partnership, or in a same-sex relationship, the UK immigration system provides several routes for partners to live together in the UK. These routes fall under the family migration category and each has its own requirements, evidence standards and timelines.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we support couples through every stage of the partner visa process, whether you are applying for the first time, extending, switching visas or preparing for settlement. We understand how emotional, stressful and high-stakes these applications can feel. Our role is to give you clarity, prepare your application thoroughly and guide you confidently through each step.

This service page explains the spouse visa, unmarried partner visa and same-sex partner visa routes, outlines eligibility requirements and decision timelines, and answers the questions we see most frequently from couples planning their future together in the UK.

What Is the Partner Visa Route and Who Is Eligible?

The partner visa allows the spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a qualifying UK sponsor to come to the UK or remain here. These applications fall under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

You may qualify if your partner is:

• A British citizen
  
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain
  
• A person with Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  
• A refugee or someone granted humanitarian protection
  

This page focuses on:

• Spouse visas
  
• Unmarried partner visas
  
• Same-sex partner visas
  

All applicants must show that their relationship is genuine, their finances meet the required threshold, they meet the English language requirement and that suitable accommodation is available.

Eligibility Requirements – What You Need to Show

Partner visa requirements are detailed, and careful preparation is essential. The key eligibility areas are outlined below.

Requirement to Have Met in Person

For all partner categories – whether spouse, unmarried or same-sex – the couple must have met in person at least once for the relationship to qualify under UK immigration rules. Online-only, virtual or exclusively long-distance relationships do not satisfy this requirement.

1. A Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

Applicants must prove that the relationship is real, committed and ongoing. Evidence can include:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates
  
• Proof of two years of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
  
• Photographs together
  
• Travel records and communication logs
  
• Joint responsibilities, such as shared finances or childcare arrangements
  
• Supporting letters from family, friends or professionals
  

Unmarried partners must normally show evidence of two years of living together unless exceptional circumstances apply.

2. Financial Requirement

This is often the most sensitive and technically demanding part of the application.

Current Minimum Income Requirement

The minimum gross income threshold for a partner with no dependent children is £29,000 as of early 2025. This threshold is scheduled to increase under Home Office policy.

Applicants should confirm the required amount at the time of application, as figures are updated periodically and staged increases are expected through 2025 and beyond.

Dependants and Higher Income Thresholds

If you are sponsoring one or more dependent children as part of your application, the financial requirement is higher. Our team calculates the exact income or savings required and helps assemble the necessary documentary evidence.

Ways to Meet the Financial Requirement

You may rely on:

• Employment income
  
• Self-employment income
  
• Pension income
  
• Certain non-employment income
  
• Cash savings
  
• A combination of income and savings
  

Financial documents must follow strict Home Office formatting rules. We help prepare compliant evidence bundles and ensure your calculations match Home Office methodology.

3. Accommodation Requirement

You must show that there is suitable accommodation available for your partner (and any children), and that the property is adequate and not in breach of public health regulations. Evidence commonly includes tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, property inspection reports or landlord letters.

4. English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet the English language requirement at:

• A1 level for the first application
  
• A2 level for the first extension
  
• B1 level for settlement
  

Evidence can include:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT)
  
• A degree taught in English
  
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
  

Exemptions

You will be exempt if:

• You are aged 65 or over
  
• You have a physical or mental condition preventing compliance
  
• You are from a majority English-speaking country recognised by the Home Office
  

How Long Is a Partner Visa Granted For?

• Outside the UK: 33 months
  
• Inside the UK: 30 months
  
• After 5 years: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain
  

The Application Process – Step by Step

Applying for a partner visa involves several structured stages.

Before You Begin – Fees You Must Budget For

Applicants must pay:

• A Home Office application fee (varies depending on inside or outside the UK), and
  
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
  

These fees change regularly; we confirm the latest amounts during our initial assessment.

1. Initial Assessment

We take a full overview of your circumstances, including:

• Your relationship history
  
• Financial position and income category
  
• Accommodation
  
• Immigration history
  
• Any previous refusals
  
• Whether dependants are included
  
• Whether any exceptional circumstances apply
  

This allows us to design a tailored strategy from the outset.

2. Gathering and Organising Evidence

We prepare a detailed evidence plan, including relationship documents, financial materials, accommodation evidence and any required statements.

TB testing requirement: Applicants applying from certain listed countries must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. We confirm whether this applies in your case.

3. Completing the Online Application

We prepare and complete the detailed online forms, ensuring all information is consistent across the application, supporting documents and SEF/UKVCAS declarations.

4. Uploading Evidence and Biometrics Appointment

Documents must be uploaded in the correct format through the application portal. You will then attend an appointment to give biometric information.

5. Processing Times

Typical decision times:

• Overseas applications: up to 24 weeks
  
• In-country applications: 8–12 weeks
  

Priority services may be available for an additional fee and are subject to local availability.

Challenges Couples Commonly Face

We regularly support clients through issues such as:

• Difficulty meeting the financial threshold: We calculate all income streams, including mixed income categories, to identify viable routes.
• Gaps in cohabitation evidence: For unmarried partners, we help compile alternative proof where standard evidence is not available.
• Long-distance or cross-border histories: We prepare clear explanations and detailed relationship statements.
• Previous refusals: We identify weaknesses in the earlier application and rebuild a stronger submission.

Extending Your Partner Visa

At the extension stage (FLR(M)), you must:

• Meet the financial requirement again
  
• Show your relationship remains genuine
  
• Provide updated accommodation evidence
  
• Meet the English language requirement
  

We handle all aspects of renewal and prepare you for the settlement stage in advance.

Switching Into the Partner Route From Another Visa

You can usually switch into the partner route from within the UK if you have valid leave in another category.

Overstaying

Applications made after a period of overstaying are only accepted in limited cases, including:

• Where the overstaying is 14 days or less and there is a good reason, or
• Where exceptional circumstances apply
  

We provide advice on whether switching is possible and the best timing for the application.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

• Specialists in Family Migration: We handle partner applications of all levels of complexity, including mixed income categories, sensitive personal histories, and high-volume evidence cases.
• Supportive and Personable: These applications are deeply personal. We provide reassurance, empathy and clear guidance throughout.
• Thorough Preparation: We prepare fully indexed, carefully presented evidence bundles that reduce the likelihood of Home Office delays or refusals.
• Value for Money: We offer transparent fee structures and efficient processes that focus on achieving the best result without unnecessary cost.
• Holistic Support: Where needed, we involve our wider teams (for example, property, employment or private client) to support other aspects of your move or family life in the UK.

Speak to Our Immigration Team Today

Your relationship deserves a strong, well-prepared application that gives you the best chance of success. Whether you are applying for the first time, extending your visa or switching from another route, we are here to help.

Contact The Jonathan Lea Network today to discuss your partner visa options and take the next step with confidence.

We offer a no-cost, no-obligation 20-minute introductory call as a starting point or, in some cases, if you would just like some initial advice and guidance, we will instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment (charged from £250 plus VAT to £350 plus VAT* depending on the complexity of the issues and seniority of the fee earner).

Please email wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net providing us with any relevant information ensuring that any call we have is as productive as possible or call us on 01444 708640. After this call, we can then email you a scope of work, fee estimate (or fixed fee quote if possible), and confirmation of any other points or information mentioned on the call.

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash