1. What is the UK Civil Partnership Visa?
The UK Civil Partnership Visa (also known as the Family Visa – Partner Route) allows foreign nationals in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or a settled person in the UK to join or stay with their partner in the UK. This visa enables civil partners to live, work, and study in the UK while following a pathway to permanent residency.
2. Eligibility Requirements for the Civil Partnership Visa
To qualify for the Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: You must be in a legally recognized civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with settled status, ILR, or someone with refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Financial Requirement: The UK-based partner must earn at least £18,600 annually or have sufficient savings to support the applicant. Additional funds are required if there are dependent children.
- English Language Requirement: The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level A1 or higher.
- Accommodation Requirement: Proof of adequate accommodation where the applicant and partner intend to live in the UK.
These requirements ensure that applicants are genuinely in a committed relationship, financially stable, and have the means to settle in the UK.
3. Financial Requirements for the Civil Partnership Visa
The minimum income requirement for the Civil Partnership Visa is £18,600 per year. If the couple has dependent children, the financial threshold increases by:
- £3,800 for the first child.
- £2,400 for each additional child.
Applicants can meet the financial requirement through:
- Employment Income: Earnings from employment or self-employment of the UK-based partner.
- Savings: A certain amount of savings may be used if the income requirement is not met solely through earnings.
- Pension: If the UK-based partner receives a pension, it can count towards the income requirement.
If the partner cannot meet this requirement, they may be eligible for an exemption if they receive specific disability benefits or a carer’s allowance.
4. Required Documents for the Civil Partnership Visa Application
When applying for the Civil Partnership Visa, you will need to provide:
- Civil Partnership Certificate: A legally recognized certificate proving the civil partnership.
- Proof of Identity: Passport and other relevant ID documents for both partners.
- Financial Evidence: Pay slips, bank statements, and other proof of meeting the financial requirement.
- Accommodation Evidence: Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from the property owner confirming adequate living space.
- English Language Test: Certificate proving English proficiency, if required.
- Proof of Genuine Relationship: Photos, letters, communication records, or joint financial documents showing a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Having these documents ready and accurately prepared can help avoid delays and ensure the application proceeds smoothly.
5. Application Process for the Civil Partnership Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the UK Civil Partnership Visa:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
- Begin the application on the UK government’s website. You’ll complete the form with personal, financial, and relationship details and upload supporting documents.
Step 2: Pay the Fees
- Visa Application Fee: £1,538 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,048 if applying from within the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, providing access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Step 3: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
- Book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. If applying within the UK, you can submit biometrics through UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS).
Step 4: Submit Documents and Await Processing
- Processing times are usually 12 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if applying from within. Priority processing is available for a quicker decision.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK, allowing you to work, study, and access healthcare.
6. Duration and Extensions of the Civil Partnership Visa
The Civil Partnership Visa is generally granted for 30 months if applying from within the UK, or 33 months if applying from outside. After this period, you can apply for an extension of 30 months. After 5 years on the Civil Partnership Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you permanent residency in the UK.
7. Pathway to British Citizenship
Once you hold ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months if you meet the residency and other requirements. The civil partnership route offers a clear pathway to becoming a British citizen for those in long-term committed relationships with British or settled partners.
8. Working and Studying on the Civil Partnership Visa
The Civil Partnership Visa allows full work and study rights in the UK without any restrictions on job type or hours worked. This flexibility enables partners to contribute financially, further their education, or pursue career goals while residing in the UK.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for the Civil Partnership Visa if my partner and I are not legally in a civil partnership?
A: No, a legally recognized civil partnership is required. Alternatively, you may consider the Unmarried Partner Visa if you can show cohabitation for at least 2 years.
Q2: Can I include my children in my Civil Partnership Visa application?
A: Yes, you can include dependent children in your application, though higher financial requirements apply.
Q3: Do I need to renew my Civil Partnership Visa?
A: Yes, the initial visa is typically granted for 2.5 years. You must renew it to meet the 5-year residency requirement for ILR.
Q4: Can I switch to a Civil Partnership Visa if I’m already in the UK on another visa?
A: Yes, some visa holders, like those on a work or student visa, may be eligible to switch to a Civil Partnership Visa from within the UK.
Q5: How long does it take to process a Civil Partnership Visa?
A: Processing times vary but are generally 8-12 weeks depending on application location and type of service selected.
Q6: Is there a priority service for the Civil Partnership Visa?
A: Yes, priority services are available for faster processing at an additional fee.
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