Civil Partnership Visa

For civil partners of British/Irish or settled persons

Initial grant: 2 years 9 months; extension: 2 years 6 months

Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years

Work and study permitted; most public funds restricted

Both partners 18+; previous relationships ended

Sponsor is British/Irish, settled/ILR, EUSS settled/pre-settled (pre-2021 residence), certain Turkish routes, or has refugee/humanitarian protection

Civil partnership is legally recognised in the UK

Relationship is genuine and subsisting; intent to live together in the UK

Adequate accommodation; no reliance on public funds

Meet financial and English language requirements

Provide UK-recognised civil partnership certificate

Show a consistent relationship history and plans in the UK

Evidence should come from official sources where possible

Be prepared to explain timelines and day-to-day integration

Proof you live together: joint tenancy/mortgage, council tax, utilities, bank statements

Shared finances/parenting responsibilities (if applicable)

Travel history together; photos, messages, call logs as supplementary evidence

Proof previous marriages/partnerships were dissolved (decree absolute/dissolution)

Typical minimum income: £29,000 gross per year

Transitional rules may apply if you entered the route before 11 April 2024

Sources can include employment, self-employment, pensions, non-employment income, and qualifying cash savings

No additional income required for child dependants under current rules

Six months of payslips and matching bank statements

Employer letter on headed paper confirming role, salary, contract type, tenure, authenticity of payslips

Self-employed/company directors: tax returns, accounts, HMRC evidence

Savings: held for 6+ months and under your/your partner’s control

Exemptions: certain state benefits received by the sponsor (then show “adequate maintenance”)

Owned/occupied by you and your partner without recourse to public funds

Not overcrowded; complies with public health rules

Evidence: title deed/mortgage, tenancy agreement, occupancy letters

Optional: independent property inspection report to reinforce suitability

Approved English test at CEFR A1 (initial); A2 at extension stage

• Exemptions: age 65+, majority English-speaking nationality, UK degree, or verified degree taught in English, medical exemption

If you pass at A2+ initially (and the result remains valid/not withdrawn), you can usually reuse it at extension

Apply online before travelling (for out-of-country cases)

Pay fees/IHS and upload supporting evidence

Attend a visa application centre/UKVCAS for biometrics

Accuracy and consistency across forms and documents are critical

Current passport (and previous passports with UK stamps/visas)

Sponsor’s UK status (passport/BRP/eVisa share code)

Civil partnership certificate; evidence relationship is genuine

Financial evidence (correct category and timeframe)

English language proof or exemption

Accommodation proof

Criminality/immigration history disclosures; TB test (if required)

Parents’ details (when requested)

Application outside UK: £1,938

Application inside UK: £1,321

Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (adult), £776/year (under 18)

Additional costs: biometrics services, translations, English test, Ecctis (if applicable), priority/super priority (optional)

Initial grant: 33 months; extension: 30 months

Work and study permitted; travel in/out of the UK allowed

No access to most public funds until ILR

After 5 years on the route (meeting all rules), apply for ILR

Outside UK: commonly up to 24 weeks

Inside UK: commonly around 8 weeks (can be longer if complex)

Delays possible if further evidence/interview is requested

Priority services may be available for an extra fee

Five years on the civil partner route → ILR (subject to eligibility)

After 12 months of ILR, most can apply for British citizenship (if requirements met)

Keep evidence of residence, finances, and cohabitation throughout the route

Track absence limits and plan ahead for tests/English where required at ILR stage