To apply as a partner, you and partner both need to be 18 or over.
Your partner must also either:
- Be a British or Irish Citizen
- Have settled in the UK – for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
- Be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status – they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- Have a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
- Have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK after you apply.
If your partner has settled status you may be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme or for a family permit.
What You’ll Need to Prove
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
- You’re been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
- You are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.
You also need to prove you:
- Have a good knowledge of English
- Can financially support yourself and your dependents
If you do not meet these requirements, you may still be able to apply for a visa or extend your permission to stay if:
- You have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK
- There would be very significant difficulties for you and your partner if you lived together as a couple outside the UK that could not be overcome
- It would breach your human rights that stop you coming to the UK or make you leave
For general informational purposes only, not intended or to be taken as legal advice. To make sure it is appropriate for you please seek advice and contact us.
Information courtesy of Gov.uk.