Key Points
- A relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years.
- Living together is the strongest evidence but is no longer the only way to qualify.
- The same £29,000 per year financial requirement applies to most new applications.
- The route leads to settlement in the same way as a spouse visa.
Eligibility
Both partners must be 18 or over, must have met in person and must intend to live together permanently in the UK. The UK partner needs a qualifying status, exactly as for a spouse visa.
The two-year relationship requirement
The relationship must have been similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before the application. That means a committed, exclusive relationship with shared lives, not two years of dating.
Living together
Two years of living at the same address remains the clearest way to meet the requirement. Evidence usually takes the form of official correspondence to both of you at the shared address, spread across the two years.
Couples who have lived apart
Couples who could not live together, or could not do so for the whole period, can still qualify. Expect to explain why, and to show how the relationship was maintained: visits, time spent together, financial ties and ongoing commitment.
Financial, English and accommodation requirements
These are the same as for a spouse visa.
Extensions and settlement
An unmarried partner visa is extended and leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain on the same timetable as a spouse visa. Marrying during the route does not restart the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to have lived together for two years?
Not strictly. The rules look for a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. Cohabitation is the most straightforward proof, but couples kept apart by circumstances can qualify with other evidence.
Should we get married instead?
It depends on your evidence and your plans. Marriage removes the need to prove two years, but the relationship must still be shown to be genuine.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.