UK Partner Visa Routes: Understanding Your Options in 2025

For many individuals in committed relationships with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK, navigating the UK immigration system to join or remain with their partner can be overwhelming.

The UK offers several partner visa routes under the Family Migration category, each tailored to different circumstances — from spouses to fiancés, civil partners, and even long-term, unmarried partners.

In this post, we’ll explore the main types of UK partner visas, outlining their key eligibility criteria and application procedures, based on the latest immigration rules published by the UK Home Office.

1. Spouse Visa (Marriage Partner Route)

The UK Spouse Visa allows non-UK nationals to live in the UK with their British or settled spouse.

✅ Key Requirements:

• You must be legally married to a British citizen, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or refugee/humanitarian protection status.

• Both partners must be over 18.

• You must intend to live permanently together in the UK.

• Financial Requirement: As of April 2025, the income threshold has increased to £29,000 per annum (rising further in phases). Exemptions apply for certain benefits.

• English Language: You must meet CEFR A1 level for the first application.

• You must have adequate accommodation in the UK.

2. Fiancé(e) Visa

If you're engaged to be married to a British citizen or settled person in the UK, the Fiancé(e) Visa allows you to enter the UK for 6 months to get married.

✅ Key Requirements:

• You must plan to marry within 6 months of arrival.

• Meet the same financial and English language requirements as the Spouse Visa.

• After marriage, you can switch to the Spouse Visa from within the UK.

  
  

  Important Note: This visa does not permit work during the initial 6-month period.

3. Unmarried Partner Visa

This route is for those in a long-term relationship (at least 2 years of cohabitation) with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, but not legally married.

✅ Key Requirements:

• Must provide evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.

• Must meet the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements.

This visa route offers the same rights and leads to settlement (ILR) on the 5-year route, similar to the Spouse Visa.

4. Civil Partner Visa

If you are in a registered civil partnership, you can apply for this visa in the same way as a spouse.

✅ Same Requirements Apply:

• Financial, relationship, and English language criteria mirror the Spouse Visa.

5. EEA/EU Settled Status Partners

If your partner is an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you may apply under Appendix EU.

While the EUSS route closed to new applicants in many cases after the end of the Brexit transition period, certain family members can still apply — especially where there is a durable relationship established before the deadline or where there are exceptional circumstances.

How Long Are These Visas Valid?

• Spouse/Civil Partner/Unmarried Partner: 30 months initially (renewable).

• Fiancé(e): 6 months.

• Path to ILR typically follows 5 years of continuous residence under the Family route.

Supporting Documents (General)

• Valid marriage or civil partnership certificate OR evidence of cohabitation.

• Proof of relationship and ongoing contact.

• Evidence of meeting the financial threshold (e.g. payslips, bank statements).

• English language certificate.

• Accommodation proof (e.g. tenancy agreement, property inspection report).

How Hextons Can Help

Applying for a UK partner visa involves detailed documentation and strict eligibility criteria. At Hextons Law, our experienced immigration team offers:

• Free eligibility consultations.

• Expert application drafting and document review.

• Assistance with appeals and refusals.

Disclaimer

This post is based on the latest available information as of July 2025 from UK government and Home Office sources. However, immigration policies can change.