Unmarried Partner Visa UK Success Rate: What Are Your Chances of Approval?

What Is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa and Who Is Eligible?

The Unmarried Partner Visa is part of the UK’s family visa category, this visa allows long-term and serious partners of British citizens and people with settled status in the UK to join them in the country. This visa route is open to both heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The visa is valid for 33 months, after which it can be extended if you wish to remain in the UK. After living in the UK for 5 years under this visa you could also be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, this will allow you to stay in the UK permanently.

To be eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa you must be the partner of a British citizen or someone who is living in the UK free of immigration restrictions, such as those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or who have been offered humanitarian protection. As well as this there are a number of other requirements that you must meet. You will need to meet the financial requirement, the English language requirement and prove that you will have adequate accommodation whilst in the UK.

The application for an Unmarried Partner Visa can be particularly complex due to the strict requirements that you will have to meet. You will need to prove to the Home Office that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK partner.

Unmarried Partner Visa Success Rate: Key Factors That Impact Approval

When you make an application for an Unmarried Partner Visa, there is no guarantee that it will be successful. Whilst the official success rate for this visa category is unknown, unfortunately, many Unmarried Partner Visa applications are rejected by the Home Office.

Unmarried Partner Visa applications may be rejected for a variety of reasons, for example if the applicant is ineligible for the visa. However, most refusals are not due to ineligibility but rather due to a lack of evidence to prove that the applicant is able to meet the requirements, particularly the genuine relationship requirement. Refusals can also happen if the application form is filled in incorrectly or if a mistake is made.

Refusals can also happen if the application form is filled in incorrectly. The complex nature of the UK immigration system, paired with the strict requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa, means that it is very easy for mistakes to me made when applying.

How to Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK: Steps to Improve Success Rate

Although there’s always a risk that your application may be refused, there are several steps that you can take to ensure that your Unmarried Partner Visa application has the highest chance of success.

1. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements -you must be over the age of 18, have been in a relationship with a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK, be able to meet the financial requirement and the English language requirement.
2. Gather a substantial portfolio of supporting documents – this is a vital part of your application that will prove to the Home Office that you are able to meet the relevant requirements. You may need documents such as bank statements to prove that you meet the minimum income threshold and financial requirements, your English language test results if applicable, a substantial amount of evidence to prove your relationship with your partner, this can include tenancy agreements, photographs, joint bank account statements and much more. The Home Office guidance on supporting documents can be vague, so its important that you include as much supporting evidence as possible.
3. Seek the assistance of a professional immigration lawyer – Immigration lawyers are experts in immigration law and seeking the assistance of a professional will give you the best chance of a successful application. An immigration lawyer can save you time, stress and money by ensuring that you get your application right first time.

Unmarried Partner Visa Refused? What to Do Next and How to Appeal

No one wants to be apart from a loved one, so having your Unmarried Partner Visa refused can be an incredibly difficult time. Luckily, there can still be hope for your application. If you believe that the Home Office’s decision is wrong, you may be able to appeal it.

You have a right to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal if your Unmarried Partner Visa is refused. If you wish to make an appeal, it’s important that you do so as soon as possible. Appeals to the First Tier Tribunal must be made within 28 days of a refusal. The UK immigration rules state that you may have potential grounds for appeal of an Unmarried Partner Visa refusal if there is a human rights aspect to your case.

Your appeal may be considered on the basis of the paperwork that you submit to the First Tier Tribunal or you may need to attend an oral hearing where you can give evidence.

If your appeal to the First Tier Tribunal is unsuccessful you can also appeal to the Upper Tribunal. You must do this within 14 days of your first appeal being rejected.

How can London Immigration Lawyers help with your Unmarried Partner Visa Application?

Here at London Immigration lawyers, we are experts in all areas of UK immigration law, including applications for Unmarried Partner visas. Our team offer a variety of professional immigration services that will ensure your application is completed to the highest standard.

If you choose London Immigration Lawyers, you will be assigned a caseworker who will be there for you throughout the entire application process. Firstly, your caseworker can assess whether you are eligible to apply for a visa in the Unmarried Partner Visa category. Your caseworker will discuss your situation with you and can provide expert advice about the best immigration options available to you.

If you are eligible for the Unmarried Partner Visa, one of our lawyers can assist you with filling in the application form as well as helping you to gather all of the supporting documents necessary for a successful Unmarried Partner Visa application.

If you wish to apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa or want expert immigration advice, contact our lawyers now on 020 4502 8582.