UK Civil Partnership Visa Extension (After Initial 2.5 Years)

As your Civil Partnership visa nears its expiration, you'll need to apply for a Civil Partner visa extension to continue living in the UK with your partner.

If you have a Civil Partnership visa, you can apply to extend or renew it for an additional 2.5 years after the initial 2.5-year period.

If you require legal assistance with a Civil Partnership visa extension application, call us today at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online contact form.

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What is a Civil Partnership visa extension after 2.5 years?

Usually, an initial Civil Partnership visa under the 5-year route grants permission to live in the UK for 2.5 years (30 months), after which you will be able to extend it for another 2.5 years.

Before your Civil Partnership visa expires, you must apply for an extension under the 5-year route to extend your stay in the UK for another 2.5 years.

Extending your UK Civil Partnership visa under the 5-year route is a vital step toward gaining ILR and eventually UK citizenship.

Under the Civil Partner 5-year route, once you have completed 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.

UK Civil Partnership visa extension requirements

To extend your Civil Partnership visa under the 5-year route, you must meet several requirements:

• You must hold a valid Civil Partnership visa.
• You and your partner are legally in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK.
• Your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
• You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must meet the income and financial requirements.
• You must meet the English language requirement.

You must meet all other requirements for a UK Civil Partnership visa extension application depending on your circumstances.

Civil Partnership visa extension financial requirement

To prove that you can be adequately supported in the UK without relying on public funds, you must meet the financial requirements for a Civil Partner visa.

From 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement of a UK Civil Partnership visa is increased from £18,600 to £29,000 gross per year.

You must show that your civil partner, or both of you together (if you are in the UK with valid leave to remain), have a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000.

Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or certain benefits.

Civil Partnership visa extension accommodation requirements

Whether applying for entry clearance or an extension of your civil partnership visa, you must provide proof that adequate accommodation will be available for you and your civil partner, without relying on public funds, in a property that you either own or occupy exclusively.

You need to show that:

• Your home is big enough for both partners
• You legally have access to the property by owning it or renting it
• Having good housing is crucial for a stable life in the UK.

For more info on immigration, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Do you need to take an English test again for the extension?

Civil Partnership visa English language requirement

unless exempt, as part of your Civil Partnership visa extension application, you must demonstrate to the Home Office that you meet the English language requirement.

You need to meet the A2 level of English proficiency for the extension. This is an increase from the A1 level required for the initial UK Civil Partnership visa application.

You can fulfil this requirement with a valid English language test or proof of a degree taught in English.

Documents required for Civil Partnership visa extension

When applying for a Civil Partnership visa extension under the 5-year route, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport and your partner's passport.
• Your civil partnership certificate.
• Evidence that you meet the financial requirements.
• Evidence that you meet the English language requirement.
• Proof that you will have adequate accommodation in the UK.
• A tenancy agreement, utility bills or council tax bills confirming that you live at the same address or pay bills together.
• Complete the relevant UK Civil Partnership visa extension application form.
• Other documents, depending on your circumstances

 You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for the Civil Partnership visa extension?

After gathering all the necessary documents, you must apply online to extend your civil partnership visa through the UK Government website.

• Fill out the online application form on the UK Government website.
• Upload your supporting documents in an acceptable format.
• Pay the required fee using a debit or credit card.
• Schedule a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
• Attend the appointment and complete identity verification.
• Wait for the processing of your application to begin after your biometrics are submitted.

Make sure all your information is correct, and your documents are in the right format. Wrong information or documents can lead to your application being refused. If you're unsure about anything, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for help.

When should you apply for the Civil Partnership visa extension?

You should apply for a Civil Partnership visa extension within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

It’s advisable to start gathering documents and completing the application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Civil Partnership visa extension processing time

The typical processing time for a UK Civil Partnership visa extension application is around 8 to 12 weeks when applying from inside the UK using standard service.

However, if you need a faster decision, you can opt for a priority service, which usually provides a decision within 5 working days.

Solicitors in London for Civil Partnership visa extension

Wembley Solicitors has an expert team of immigration solicitors in London to assist you with your Civil Partnership visa extension application under the 5-year route.

Let qualified solicitors in London provide you with legal support for your UK Civil Partner extension under the 5-year route.

Contact Wembley Solicitors for assistance

If you need help with your UK Civil Partner extension application, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or email us at info@wembleysolicitors.com.