Unmarried Partner Visa Extension

You must apply to renew (‘extend’) your Unmarried Partner visa before your current UK Unmarried Partner visa expires to continue living and working in the UK.

Make sure you fully understand the eligibility criteria and are well-prepared with the necessary paperwork, before initiating the UK Unmarried Partner visa extension process.

For assistance with your Unmarried Partner visa extension application, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is the UK Unmarried Partner visa?

The UK Unmarried Partner visa allows non-UK partners in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live and work in the UK.

It is designed for unmarried couples who can prove they have been living together for at least 2 years.

What is the UK Unmarried Partner visa (5-year route)?

An Unmarried Partner visa entry clearance application is normally granted under the 5-year route to settlement if you meet all the requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

The initial Unmarried Partner visa is granted for 30 months (2.5 years) or 33 months if applying outside the UK. After this period, you can apply for an extension under the 5-year route to extend your stay in the UK.

After completing 5 years under a UK Unmarried Partner visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

What is the UK Unmarried Partner visa extension?

After completing an initial 2.5 years under an Unmarried Partner visa, you must apply for an extension under the 5-year route to prolong your stay in the UK, allowing you to continue living and working there.

Before your Unmarried Partner 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 Unmarried Partner Visa under the 5-year route is a vital step toward gaining ILR and eventually UK citizenship.

Requirements for the Unmarried Partner visa extension

To extend your unmarried partner visa under 5-year route, you must meet several requirements:

• You must hold a valid Unmarried Partner Visa.
• You and your partner must still be in a genuine, long-term relationship.
• You must have lived together for at least two years prior to the initial visa application.
• The UK sponsor (your partner) must meet the financial threshold, currently £29,000 gross per year (higher if there are dependent children).
• You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents.
• You must prove that you have an English proficiency level of at least A2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which is an increase from the A1 level required for the initial application.

You must meet all other requirements for UK Unmarried Partner visa extension application depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding your visa extension application under the 5-year route.

How to prove that my relationship is genuine for the visa extension?

To prove your relationship is genuine, you can provide joint bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence addressed to both of you, photographs together, travel records, and any other evidence showing your shared life over the past 2.5 years.

Financial requirements for the Unmarried Partner visa extension

The UK sponsor must have an annual income of at least £29,000 gross per year. This threshold increases if there are dependent children involved. Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or certain benefits.

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

Accommodation requirements for the Unmarried Partner visa extension

You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents.

You need to show that:

• Your home is big enough for both partners
• You legally have access to the property, through 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?

Yes, 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 Unmarried Partner visa application.

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

Document checklist for Unmarried Partner visa extension

When applying for an Unmarried Partner visa extension under 5-year route, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport and your partner's passport.
• Proof of cohabitation for at least the last two years.
• Financial documents, such as payslips or bank statements.
• Letters or communications that demonstrate the ongoing relationship.
• Joint bank statements, utility bills, or tenancy agreements that confirm shared residency.
• Evidence of suitable living arrangements, such as a tenancy agreement.
• A valid English language test result or evidence of a degree taught in English.

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

When should you apply for the Unmarried Partner visa extension?

You should apply for an Unmarried Partner 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.

How to extend a UK Unmarried Partner visa?

To extend your UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you need to follow two steps. First, gather all the documents needed. These documents prove your relationship's truth and your financial well-being. After gathering everything, you can then apply online.

1. Gather all the supporting documents
2. Apply online and follow the instructions

Process of applying for the Unmarried Partner visa extension

Once you have all your documents ready, you can apply online. Go to the UK Government website for the application portal. You must:

• Fill out the online FLR(M) 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.

How long does it take to process the Unmarried Partner visa extension application?

The standard processing time for a UK Unmarried Partner visa extension application is around 8 weeks. However, if you need a quicker decision, you can pay for a priority service that usually gives a decision within 5 working days.

Common reasons for Unmarried Partner visa extension refusals

Applying for an Unmarried Partner Visa Extension can be complex and often leads to refusals. Knowing the reasons for unmarried partner visa refusals helps you prepare better.

• Not showing enough evidence of your relationship's legitimacy.
• Not meeting the minimum income requirements or providing enough financial documents.
• Not submitting essential supporting documents needed by the Home Office.
• Not going to important meetings, like biometrics.
• Mistakes in visa applications, like wrong form submissions or not following instructions.

Knowing these challenges is key. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can better navigate the application process.

For more help and advice, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700. Our experienced team of immigration and family visa solicitors can guide you through the visa process to avoid these common mistakes.

How can Wembley Solicitors help with your visa extension application?

No matter where you live, our immigration solicitors provide legal advice and assistance with UK visa applications inside the UK and around the world.

Contact Wembley Solicitors for assistance

If you need help with your UK Unmarried Partner visa extension, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Every case at Wembley Solicitors is different. We provide advice and support tailored to your needs. Our experts keep up with the latest rules.

We make sure you meet all the necessary requirements to maximise your chances of a successful Unmarried Partner visa extension application.