Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (Under 10-Year Route)

Before your Unmarried Partner visa expires, you must apply for an extension under the 10-year route to extend your stay in the UK for another 2.5 years.

The Unmarried Partner visa extension under the 10-year route allows non-UK partners to stay and work in the UK. It's for those who don't meet the strict 5-year route criteria. This route is a longer way to settle permanently but keeps couples together in the UK.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help with the application, getting professional legal advice is recommended. It can make the visa extension process smoother and more successful.

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

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What is the UK Unmarried Partner visa extension under the 10-year route?

The Unmarried Partner visa extension (10-year route) allows non-UK partners to continue living in the UK when they don't meet the 5-year route requirements.

These requirements include financial thresholds, language skills, and other criteria.

The 10-year route is a longer way to get a permanent settlement. But it lets couples live together in the UK. The non-UK partner works toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 10 years of legal residence.

Why choose the 10-year route of an Unmarried Partner visa?

The 5-year route is often chosen for its shorter path to ILR. But the 10-year route is better in some situations, like:

• Financial Requirements: If you or your UK partner don't meet the financial threshold of the 5-year route (£29,000 gross per year).
• English Language Requirement: If you can't meet the English language requirements, the 10-year route might be an option.
• Exceptional Circumstances: If you have compassionate or exceptional reasons that stop you from meeting the 5-year route criteria, the 10-year route could be available.
• Health Issues: If health problems affect your ability to meet financial or other criteria, you might be placed on the 10-year route.

Requirements for the Unmarried Partner visa extension

To extend your Unmarried Partner visa under the 10-year route, you must meet certain criteria:

• You must hold a valid Unmarried Partner visa.
• You and your partner must still be in a genuine, long-term relationship.
• You and your partner should intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents.
• You may be required to demonstrate why you cannot meet the financial, language, or other requirements under the 5-year route.

You must meet all other requirements for a 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 10-year route.

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.

Document checklist for Unmarried Partner visa extension

When applying for an Unmarried Partner visa extension under the 10-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.
• 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.
• Although financial requirements are less strict on the 10-year route, providing evidence of your income can help support your case.

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 (FP) 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.

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.