Unmarried Partner Visa UK Success Rate

The Unmarried Partner Visa UK offers a route for non-UK nationals in genuine, long-term relationships with British citizens or settled individuals to live, work, and build a life together in the UK. It falls under the family visa category and provides a pathway to permanent settlement for those who can meet the strict Home Office requirements.

At Wembley Solicitors, we understand that navigating this visa can be complex. This guide explains the success rate of Unmarried Partner Visa applications, key factors that influence approval, and practical tips to improve your chances of success.

Table of Contents

What Is the Unmarried Partner Visa?

The UK Unmarried Partner visa allows the partner of a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status to live in the UK. To qualify, you and your partner must be in a genuine, long-term relationship, usually lasting at least two years.

This visa is usually granted for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the option to extend for another 30 months.

After living in the UK for five years under the Unmarried Partner visa, you may qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you permanent residence in the UK. Once settled, you can also explore the possibility of applying for British citizenship through naturalisation.

What Are the Requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, you and your partner must meet the following requirements:

• Both you and your partner must be 18 or older.
• Your UK-based partner must be a British citizen or hold settled status.
• You must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Your partner must meet the financial requirements.
• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• You must meet the English language requirement.
• A tuberculosis (TB) test is required if applicable.
• You must not have breached UK immigration laws.
• You must meet other requirements depending on your circumstances.

Getting legal advice can make a significant difference in preparing your application and avoiding mistakes that could lead to delays or refusals.

Successful applicants can live, work, and study in the UK and access healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), though public funds are not accessible.

Because unmarried partner applications rely heavily on evidence of cohabitation, they often face closer scrutiny than spouse or civil partner visas.

Unmarried Partner Visa UK Success Rate: What the Data Shows

Official Home Office statistics do not publish a specific success rate for unmarried partner visas. Instead, these applications are grouped under "Family: Partner" visas, which include married and civil partner applications.

Overall Family Visa Approval Rates

Recent Home Office data shows family partner visas typically have a 75-85% approval rate annually. Within this group, unmarried partner applications generally see slightly lower success due to the higher evidential burden.

Tribunal Outcomes

Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) reveal that many initial refusals are overturned when applicants provide clearer evidence. This shows that refusals often stem from insufficient or poorly organised documentation, rather than ineligibility.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Missing or inconsistent proof of two years’ cohabitation.
• Failure to meet financial requirements or errors in income documentation.
• Discrepancies between submitted evidence and interview responses.
• Limited evidence of communication or shared life over the qualifying period.

Practical Success Rate Estimates

Immigration practitioners suggest that well-prepared applications have a 70–80% success rate, while poorly documented cases can drop below 50%. Proper evidence of joint tenancy, bills, and correspondence is critical.

What Is the Current Unmarried Partner Visa UK Success Rate?

For well-prepared applications, the estimated Unmarried Partner Visa UK success rate is around 70-80%, whereas poorly documented cases often fall below 50%.

In practice, the quality and consistency of your paperwork, supported by credible evidence, make a bigger difference to your outcome than the duration of your relationship alone.

Key Factors That Influence Visa Approval

Approval depends on meeting Appendix FM-SE evidential standards. No single document guarantees success; the Home Office assesses the overall credibility and consistency of your application.

1. Evidence of a Genuine Relationship

Strong evidence includes:

• Joint tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or property deeds
• Shared utility bills and council tax records
• Bank statements showing both names at the same address
• Official correspondence from HMRC, NHS, or employers
• Photos or communication logs supporting the relationship

Gaps, inconsistencies, or multiple addresses without explanation often lead to refusal.

2. Financial and Accommodation Compliance

Applicants must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement or demonstrate sufficient savings. Documents like payslips, bank statements, and employment letters must align precisely with Appendix FM-SE rules.

Adequate accommodation must comply with the Housing Act 1985, including overcrowding and health standards. Failure in either area significantly reduces the Unmarried Partner Visa UK success rate.

3. Credibility of the Relationship

You need to prove that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed, similar to a marriage or civil partnership, and has lasted at least two years, not solely for visa purposes. You must also show that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Caseworkers evaluate the narrative of the relationship, not just the paperwork. Interviews may be conducted when inconsistencies arise. Consistency, honesty, and supporting evidence are essential.

4. Immigration and Character History

Previous visa refusals, immigration breaches, or criminal convictions can impact approval. Full disclosure with explanations or mitigation is critical.

5. Legal Representation

While applications can be submitted independently, specialist immigration solicitors often improve success rates. Legal professionals ensure evidence meets Home Office expectations and help prevent avoidable refusals.

Why Are Unmarried Partner Visas Refused More Often Than Spouse Visas?

Unlike spouse or civil partner visas, unmarried partners must prove two years of continuous cohabitation. The Home Office closely examines evidence of shared life, including tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements, and correspondence. Insufficient or inconsistent proof often leads to refusal.

Can I Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Without Living Together?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa even if you haven’t lived together continuously, provided your relationship is genuine, long-term, and similar to marriage, typically lasting at least two years.

The Home Office acknowledges that couples may live apart temporarily for reasons such as work, study, cultural, or personal circumstances, and such relationships can still be considered genuine and durable for visa purposes.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances

Start Preparing Evidence Early

Collect joint documentation well before applying. Include official correspondence addressed to both partners and provide explanations for temporary separations.

Organise Documents Clearly

Submit a well-structured evidence bundle grouped by category (relationship, financial, accommodation) and presented chronologically. A cover letter summarising your case can also help caseworkers.

Ensure Financial Documents Are Accurate

Check payslips, bank statements, and employment letters carefully. Errors or inconsistencies are a common reason for refusal.

Be Transparent About Your History

Disclose any gaps, prior refusals, or time abroad. Incomplete disclosure can harm credibility.

Seek Expert Legal Advice

Immigration solicitors can identify weak points in your application, guide you through requirements, and represent you in case of appeal, often improving your chances of success.

Does Hiring an Immigration Solicitor Increase My Approval Chances?

Yes. Seeking professional legal advice can greatly improve your chances of a successful Unmarried Partner Visa UK application. Solicitors help identify gaps in evidence, ensure compliance with Appendix FM-SE requirements, and organise the application in a way that aligns with Home Office expectations. They can also represent you if your application is refused or appealed.

Conclusion

The Unmarried Partner Visa UK success rate for complete and well-prepared applications is estimated at 70-80%, whereas applications with missing or inconsistent evidence usually see less than 50% approval.

At Wembley Solicitors, we advise starting early, organising evidence, and seeking professional guidance. With strong, consistent documentation and expert support, applicants can achieve a high success rate and eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), enabling them to build a secure life together in the UK.

Need Help with Your UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa requires careful preparation, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of Home Office requirements. With the right guidance from Wembley Solicitors, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful application, allowing you to live with your partner in the UK legally and securely.

For legal guidance with your UK Unmarried Partner visa, call Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.