If the applicant intends to come to the UK for the first time on the basis of a long-term partnership with a citizen or permanent resident of the UK, he or she must obtain an entry visa under the Unmarried Partner category.
If the applicant is already in the UK on any valid visa issued for more than 6 months (other than visitor’s visas), he or she has the right to switch to an Unmarried Partner visa without leaving the country.
When processing such visas, it is necessary to pay special attention to the selection of necessary documents, as each case is individual. Therefore, in such cases, we recommend contacting an immigration specialist.
Partners in common-law unions with EEA nationals who have permanent residency or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
The common-law partners, who started and developed a relationship and who started living together before December 31, 2020, can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, and then apply for Pre-Settled Status, which is linked to the status of the partner, in their home country.
In any case, the partners must have been in a close relationship and have lived together for at least two years before applying for this status, and they must have solid documentary evidence of the sincerity of the relationship.
In addition to the above, the following factors must be taken into consideration:
– It is at the discretion of the immigration officer to issue a family member entry permit to the common-law partner.
– Common-law partners are allowed to take up employment or self-employment as long as their partner exercises contractual rights in the United Kingdom.
– Common-law partners can apply for permanent residency (Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme) after 5 years of residency in the UK.
The rules for victims of domestic violence apply to common-law partners of EEA nationals who have permanent residence or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
