The Right Key: Your Guide to the UK Civil Partner Visa
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Your Civil Partnership certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it’s the legal key to starting your life together in the UK. But a successful application isn't as simple as turning that key. While the certificate is essential, it's the meticulous evidence of your life together that truly opens the door to your future.
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I understand that this can feel confusing. With over two decades of dedicated experience as a regulated immigration adviser, I'm here to ensure you have everything you need. I'll show you how to use your civil partnership as the cornerstone of your application and then help you build a compelling case that proves your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
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Section Bar:
Section 1: Partner Visa Eligibility Criteria
Section 2: What you need to demonstrate
Before we open the door to your life in the UK, we need to ensure you have the right key. This means meeting the fundamental eligibility criteria set out by the Home Office.
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Prohibited relationship:
You and your partner can not be directly related to one another:
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A Legally Recognized Civil Partnership:
The most important piece of your application is your Civil Partnership certificate itself. For your relationship to be accepted for immigration purposes, it must be legally valid and recognized in the UK. This means it must be a valid union in the country where it took place and, crucially, that it would also be a recognized civil partnership under UK law. My role is to confirm that your partnership meets these specific legal requirements before we proceed.
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Marriage vs. Civil Partnership:
A Quick Comparison From a legal standpoint, marriage and civil partnership grant you virtually the same rights and responsibilities in the UK. The key differences lie in the terminology and the ceremony itself. Marriage is formed by the exchange of vows, while a civil partnership is formed by signing a legal document. While both are legally recognized unions for immigration purposes, couples often choose a civil partnership for personal reasons, as it has a different historical and cultural context. Regardless of which path you've chosen, I can help you navigate the visa process with confidence.
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A Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
While the certificate is the key, the door will not open unless you can prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting. The Home Office is looking for evidence of a real, ongoing commitment beyond the legal document. I will guide you on how to present a compelling case that tells the story of your life together, ensuring your application is not just legally compliant but also undeniably authentic.
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Intent to Live Permanently Together
The Home Office needs to be certain that your intentions are serious. They require clear evidence that you and your partner plan to live together permanently in the UK after your visa is approved. I will ensure your application demonstrates a consistent and genuine commitment to building your future here as a couple.
With your legal relationship and your genuine commitment to your partner in place, we can now look at the final, but equally important, keys that will open the door to your UK visa.
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​Previous Relationships Permanently Dissolved
The Home Office needs to be sure that both you and your partner are free to enter into a civil partnership under UK visa requirements. If either of you has been previously married or in a civil partnership, we will need to provide official proof that the previous union has been legally and permanently dissolved. This is a vital step that confirms your legal status to enter into the partnership.
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Adequate Accommodation
You must prove that you have a safe and suitable place to live in the UK that is not overcrowded and can be secured without the use of public funds. A thorough demonstration of your exclusive right to occupy a property and its suitability is a critical part of your application. The required evidence can vary significantly, which is why it's so important to receive a tailored assessment to ensure your documents are perfectly matched to your situation.
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English Language Requirement
You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of English by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved centre. The required level of proficiency is not the same for every application. For example, the standard for your initial visa is different from the level needed for further leave to remain and increases again for settlement.
For an in-depth look at obtaining an appropriate SELT language certificate check out: What SELT English Test do I need to sit:
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Important Note: The rules provide for certain exemptions based on your nationality or a physical/mental condition. If you hold a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English, this may also be used to meet the criteria without taking a test. I will ensure you know the correct way to meet this requirement for your specific stage of the journey.
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Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate
If you are applying from a country on the Home Office’s designated list, you will need to get a TB certificate from an approved clinic as part of your application. I will confirm if this is a requirement for your specific circumstances and guide you on how to obtain the certificate to avoid any delays. For an in-depth look at obtaining an appropriate SELT language certificate check out: Do I need a TB Certificate:​​​
When you apply for civil partnership visa in UK, the financial requirement is often the most challenging part of a civil partner visa UK requirements, and with recent rule changes, it's more complex than ever. The Home Office (Visas and immigration UK) have a strict set of rules to prove your financial stability to ensure you won't need to rely on public funds. My role is to simplify this for you, identifying the correct path to meet this requirement no matter how complex your situation is.
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The New Financial Milestone:
£29,000 For most new applicants, the financial threshold is a fixed £29,000. It's important to note that, unlike previous rules, this figure does not increase for dependent children, which is a welcome change for many families.
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Transitional Arrangements:
The £18,600 Threshold If you are already on the five-year partner route, you may be able to rely on the previous financial requirements. These transitional arrangements mean your income threshold remains at £18,600. The changes to these rules came into force on 11th April 2024.
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It's crucial to understand that under these old rules, the income required still increases for each additional child. However, there is now a cap in place: your required income will not exceed the new £29,000 threshold, even if you are sponsoring a large number of children.
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A Future Under Review
It's also important to note that the current £29,000 threshold is being reviewed by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), and there is a possibility that this figure could be adjusted in the future. As a registered adviser, I stay on top of these potential changes to ensure your application is always based on the most current information.
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Adequate Maintenance:
​A Different Path If your partner has a long-term illness or disability and is in receipt of certain benefits, you may be exempt from the standard income thresholds. This is known as the "adequate maintenance" route. Instead of meeting a fixed income amount, you will need to demonstrate that your income is sufficient to support your family without the need for public funds. This is a very specific and fact-dependent route that I can help you navigate.
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A Future Under Review
It's also important to note that the current £29,000 threshold is being reviewed by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), and there is a possibility that this figure could be adjusted in the future. As a registered adviser, I stay on top of these potential changes to ensure your application is always based on the most current information.
The Income Categories: Building Your Financial Profile
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Your income can be demonstrated in a number of different ways. The rules on which income can be counted and from which sources are highly specific. My role is to help you navigate these to build a strong case.
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Category A: Employed for 6 months or more This is the most common and straightforward route. It relies on a stable income from an employer you've been with for at least six months. The evidence for this includes a clear set of payslips and corresponding bank statements. This is often the path of least resistance, but it still requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure everything is submitted correctly.
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Category B: Employed for less than 6 months or variable income This category is for those who have recently started a new job or whose income fluctuates. It requires you to pass two separate financial tests based on your current salary and your total earnings over the last 12 months. This two-part test can be confusing, but I will help you prove both requirements with the correct documentation, even if you’ve had multiple jobs in the last year.
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Category C: Non-Employment Income This applies to income from sources other than a job, such as property rental, dividends from shares, or interest from savings. You must prove that this income has been received consistently over the past 12 months. I will guide you on how to document these sources to show a clear and reliable financial picture.
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Category D: Cash Savings Cash savings above a certain threshold can be used on their own or in combination with other income to meet the financial requirement. The funds must have been held in a bank account for at least six consecutive months. The calculation for this category is highly specific, and any misstep can lead to a refusal.
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Category E: Pension Income If you or your partner are retired, you can rely on income from a UK or foreign state, occupational, or private pension. This is a straightforward category that only requires you to have been in receipt of the pension for at least 28 days before you apply.
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Categories F & G: Self-Employed These categories are for those who are self-employed or a director of a specified limited company in the UK. They rely on your income from the most recent full financial year (Category F) or an average of your income over the last two full financial years (Category G). The documentation for these routes is extensive and requires careful preparation of tax returns and business accounts.
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A Note on Overseas Income
The use of overseas income to meet the financial requirement is a complex area, and it is not a straightforward conclusion that it can be combined with UK income for a guaranteed successful outcome. If your specific circumstances involve overseas earnings, I strongly recommend you seek advice.
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Ready to Begin Your Journey?
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With the right key, the door to your life in the UK is within reach. Navigating the civil British partner visa process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I am personally dedicated to providing the expert, one-on-one support you need. From confirming your legal documents to building a strong case file and navigating the financial requirements, I’ll provide the clear roadmap to turn a stressful process into a confident journey.
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Find the Right Level of Support for You
A lot of my clients have already decided they need help and want to know what level of support is right for them. Here are your options:
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Exploratory Call (Free): This is the best place to start. A free 20-minute call to discuss your general situation and establish a clear path forward. [Button: Book Your Free Call]
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Consultation: If you just need a comprehensive, one-hour consultation, this service provides you with the guidance to understand the Immigration Rules. Learn more about my Consultation Service
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Application Checking Service: If you are confident in preparing your application yourself, I can fully check it before you submit it. Learn more about my Application Checking Service
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Full Representation Service: For complete peace of mind, I can take on the entire application process for you, from start to finish. I will work with you to prepare, submit, and manage your application all the way through to completion. Click: Get Your Personal Quote
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Book a Free Partner Application AssessmentÂ
MYG LTD - Immigration
79 Winchester Street
Salisbury
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Your Civil Partnership Visa Knowledge Hub
Don't let uncertainty derail your application. We offer free, comprehensive guides, articles, and resources designed to bring clarity to the Civil Partnership visa process. Trust MYG LTD to provide the expert knowledge you need to proceed with absolute confidence.
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