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Live in the UK with your long-term partner on the family route to settlement
The Unmarried Partner Visa is designed for couples who are not married or in a civil partnership but have lived together in a committed relationship for at least two years. It allows you to live in the UK with your British or settled partner and can lead to permanent residence and British citizenship.
At Mohmand Immigration Legal Services, we know that proving a long-term relationship can feel daunting. We help you present clear, well‑organised evidence that meets the Home Office rules, reducing the risk of refusal and delays.
The unmarried partner route usually grants permission for up to 2 years and 9 months (or 2.5 years if applying from within the UK). After this period you can extend, and after 5 years in total you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided you still meet the relevant requirements.
To qualify, you and your partner must show that your relationship is genuine, ongoing and similar to marriage, and that you meet the financial, accommodation and English language rules.
We follow a clear step‑by‑step process so that nothing important is missed and your application is presented as strongly as possible.
We assess your circumstances, explain the rules and confirm the best route for you.
We provide a tailored evidence list and help you gather strong documents for your case.
We prepare your forms, draft legal representations and check everything carefully.
We submit your application, manage communications and support you until a decision.
Applying as an unmarried partner involves paying several mandatory Home Office charges. These are separate from any legal advice or representation you may choose to use.
The main government costs are the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These fees are set by the Home Office and can change, so we will always confirm the latest amounts and provide a clear breakdown of likely costs during your initial consultation.
* Figures are for guidance only and may change. We will confirm up‑to‑date fees and options during your consultation.
Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive about this route.
The Unmarried Partner Visa allows you to live in the UK with your British or settled partner if you have been in a genuine relationship and lived together for at least 2 years. It is part of the family route to settlement, similar to the spouse visa.
You normally need to show that you have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least 2 years before the date of application. Evidence can cover a slightly longer period, but you should be able to demonstrate continuous cohabitation.
You can provide joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, council tax, bank statements at the same address, official letters, travel records, photographs and any other documents showing that you have lived together and share a committed relationship.
Yes. If your application is granted, you will have full permission to work in the UK in any sector or role, and you can also study.
Most partners on this route can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years in the UK (an initial grant plus an extension), provided they continue to meet the relationship, financial and English language requirements.
Speak to our team about your situation. We will explain your options clearly and help you prepare a strong application from the outset.