The Proposed Civil Partner Visa is designed for individuals who wish to enter the UK to form a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. Similar to the UK Fiancé Visa, this visa allows entry to the UK with the specific purpose of getting civilly partnered within six months. In this article, we will explain the eligibility requirements, fees, documents needed, and the application process for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa.
What Is the UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa?
The UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK to form a civil partnership with their British citizen or settled partner. The visa is valid for six months, during which time you must register your civil partnership. After forming the civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a spouse or civil partner visa to remain in the UK.
This visa is ideal for couples who want to formalize their relationship through a civil partnership in the UK and stay together long-term.
Eligibility Requirements for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa
To be eligible for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you and your partner must meet several criteria:
- Relationship Requirements
- You must intend to register a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK.
- You and your partner must have met in person and be in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Your partner must be a British citizen, have settled status in the UK (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status), or hold refugee status or humanitarian protection.
- Financial Requirements
- Your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year, or more if you have dependent children. Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or other specified sources.
- Accommodation Requirement
- You must demonstrate that you and your partner have suitable accommodation in the UK, where you can live together without relying on public funds.
- English Language Requirement
- You must prove your knowledge of the English language by passing an approved test at level A1 or higher, unless exempt.
Documents Required for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa
To successfully apply for the UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa, you will need to provide several key documents, including:
- Proof of Identity: Passports or travel documents for both you and your partner.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence such as photos, correspondence, and documents showing you’ve met in person, and that your relationship is genuine.
- Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements, or savings documentation showing that you meet the financial requirements.
- Accommodation Details: A tenancy agreement, property ownership papers, or a letter from the person providing your accommodation.
- English Language Test Certificate: Proof of passing an approved English language test or evidence of an exemption.
- Civil Partnership Intention: Evidence of your plans to form a civil partnership in the UK, such as booking confirmation from a registry office.
Fees for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa (2024)
Below is a breakdown of the costs associated with the Proposed Civil Partner Visa:
- Application Fee
- Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Fee: £1,623 (for applications made outside the UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Total Cost: £0 (for Proposed Civil Partner Visa). The IHS is not required for visas that last under six months, such as the Proposed Civil Partner Visa. However, once you switch to a civil partner visa after registering your civil partnership, you will be required to pay the IHS, which is currently £624 per year.
- Biometric Appointment Fee
- Cost: £19.20. This fee is required for providing biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a Visa Application Centre.
- Priority Visa Service (Optional)
- Cost: £573. If you need a faster decision on your visa application, you can opt for priority service, which typically provides a decision within five working days.
- Super Priority Service (Optional)
- Cost: £956. For urgent applications, you can choose the super-priority service, which provides a decision within 24 hours.
How to Apply for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa
The application process for the UK Proposed Civil Partnership Visa follows several key steps:
- Complete the Application Online
- Begin the process by filling out the online visa application form on the UK government’s official website. You’ll also pay the application fee at this stage.
- Submit Your Documents
- Upload or submit your supporting documents, ensuring all the required evidence is included and meets the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) standards.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Wait for a Decision
- Standard visa processing time is usually 12 weeks, but faster options are available with priority or super-priority services.
What Happens After You Enter the UK?
Once your Proposed Civil Partner Visa is approved, you will have six months to enter the UK and register your civil partnership. After registering, you can apply to switch to a civil partner visa (which is similar to the spouse visa) and stay in the UK longer.
The next steps after forming a civil partnership include:
- Switching to a Civil Partner Visa: This visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension, ultimately leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
- Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This will be required when switching to the civil partner visa, and you must pay for 2.5 years upfront.
Additional Considerations
- English Language Test: Plan to take the English language test early to avoid delays in your application. Book your test at a UKVI-approved centre.
- Legal Advice: If your case is complex or you need help with the application process, consider seeking legal advice from an immigration lawyer.
Summary of Proposed Civil Partner Visa Fees (2024)
| Fee Type | Cost (2024) |
|---|---|
| Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Fee | £1,623 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £0 |
| Biometric Appointment Fee | £19.20 |
| Priority Visa Service (Optional) | £573 |
| Super Priority Service (Optional) | £956 |
| English Language Test | £150–£200 |
| Translation/Legal Fees (Optional) | Varies |
Conclusion
Applying for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa is a significant step for couples who wish to start their life together in the UK. Understanding the requirements, gathering the correct documents, and preparing for the financial costs involved will help ensure a smooth application process. Once you have successfully registered your civil partnership, you’ll be able to apply for a civil partner visa and build your future together in the UK.
If you need guidance throughout the visa application process, consider consulting with a legal professional to avoid any complications.