The Civil Partner Visa applies where a couple has entered a legally recognised civil partnership. The Unmarried Partner Visa is for couples who are not legally married or in a civil partnership but can demonstrate a durable relationship, typically supported by at least two years of cohabitation.

In both cases, the Home Office – the UK government’s lead department for immigration, border security, policing, and counter-terrorism – must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, and that the couple intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Financial requirement

Both routes are subject to the same minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year gross. The British sponsor can meet this threshold through a combination of permitted income sources, including:

• Employment income (UK-based or overseas employment returning to the UK).
• Self-employment or director income.
• Pension income.
• Rental or property income.
• Certain other specified lawful income streams.

Where gross income does not reach £29,000 requirement, Sponsors may instead rely on cash savings of £88,500 held for at least six months before the application. It is also possible to rely on a combination of income and cash savings. The financial threshold is subject to change without notice.

*All GBP (Great British Pound) amounts can be converted to Canadian dollars using the official OANDA exchange rates.

Key distinction

Although the financial and English language requirements are the same, the main distinction between the two routes lies in the supporting evidence needed. Civil partners can use their civil partnership certificate to prove their relationship, while unmarried partners must supply a substantial amount of documentation demonstrating their cohabitation and the merging of their financial affairs covering a minimum of two years.

Visa duration

Your initial Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner visa will be valid for 33 months. You can extend this initial visa for a further 30 months. Assuming your relationship is still subsisting, you can apply for permanent residence after living in the UK for five years.

Get more information and legal help

To learn more about choosing the correct visa to enter the UK, please contact Sterling Immigration Ltd.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about UK Travel and Immigration
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links