* Overview
*Apply for a visa as a partner or spouse
* Apply for a visa as a parent
*Applying for a visa as an adult coming to the UK to be cared for by relatives
* Apply for a visa based on your personal life
Apply for a visa as a partner or spouse
To apply for a visa as a partner, the couple must be 18 years of age or older.
Your partner must also meet one of the following conditions:
- Be a British citizen.
- Have permanent residence in the UK (have “indefinite residence” or have permanent residence permits).
- Have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
“You and your partner must intend to live together permanently after applying for a visa.”
You must prove the conditions for applying for this type of visa
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You’ve gotten a marriage that is recognized in the UK.
- You have been in a relationship for at least 2 years at the time of applying for this visa.
- You are engaged and will be married within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
You must also prove the following:
- You have sufficient knowledge of English.
- You can provide for yourself and your dependents.
If you do not qualify, you may still be able to apply for or extend a visa with the following conditions:
- You have a child who is a British citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years, and it is unreasonable for them to leave the UK.
- Living outside the UK will have significant difficulties for you and your partner that cannot be overcome.
- Preventing you from coming to the UK or being forced to leave is a violation of your human rights.
If you are applyingfor a visa as a candidate
You must prove:
- Your previous marriage is over.
- You plan to get married within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
“You can not work during the engagement period”
How long can you stay?
If you are applying, you will receive a residence permit for 2.5 years, or 6 months.
After this period, you must apply for a visa to extend your stay.
How to apply for a visa
To apply for this type of visa, please first complete the relevant assessment form.
Your answers will be reviewed by our partners and if you are eligible to receive this type of visa, you will be notified of the next steps of this process by e-mail or phone.
You can also ask your questions at the bottom of this page. We will try to answer your questions as soon as possible.
Contact us for information about this type of visa or other items.
Apply for a visa with children
If your children are under 18, or were under 18 at the time of applying for their visa and do not live independently, you can add your children as dependents to your application.
If, for example, your child has left home, is married or has children, then your child is living independently.
When can you become a permanent resident?
The fastest time you can apply for permanent residence is after 5 years of your residence as a partner in the UK.