Joining Your British or Settled Partner in the UK: What You Need to Know Before Applying

If you wish to live in the UK with your partner, you may be able to apply under the family visa route. This allows spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners to join a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

Applications are made under the UK Family Immigration Rules.

However, these applications can be complex, particularly where applicants have previous immigration issues or complicated immigration histories.

You may be eligible to apply if your partner is:

• A British citizen, or
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (settled status), or
• A person with EU Settlement Scheme settled status.

Applicants must normally show that:

• The relationship is genuine and subsisting
• They intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Applicants typically need to satisfy several requirements, including:

You must prove your relationship through evidence such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates
• Evidence of cohabitation
• Communication records and photographs.

Most applicants must meet the minimum income threshold, currently set at £29,000 per year for sponsoring partners in many family visa cases.

Evidence may include:

• Employment income
• Self-employment income
• Savings.

Applicants must normally demonstrate English language ability through an approved test or recognized qualification.

You must show that adequate accommodation will be available for you and your partner in the UK.

Many applicants focus on financial or relationship requirements, but the suitability requirements can be equally important.

These rules allow the Home Office to refuse an application if the applicant has certain issues in their immigration history.

Examples may include:

• Previous visa refusals
• Overstaying in the UK
• Breaches of immigration conditions
• Use of deception in previous applications
• Criminal convictions.

These provisions are contained within Appendix Part Suitability.

If you have a complex immigration history, the Home Office may scrutinise your application carefully.

For example:

• Previous overstaying could lead to re-entry ban
• Allegations of deception may result in long-term re-entry bans
• Previous refusals may raise credibility concerns.

Because of this, applicants with complicated cases should carefully review their immigration history before submitting a new application.

Family visa applications can be refused if requirements are not properly addressed.

Seeking legal advice can help ensure that:

• All requirements are satisfied
• Your immigration history is properly explained
• Supporting evidence is presented effectively.

Professional advice can be particularly important if you have:

• Previous visa refusals
• Immigration breaches
• Criminal issues
• Gaps in documentation.