Partner applications are among the most document-heavy in UK immigration. The route that fits depends on your relationship, where you are applying from and the immigration or citizenship status of the person already in the UK.
This page explains the main points from GOV.UK. It does not assess whether you qualify; that needs your full circumstances.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK lists separate family visas for a partner or spouse and for a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.
- You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months.
- Financial and English language requirements apply.
- Applications are usually made from outside the UK. Extending or switching inside the UK is limited to certain categories, including a spouse or partner.
- You cannot normally get a family visa if your family member is in the UK on a work or student visa. In that case the family member’s visa may allow you to apply as a dependant instead (see our dependants page).
- People who are in the UK as visitors, or on visas of 6 months or less, usually have to leave the UK to apply. GOV.UK gives exceptions, including 6-month fiancé(e) visas and permission linked to a family court or divorce case.
- Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) depends on completing a qualifying period of residence in the UK.
Where a solicitor can help.
- Choosing the right route and whether to apply from inside or outside the UK.
- Checking the financial requirement and evidence before you apply.
- Preparing the application and supporting evidence.
- Responding to Home Office requests for further information.
- Advising after a refusal on fresh applications or other options.
What usually decides the outcome.
- The immigration or citizenship status of the partner who is already in the UK.
- Whether you and your partner meet the financial requirement and how that is evidenced.
- How the relationship is evidenced, particularly if you are unmarried or have not yet lived together.
- Your immigration history, including previous refusals, overstaying or time spent in the UK on other visas.
- English language evidence and whether any exemption applies.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.