De Facto - Un-married Partners Visa

This visa may allow a person to travel to enter and remain in the UK on the basis they are the unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK, i.e. a person who is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (full residency), or enjoys Right of Abode. It is often possible to apply for this whilst in the UK, provided the applicant has a valid UK Visa that has been issued for longer than six months.

There is also provision for unmarried partners of Ancestry Visa and Work Permit holders to obtain Conditions in line with their partners? visa on the basis of their relationship. This type of application must be lodged via Entry Clearance from the applicants? home country regardless of current visa status. Evidence of cohabitation must be provided and must show that you have been living with your partner in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.

If you have been issued with an Unmarried Partners Visa you may remain in the UK for a period of 2 years and be permitted to work freely, and exit and enter the UK as you wish. On completion of the 2 years, provided your relationship still subsists, it may be possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (full residency).

With regard to applications for an Unmarried Partner/De Facto application on the basis of having a partner from the European Union please see the section 'EU Marriage, Unmarried Partners, Residence Permit and Family Permit' for a non-European family member.