The UK Unmarried Partner Visa enables non-British nationals to join their long-term partner in the UK, whether in an opposite-sex or same-sex relationship, as long as the relationship is genuine and durable.
From 31 January 2024, the rules changed — partners are no longer required to have lived together to qualify. Instead, applicants must show that they have been in a relationship comparable to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
Who Meets the Definition of a Partner?
A partner can be:
- a spouse
- a civil partner
- an unmarried partner, where the couple have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years
While a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner is not included in this definition, such relationships may still meet the criteria for being durable under the new guidance.
What is a “durable relationship”?
A durable relationship is one that is similar in nature to a marriage or civil partnership, showing a serious, long-term commitment between two people — even if they are not legally married or registered partners.
To qualify, the couple must generally have been in this type of committed relationship for at least two years before applying.
Typical Indicators of a Durable Relationship
- Cohabitation: Living together as a couple (not just as friends) is the most common sign. Evidence can include shared tenancy or mortgage agreements, utility bills, or official correspondence showing the same address over time.
- Commitment and Continuity: Proof of an ongoing, genuine connection, such as shared financial responsibilities, joint travel, and communication.
- Intent to Live Together: Even if currently apart, there must be a clear intention to live together in the future.
When Cohabitation Isn’t Possible
A relationship can still be accepted as durable even if the couple:
- Live apart for legitimate reasons (e.g. work, study, or visa requirements).
- Are unable to cohabit due to cultural, legal, or social restrictions in their country (e.g. same-sex relationships not recognised or cohabitation prohibited).
If you haven’t lived together, you can support your application with evidence showing an ongoing, genuine relationship, such as communication, visits, shared activities, financial support, or joint care responsibilities.
What are the other relationship requirements?
- that both partners are aged over 18 on the date of application
- the partners must not be so closely related they would be prohibited from marriage or a civil partnership in the UK
- any previous relationships must have broken down permanently. A previous relationship is considered to have broken down when a spouse or partner has passed away, or a marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship has ended through divorce, dissolution, or separation.
Cultural and legal differences are taken into account — especially where divorce is restricted or not legally possible in the applicant’s home country — but the relationship must still be shown to have ended in practice.
- the partners must have met in person
- the relationship must be genuine and subsisting
Understanding Evidence for a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
When applying as an unmarried partner, decision-makers assess whether your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and comparable to marriage or a civil partnership. There isn’t a single required document that proves this — instead, officials consider the overall picture based on the information and evidence you provide.
Does all evidence have equal weight?
- Official, verifiable documents carry more weight than personal statements or informal material.
- Supporting evidence is reviewed together, meaning a range of different documents can help show a consistent and credible relationship history.
- Each relationship is assessed individually, taking into account personal, cultural, and religious circumstances — there are no fixed expectations that apply to everyone.
- If evidence is missing or unclear, applicants may be asked to provide further information or attend an interview to clarify their relationship.
What do decision-makers look for when assessing a relationship?
- Genuine – not entered into for immigration purposes;
- Ongoing – showing commitment and contact over time; and
- Durable – stable and intended to continue into the future.
Where there are reasonable explanations for limited evidence (for example, due to cultural barriers or time spent apart), these factors are considered. However, applications without credible or sufficient information to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship are likely to be refused.
Practical tips for strengthening an application
- Gather reliable documents
Use official, verifiable papers that clearly show your names, address or shared financial responsibilities. Such evidence carries stronger weight.
- Show continuity and commitment
Try to include evidence that your relationship has been ongoing — for example, proof of living together, shared expenses, or regular communication/visits over time.
- Explain any gaps or unusual circumstances
If you have periods apart (for work, study, cultural reasons) or lived separately due to external factors, include a clear explanation and supporting evidence (e.g., travel tickets, employment letters). The key is showing that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
- Organise your evidence neatly
Label the documents, indicate the timeframe, and ensure they reflect the same period or sequence — this helps decision-makers see the full story more easily.
- Cultural/contextual sensitivity
If your relationship is influenced by cultural or religious practices (such as separate living arrangements or same-sex partnership constraints), consider including contextual information so that the reviewer understands your circumstances.
- Don’t rely solely on informal evidence
While photos, WhatsApp chats and social media interactions can help, they carry less weight than official documents. They’re best used as part of a broader evidence portfolio, rather than the main proof.
- Be honest and consistent
Make sure the information on your application form, in any partner declarations, and in the supporting documents all align. Inconsistencies or unexplained gaps may raise queries.
In Summary
A durable relationship means the couple have been together in a genuine, committed partnership for at least two years, similar in seriousness and stability to a marriage or civil partnership.
Cohabitation is strong evidence — but not essential — if there are valid reasons for living apart, provided the relationship can be shown to be genuine, ongoing, and intended to continue.
If you haven’t been able to cohabit with your partner, you’re not alone. Many couples face this challenge due to distance, career demands, or cultural expectations.
At Migrate UK, we’ve helped countless clients overcome these hurdles and secure visa approvals through expert representation and a tailored approach.
📩 Get in touch at info@migrate-uk.com to find out how we can support your application.