Before you book that one-way flight to the UK, there is something more important to organise than your luggage: making sure that you have the correct visa to enter the UK, Specifically. I am referring to the family-related applications, such as the UK Partner Visa.

A UK Partner Visa is one of the most demanding yet worthwhile applications you can do, but firstly, what is a UK Partner Visa? Well, Simply put, it is a type of family visa that allows an eligible spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner to join or remain with their partner in the UK, provided the relevant immigration requirements are met.

A small heads up: this Article is tailor-made for applicants in Asia, but If you are a national of another country, please don’t click off just yet, most, if not all of the information in this article still applies. This is because the UK Partner Visa Requirements are generally the same regardless of the applicant’s nationality. The nuance and specifics of each case differs, as the evidence available or the documents required may change due to individual circumstances.

So, who can apply? Well, the good news is that you can apply for the visa if you are married or unmarried, what really matters is that your relationship meets the requirements set out by the government. The sponsor (the partner in the UK), for example, generally must be a British or Irish citizen, have qualifying pre-settled status, or fall within other specified categories and both parties must generally be 18 or over. In short, love is love, but the bad news? The Home Office does still want paperwork to prove it.

“Before applying, there are several key requirements that will usually need to be considered. First comes the relationship requirement. Then there is the Financial Requirement where for many new applications, the minimum income requirement is currently £29,000 per year, although how the financial requirement is calculated depends on the applicant’s circumstances and exceptions can apply(although some exceptions may apply). Then comes the English-language requirement, which normally requires you to demonstrate English at least at CEFR A1 level for a first application, unless an exemption or another permitted route applies. Finally, you have to prove that you will have suitable housing. When you arrive in the UK, you do not necessarily need to own a house but you do need to demonstrate that there will be suitable accommodation available for you and your family, and demonstrate that adequate accommodation will be available without overcrowding.

Once you are confident that you meet the requirements, it is time to gather your documents. These will usually cover:

Identity/passport,
Marriage/civil partnership evidence (if applicable)
relationship evidence
Communications and evidence of visits
Accommodation
Finances
English language ability
Previous immigration history and previous relationships/ marriages
TB certificate, where required based on the applicant’s circumstances and country of residence.

And remember: if your documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need a certified translation. Sadly, Google Translate alone won’t impress the Home Office.

All in all, immigration is a complex process, from preparing your actual application to communicating with the home office. At Sparrow & Trieu Solicitors our team has over 40 years of experience which informs the advice and support we provide at every stage. If you or your partner are looking to move to the UK, get in touch today.