Recent changes to UK immigration rules now allow couples who have never cohabited to apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa, as long as they can show that their relationship is genuine and has lasted at least two years in a manner similar to marriage or a civil partnership. From 31 January 2025, the Home Office no longer requires proof that unmarried couples have lived together for a minimum of two years. The focus is now on the quality and duration of the relationship itself.
If you wish to apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa but are not living together, you must provide evidence that your relationship is both genuine and ongoing for the required period.
It is important to remember that while you can apply for a UK Unmarried Partner visa without living together for the past two years, the Home Office still views living together as strong proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship. Therefore, you will need to provide strong evidence showing that your relationship is genuine even though you have not lived together.
Requirements for Unmarried Partner Visa Without Living Together
If you are applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa and you have not lived with your partner, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have been in a relationship for at least two years at the time of application but have not lived together due to valid reasons, such as work, studies in different countries, or cultural factors.
- Your relationship is similar in nature and commitment to marriage or a civil partnership.
- The relationship has been genuine and continuous for at least two years and remains so at the application date.
- You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the United Kingdom.
- You can demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level A1 or higher.
- Your combined annual income with your UK-based partner is at least £29,000.
Evidence Required if You’re Not Living Together
While there is no comprehensive list issued by the Home Office, it is essential to provide as much evidence as possible showing that your relationship is genuine and has been ongoing for at least two years. The absence of cohabitation means that strong alternative evidence is particularly important.
Suggested types of evidence include:
- Proof of regular communication between you and your partner over the last two years, such as instant messages, emails, chat records, or call logs. The evidence should show consistent interaction throughout the relationship.
- Evidence of travel to visit each other, such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, or photographs together at various locations. This helps demonstrate consistent effort to maintain the relationship.
- Letters of support from friends or family who are familiar with you as a couple.
- Details of joint financial commitments, for example, joint bank accounts or shared investments.
- Legal connections, such as being a named beneficiary of your partner’s insurance policies, wills, trusts, or pensions.
- Documentation showing you have made plans to live together in the UK, such as a joint tenancy agreement or mortgage contract.
- Evidence explaining why you have not lived together, for example, letters from employers describing work in different locations, university enrolment showing study commitments abroad, medical or travel restrictions, or statements about cultural or religious barriers.
Alongside the above, you must still satisfy the other Unmarried Partner Visa requirements. This includes evidence of income (such as employment contracts or payslips proving a combined income of at least £29,000) and an English language pass certificate to meet the language requirement.
Each situation is unique, so it is best to tailor your evidence to your circumstances. If you are unsure of what you need to provide or how to present your case effectively, consult an experienced immigration lawyer for expert advice.
For guidance on selecting a professional, see Questions to Ask Before Hiring a UK Immigration Lawyer.
