Spouse or civil partner
For couples whose marriage or civil partnership is recognised in the UK and who intend to live together here.
Personal immigration
Bring your family plans
into focus.
Practical advice for partners, spouses, fiancés, children and other family members planning a life together in the UK.
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All personal immigration services
PARTNER AND FAMILY VISAS
Family applications are personal, but the legal tests and evidence can be exacting. We begin by identifying the right route, the requirements that apply to your circumstances and any issue that should be addressed before an application is submitted.
Information reviewed4 September 2026
ROUTE OPTIONS01 02 03 04
The right route starts with the relationship.
The family route is not a single application. The appropriate category depends on who you are joining, your relationship and both parties’ immigration positions.
Unmarried partner
For couples relying on a durable relationship, including cases where work, study or cultural circumstances explain time spent living apart.
Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
For someone planning to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK before making the next application.
Parent or child applications
For family applications centred on a child or a parent, where the correct route depends closely on status and family circumstances.
WHAT WE ASSESS01 02 03 04 05 06
Six areas we bring into one strategy.
Your sponsor’s position
We check the UK status of the person you are joining and whether the proposed family route fits that status.
Your relationship
We consider how the relationship meets the relevant definition and how it can be evidenced clearly and proportionately.
Financial requirements
We identify the applicable financial test, the permitted sources being relied upon and the documents required for them.
English language
We check whether a requirement applies, the level needed and whether an exemption or previous qualification may be relevant.
Accommodation
We consider the proposed home in the UK and the evidence available to show that it is suitable for the application.
Immigration history and timing
Current permission, previous applications, travel and important dates can affect both strategy and timing.
EVIDENCE PLANNING
Documents should tell one consistent story.
There is no universal document pack. We identify what is required, what carries the most weight and where an explanation may be needed.
Identity and status
Passports, immigration records and reliable evidence of the sponsor’s UK position.
Relationship evidence
Marriage or partnership documents where relevant, alongside evidence showing a genuine and continuing relationship.
Financial documents
The exact records depend on the income, savings or other permitted sources relied upon.
Accommodation
Documents connecting the family to the proposed address and showing the arrangements in place.
English language
An approved test, qualifying award or evidence supporting an exemption, where applicable.
Explanations and chronology
A clear account of unusual circumstances, gaps or earlier immigration issues where they need to be addressed.
COMMON QUESTIONSUseful questions
Useful questions
before you begin.
Which partner route should I use?+
That depends on your relationship, where you are applying from, your current immigration permission and the UK status of your partner. We check those points before recommending a route.
Do unmarried partners always need to have lived together?+
The rules focus on whether the relationship is durable and similar to marriage or civil partnership. Living together is important evidence, but official guidance recognises that some genuine couples live apart for work, study or cultural reasons. The overall evidence and explanation must be assessed carefully.
What financial evidence will I need?+
It depends on the financial category being used. Employment, self-employment, company income, savings and other permitted sources have different documentary rules. We create a tailored evidence list after checking the proposed source and relevant period.
Can you help after a refusal?+
Yes. A refusal should be reviewed promptly because challenge and reapplication options can carry different deadlines, costs and strategic consequences.
General guidance
This page provides general introductory information, not advice on an individual matter. Immigration requirements and Home Office practice can change. Please contact the team for advice on your circumstances.
Planning beyond
this application.
Your immediate application may form part of a longer route. We can help you understand the likely stages ahead.
Settlement and ILR
Forward planning for indefinite leave to remain, with careful attention to residence, absences, continuity and timing.
Explore this serviceBritish citizenship
Careful advice on naturalisation and registration, including residence, good character and future nationality considerations.
Explore this serviceRefusals and appeals
Strategic advice after an adverse immigration decision, focused on deadlines, evidence and the most effective remedy.
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Choose a clearer
starting point.
Use the guided enquiry form to tell us the broad area where you need help. Please share only brief details and do not send confidential documents.