Step-by-Step Guide to UK Partner Visas

getting started

Are you looking to bring your partner to the UK? Look no further, as we have all the information you need to start your partner visa application.

First, it’s important to understand what a partner visa is and who qualifies for one. A partner visa allows the spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a person with settled or pre-settled status in the UK to join them.

To apply for a partner visa, you and your partner must be able to prove that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship. You will also need to provide evidence of your financial stability, as well as meet the English language requirement.

In terms of processing time, the average wait for a decision on a partner visa application is around 5-12 months. However, this can vary depending on the individual case and the volume of applications being processed.

When applying for a partner visa, it’s essential to have all the necessary documents in order. This includes proof of your relationship, such as photos and letters, as well as evidence of financial support, such as bank statements and payslips.

At Move Up, we have extensive experience in helping individuals apply for partner visas. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate.

Start your partner visa application today and bring your significant other to the UK. Contact us for further information and assistance.

To further help in these cases, we have taken the liberty to address the next frequently asked questions from here:

• • Can I go over on a visitor visa and then change to a work visa or settlement visa?
  • What work permits are available for South Africans?
  • I have family that live in the UK, do I qualify to work in the UK?
  • I have family born in the UK, do I qualify to work in the UK?
  • My family in the UK are offering sponsorship, do I qualify?
  • My friend has offered me a job, do I qualify?
  • How do I get a UK job offer, for a Tier 2 work permit?
  • I got a UK job offer, which visa do I qualify for?
  • Which visa is better – Ancestry or Settlement visa?

Now that the formalities are addressed and we are all on the same page of understanding, we can address the 3 main qualifying criteria.

Part 1: Relationship legitimacy.
Part 2: English ability recognition.
Part 3: Financial requirement.

The UK Partner Visa for South Africans

If you are a South African partner of a British passport holder, you may be eligible for the UK Settlement Visa. This visa has been designed for non-EU family members of British passport holders to join their loved one in the UK. It is important to note that being married to a British passport holder does not offer any travel benefits for leisure purposes. For travel benefits, it may be more advantageous to be married to an EU passport holder (other than British).

The main applicant, who holds a South African passport, will apply for the visa in South Africa. The sponsor, who holds a British passport, can either be a dual national (South African and British) or a permanent resident (Indefinite Leave to Remain) residing in the UK.

The Settlement Visa is meant for South Africans looking to permanently relocate to the UK. It offers permanent settlement rights, including the ability to work freely in the UK and the opportunity to naturalize (obtain a British passport), assuming sufficient intent to permanently reside in the UK is shown. It should be noted that naturalization now takes 6 years.

To be eligible for the Settlement Visa, the application must be submitted under the standard family application and the couple must have been in a legally recognized relationship for a minimum of 2 years.