In the UK, a same-sex partnership usually refers to a legal association between two persons of the same sex. 

The same-sex partner visa UK allows you to enter or remain in the United Kingdom if you are a same-sex partner of a settled person or a British citizen and have either cohabited for 24 months or are married.

If you qualify under the visa requirements, you will be granted limited permission to enter the UK, updated for a maximum of 33 months on the first application. 

What Requirements Are to be Met for the Same-sex Partner Visa?

Here are the requirements under the main rules for the UK same-sex partner visa application: 

  • You and your partner must both be at least 18 years of age. 
  • The applicant's partner must be of the same sex and must have lived together for a minimum of 2 years with a British citizen partner or a person who is settled in the UK, which means being given indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or having settled status. 
  • A genuine and subsisting relationship exists between the two of you, and you intend to settle down in the UK permanently. 
  • You must comply with the requirements relating to finances, which must be sufficiently considered for supporting your family without recourse to public funds. 
  • Meet the requirements for accommodation. 
  • Meet the English language requirement as proof of proficient understanding of the English language. 
  • Depending on the country where you are a resident, you may need to get tested for tuberculosis (TB) as part of the same-sex partner visa application process. 

What are the Financial Requirements for the UK Same-sex Partner Visa?

To meet the income or financial requirements of the same-sex partner visa application UK, you and your partner must have a minimum combined income of £29,000 gross per annum. You are required to meet this income threshold if you want to achieve settlement in the United Kingdom within 5 years. 

What is the English Language Requirement for the Same-sex Visa?

The English language requirements might apply if your country of origin is not a native English-speaking country. Conversely, you might be exempt from having to take or pass an English Language test.

You can prove your English language knowledge using an academic qualification or by clearing an approved English language test.

Conclusion 

If you are applying for a same-sex partner visa from within the UK using a standard service, you will usually expect a decision to be made within 8 weeks.

A same-sex partner visa solicitor should increase the chances of success in your application. An immigration lawyer in London will be able to assess your chances of eligibility for the visa, support you in gathering material evidence, and prepare a concrete application addressing the requirements of the Home Office. Make sure to prove the genuineness of your same-sex partner relationship to the Home Office if you want a successful application.