With the unmarried partner visa, non-citizens can visit or stay in the United Kingdom with a partner who is an Irish or British citizen. 

In addition to this, they must establish that their relationship is genuine and long-term with a British citizen or a person who has some settled status to remain in the UK, such as indefinite leave to remain.

An unmarried partner visa UK is issued for an initial period of 33 months, that is two years and nine months. Thereafter, they can be extended for another 30 months, which translates into two years and six months.

For those who entered the UK on an Unmarried Partner visa or spouse visa UK and have resided for 5 years, they may apply for indefinite leave to remain.

How long will it take to process my Unmarried Partner Visa UK?

The present Home Office processing time for an application for an Unmarried Partner Visa made from outside the United Kingdom is 24 weeks. If you make your application via Priority Service, you will, however, get a decision in most cases within 30 working days. The Super Priority Service is not available for applications from outside the country.

Can I Visit the UK While My Partner Visa Is Being Processed?

Applications to extend or switch to an unmarried partner currently will be decided by the Home Office within 8 weeks if applied as such from inside the UK. But if you do not fulfill the English language or minimum income requirements, it may take up to about a year for a decision to be given. 

There are no 5 working days (relating to Priority Service) for in-country unmarried partner visa applications, but if you apply through the Super Priority Service, then you should be granted a decision by the end of the next working day. 

Can I Extend My Unmarried Partner Visa UK?

It may happen that your unmarried partner visa UK is nearing its expiration date, but you don't want to move out of the UK. Fortunately, individuals can now apply for an additional 30 months' worth of validity while still in the UK alongside the first 33 months. 

You may request an extension of your stay with the UK Visas and immigration (UKVI) before your initial leave ends. Just as in the past, you would maintain your living space and bills, apart from being under the same roof as the settled partner you came to the UK to cohabit with.

Success Rate 

95% of UK Partner visa applications should be processed by UK Visa & Immigration within 12 weeks upon submission. 

If you urgently require your visa processed more quickly, most visa centers outside the UK provide settlement priority service. At each stage of the decision-making process, your Unmarried Partner Visa UK application will be placed at the front of the queue. 

Conclusion 

Anyone applying for an Unmarried Partner Visa should take up legal advice from an immigration lawyer in London to ensure a successful application. Also, understand the genuine relationship requirements well before you proceed with the application.