For the purpose of UK Spouse/Partner visas: what’s the difference between civil partners, unmarried partners and same-sex partners?

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -
Civil Partnership is a registered partnership between the 2 people of the same gender, such as 2 men or 2 women. Civil partnership can be registered at a Register Office and partners have a certificate, similar to a marriage certificate. For the purpose of visas civil partners have the same rights as spouses, ie civil partners have the same rights as a husband and wife do.

If you are a man and a woman but not married then you would be Unmarried Partners, providing you have lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship like a marriage. In other words, you have been married in all but name for at least 2 years. Most importantly, you can prove it, such as providing the documents showing your cohabitation: utility bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements, official letters and so on.

If you are 2 men or 2 women but have not registered a civil partnership then you would be Same-sex Partners, which is the same category as for unmarried partners and have the same conditions as above, eg living together for 2 years.  

For advice or to make an application please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit www.1st4immigration.com  


If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our CDP training website: www.1st4immigration.com/training  

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