What is a Same Sex Partner Visa?
There is no separate, lesser route for same sex couples in UK immigration law. The family route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules applies to everyone in the same way, whatever their gender or their partner's. A same sex couple applies under whichever category matches their relationship: as a spouse if married, as a civil partner if in a civil partnership, or as an unmarried partner if they have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage.
In each case the visa is granted for an initial period, then extended, and after five years of continuous residence on this route you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The requirements that follow, the relationship, the financial requirement, accommodation, and English language, are the same as for any other partner. We help you confirm which category fits and then build the application around it.
Who this visa is for
- You are in a same sex relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
- You are married, in a civil partnership, or have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage, normally for at least two years.
- You both intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- You can meet the financial requirement, through income, savings, or a permitted combination.
The main requirements
The requirements depend on which category you apply under, but most same sex partner applications must satisfy the following.
A genuine, subsisting relationship
You must show your relationship is real and continuing. Married couples and civil partners evidence this with their certificate plus relationship history; unmarried partners prove a genuine marriage-like relationship of at least two years, most often through evidence of having lived together.
The financial requirement
The sponsoring partner generally needs to meet a minimum income requirement, currently £29,000 a year, or hold enough qualifying savings to meet it in another permitted way. Some sponsors are exempt, for example where they receive certain disability or carer benefits, and a different test applies. We check the figure and how you meet it against the rules in force when you apply.
Suitable accommodation
You must have somewhere adequate to live that you own or occupy exclusively, without overcrowding and without breaching public health rules.
English language
You usually need to prove your knowledge of English at the required level, unless an exemption applies, for example on the grounds of nationality or a relevant qualification.
Immigration rules and financial thresholds change regularly. The figures and timescales on this page are a general guide, correct as at June 2026, and not advice on your case. We confirm the rules that apply to you before any application is made.
How we handle your application
- 1
Initial consultation
We review your relationship and circumstances, confirm which category fits, married, civil partner, or unmarried partner, and tell you plainly whether you qualify.
- 2
Document plan
We give you a clear, tailored list of the evidence the Home Office expects for your chosen route, so nothing important is missed.
- 3
Preparing your case
We check every document, draft the supporting letters, and complete the application so it presents your relationship at its strongest.
- 4
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you updated until a decision is made.
What is included in our service
- An initial eligibility check of your case
- Advice on which category to apply under
- A document checklist tailored to your circumstances
- Drafting of the application and your supporting statement
- Sponsor letter and relationship evidence
- Submission to UKVI, biometric booking, and support until your decision
Government costs are paid separately and are not part of our fee. For a partner application these are the Home Office application fee, currently £2,064 from outside the UK or £1,407 for an in-country application, the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per person for each year of your visa, the biometric enrolment fee, and any English test, document translation, or TB test costs that apply to you. These third party figures are correct as at 24 August 2026 and the Home Office can change them at short notice, so we confirm the current amounts with you before you apply.