Partner of a British citizen or settled person
This section explains whether and how you can come to or remain in the UK if you are the partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled here. A partner includes husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner.
If you made an application to enter the UK on or before 8 July 2012 please see the Partners who applied on or before 8 July 2012 pages.
The information in this section is based on Part 8 and Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
To find out whether you can make an initial application as a partner, read the Can you apply? pages.
If you meet these requirements, you can find out how to apply on the Applying from outside the UK and Applying from inside the UK pages.
You do not need to apply under this category if:
- you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland - the European nationals section describes your right to live in the UK;
- you are the non-European family member of an EEA or Swiss national - the European nationals section explains whether you need to apply for a family permit;
- you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus; or
- you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.
MORE NEWS AND UPDATES
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- Changes to the Immigration Rules - July 2013
- Statement of intent outlines new requirements for settlement and naturalisation
- New application forms - 6 April 2013
Terms explained
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Civil partner
A person in a legal relationship that can be registered by two people of the same sex and that gives the couple legal recognition for their relationship. In a range of legal matters, civil partners are treated the same as opposite-sex partners who are married.