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Unmarried or same-sex partner of a British citizen or settled person

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Photographs and passport

This page contains information about providing photographs and your passport to support your application as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK.

Your photographs

You must send 2 recent passport photographs of yourself and any dependants who are applying with you. Write the name of the person in each photograph on the back of the photograph. All the photographs should:

  • measure 45mm x 35mm; and
  • be in colour; and
  • be taken against a grey or cream background; and
  • be clear and of good quality; and
  • not be framed or backed; and
  • not be digitally altered (for example, you cannot use image manipulation software to change anything in the photograph); and
  • be full face, without sunglasses, hat or head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons.

The photograph you send will be used on your visa (known as vignette) which is fixed in your passport.

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Passport or travel document

You must send your original passport or travel document, and the original passport or travel document of each dependant who is applying with you.

If you cannot submit your current original passport or travel document with your application, you must give full reasons under the 'passport information' section of the application form. You cannot submit any alternative documents unless your current passport or travel document has been:

  • lost;
  • stolen;
  • returned to your national authorities because it has expired; or
  • submitted to another part of the UK Border Agency.

In these exceptional circumstances, you must submit:

  • your current national identity document; or
  • an original letter from your home government or embassy.

This document must be original, written on the headed paper of the government or embassy, and stamped with that institution's official stamp. It must have been issued by an authorised official of the institution, and must confirm:

  • your full name;
  • your date of birth; and
  • your nationality.

If you want us to return your passport before we have decided your application, you must contact us.

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