Unmarried or same-sex partner: applications on or before 8 July 2012
How long can you stay in the UK?
This section explains how long you can stay in the UK if you successfully apply to enter or remain in the UK as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled here.
Applications from outside the UK
If your visa application is successful, we may give you permission to settle permanently in the UK as soon as you arrive here. To be given this permission, you will need to provide evidence that:
- you and your partner have been living together outside the UK for at least 4 years, as if you were in a marriage or civil partnership; and
- you are both coming to the UK to settle here together; and
- you do not have any unspent convictions within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; and
- you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. (You do not need to meet this last requirement if you are aged 65 or over.)
If your application is successful but you do not meet the above criteria, we will grant you a visa lasting 27 months. This is known as your 'probationary period' or 'qualifying period'.
Shortly before the end of your probationary period, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK. This is known as 'indefinite leave to remain'. The Settlement page contains more information.
Applications from inside the UK
If your application to switch into this category is successful, we will grant you permission to remain in the UK (known as 'further leave to remain') for 2 years. This is known as your 'probationary period' or 'qualifying period'.
Shortly before the end of your probationary period, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK. This is known as 'indefinite leave to remain'. The Settlement page contains more information.