Who may be able to apply
Depending on your circumstances, the route may be available to a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner, a fiancé or proposed civil partner, or a partner in an eligible two-year relationship who cannot live together for work, study or cultural reasons.
- Both partners are usually required to be aged 18 or over
- The sponsoring partner must hold an eligible UK status
- The relationship must be genuine and continuing
- The couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK
The requirements we assess
- The correct partner category and place of application
- Relationship and previous-relationship evidence
- The financial requirement or an applicable alternative
- Adequate accommodation
- English-language evidence or exemption
- Immigration history and suitability issues
The financial requirement
For many new partner applications, qualifying combined income of at least £29,000 a year is usually required. Different rules can apply where a specified disability or carer’s benefit is received, where the applicant entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 and is extending with the same partner, or where savings or non-employment income are relied on.
The figure is only part of the test. The source of income, relevant period and specified evidence must all be considered.
How ORSAYA can help
- Eligibility and strategy assessment
- A personalised document checklist
- Financial-requirement calculation and evidence review
- Relationship, accommodation and English evidence review
- Application preparation or review
- Detailed supporting representations where included
- Final check and submission guidance
Frequently asked questions
Do unmarried partners have to have lived together for two years?
Not in every case. Current rules also recognise an eligible two-year relationship where a couple cannot live together because of work, study or cultural circumstances, but the ongoing commitment must be evidenced carefully.
Can savings be used instead of employment income?
Qualifying cash savings may be used in some cases, alone or with permitted income. The amount and evidential period depend on how the savings are relied upon.
Can I apply from inside the UK?
That depends on your current immigration status and the switching rules. Some applicants cannot normally switch in the UK, so this should be checked before applying.
Can ORSAYA guarantee a successful decision?
No responsible adviser can guarantee a Home Office decision. ORSAYA provides an honest assessment and careful preparation; the decision remains with UKVI.
Information reviewed 10 September 2026. Official sources: partner and spouse route, financial requirements. Requirements should be checked again when an application is prepared.