The UK offers two different types of visas for couples who wish to live together in the UK: the Spouse Visa and the Partner Visa. The primary difference between these two visas is in their eligibility requirements.
The Spouse Visa is designed for married couples, or couples who are in a civil partnership, who wish to be together in the UK. To be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa, both partners must be over 18 years old, and the spouses must have been legally married for at least three years. The couple must also prove that they have a genuine relationship and that they intend to live together permanently in the UK. The applicant must also meet the financial requirements, which include an income threshold and the ability to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
The Partner Visa, on the other hand, is designed for unmarried couples who wish to live together in the UK. To apply for a Partner Visa, both partners must be over 18 years old and must prove that they have been in a committed relationship for at least two years. The couple must also prove that they have a genuine relationship and that they intend to live together permanently in the UK. As with the Spouse Visa, the applicant must meet the financial requirements, including an income threshold and the ability to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
In addition to the differences in eligibility requirements, the Spouse Visa and Partner Visa also have differences in the application process. The Spouse Visa requires the applicant to apply for a visa before entering the UK, whereas the Partner Visa can be applied for from within the UK. The Spouse Visa also requires a higher fee than the Partner Visa and has a longer processing time.
Overall, the main difference between the Spouse Visa and Partner Visa is in the eligibility requirements. The Spouse Visa is designed for married couples or those in a civil partnership, while the Partner Visa is designed for unmarried couples. Both visas require applicants to meet the financial requirements, but the Spouse Visa has a higher fee and longer processing time.
Now that you know what is the difference between UK Spouse Visa and Partner Visa you can have your application prepared and submitted by a qualified immigration adviser.