This section explains how a person who is subject to immigration control can apply for leave (permission) to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of someone who is already in the United Kingdom - either permanently or temporarily - or is coming here in a different category. It also explains what you should do if you are settled in the United Kingdom and you have ended your relationship with someone who has permission to enter or remain here as your partner.

If you want to visit the United Kingdom for a short time to get married or register a civil partnership, or if you are already in the United Kingdom with temporary permission to stay and you want to get married or register a civil partnership before you leave, you should read the section on Getting married or registering a civil partnership.

Partners of British citizens and people settled in the United Kingdom

If you are in a relationship with a person who is settled here, or is applying to settle here, you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as his/her:

If your application as a husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner is successful, The Home Office will grant you permission to enter and live here for two years. Shortly before the end of these two years, you will be able to apply for permission to live permanently (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain') in the United Kingdom as a partner. (Refer to the Home Office website for more information).

If your application as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner is successful, The Home Office will grant you permission to enter and live here for six months while you get married or register your civil partnership. You can then apply to switch into the category of husband, wife or civil partner.

If you are a British citizen or settled in the United Kingdom and your partner has permission to enter or remain in one of the above categories, you must inform the Home Office if your relationship breaks down permanently before he/she has been given indefinite leave to remain.

The Home Office will not give you permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom in any of the above categories if you or your husband, wife or partner will be aged under 21 on the date when you would arrive in the United Kingdom or the date when your permission to enter or remain would be given. For more information about the minimum age for applications as a partner, see New arrangements for partners on the Home Office website.

If you were given permission to enter or remain as a partner under the old Immigration Rules (which had a minimum age of 18) and you want to apply to settle in the United Kingdom, The Home Office will consider your application under the old Rules.

Partners of people who have limited permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as a worker or a student

If you want to apply for permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of a migrant who has permission or is applying for permission to work in the United Kingdom, go to the Working in the UK section for further information.

If you want to apply for permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of a migrant who has permission or is applying for permission to study in the United Kingdom, go to the Studying in the UK section.