Last reviewed: March 2026
Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules allows eligible sponsors to bring their partner to live in the UK. The word ‘partner’ has a precise legal meaning in this context, it is not enough to be in a relationship. You must fall within one of the four defined categories: spouse, civil partner, fiance (or proposed civil partner), or unmarried partner.
This guide explains what each category requires, who can act as the sponsor, and what evidence you will need to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship.
If you are unsure whether you satisfy the Appendix FM requirements, contact our experienced team at Whytecroft Ford at + 44 (0)208 757 5751 or use our Contact Form to get it in touch.
Who Can Sponsor a Partner Under Appendix FM?
To sponsor a partner under Appendix FM, the sponsor must be:
- a British Citizen in the UK
- present and settled in the UK, meaning have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status
- in the UK with Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
What Makes a Marriage Valid Under Appendix FM?
A marriage qualifies under Appendix FM if it was legally performed and properly registered in the country where it took place, and if both parties had legal capacity to marry at the time. In the UK, a marriage certificate recognised under the laws of England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland is required.
For overseas marriages, you must provide the original marriage certificate and an English translation where required. The ceremony must have been legally valid in the country where it took place.
Both parties must have had the legal capacity to marry. Any previous marriage must have been lawfully ended, you must provide evidence of divorce or annulment where this applies.
A British or settled sponsor in a polygamous marriage can sponsor only one spouse to live in the UK. This applies even where the polygamous marriage is legally recognised in the country where it was conducted.
For more information, visit UK Spouse Visa 2026: Requirements, Costs & Application Guide
What Is a Civil Partnership Under Appendix FM?
A civil partnership qualifies under Appendix FM if it is legally recognised under UK law and evidenced by a civil partnership certificate. For overseas relationships, the relevant legal relationship must be listed in the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to be treated as a civil partnership in the UK.
Any previous civil partnership must have been legally dissolved before the application is made. You must provide evidence of that dissolution.
Can a Fiance Apply to Come to the UK Under Appendix FM?
A fiance or proposed civil partner can apply to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. The applicant must show they intend to marry within six months of arrival.
At the time of application, neither party should already be married or in a civil partnership with anyone else. Evidence of arrangements for the forthcoming ceremony is recommended.
Fiance and proposed civil partners cannot apply from within the UK under this category. The application must be made from overseas.
To read further about this category, visit UK Fiance Visa 2026: Requirements & Application Guide
Who Qualifies as an Unmarried Partner?
An unmarried partner is someone who has been in a relationship similar in nature to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying. The evidential requirement for this category of visa is higher as the couple must prove that their relationship is genuine, stable, and ongoing for a minimum period of time.
Previously, unmarried couples had to demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 2 years, this is no longer a requirement under the immigration rules.
To learn more on the requirements, visit Unmarried Partner Visa
What Evidence Proves a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship?
Every partner visa applicant must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and subsisting. The Home Office will refuse applications where the relationship appears to be one of convenience. The quality and breadth of the evidence you provide is a significant factor in the outcome.
Evidence that applicants commonly submit includes:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of at least two years’ cohabitation at the same address
- Evidence that any previous relationship has permanently ended: court orders, divorce decrees
- Personal statements from both partners covering how the relationship developed and plans for the future, supported by statements from family members or friends who know the couple
- Cohabitation evidence: mortgage statements, tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements addressed to both parties
- Evidence of children: birth or adoption certificates, proof of shared parental responsibility
- Photographs together over time, including at any marriage or civil ceremony
- Evidence of shared finances: joint accounts, bills, rent receipts, shared savings
- Communication records during periods of separation: phone records, messages, cards, letters
- Travel evidence: flights, hotel bookings, holiday records showing time spent together.
Appendix FM Partner Visa Requirements
In addition to the relationship requirements under Appendix FM, applicants who wish to join their partners in the UK must demonstrate that they:
- Are 18 years of age
- Are not in a prohibited degree of relationship
- Have met their partner in person
- In a relationship that is genuine and subsisting and that any previous relationships have broken down permanently
- Intend to live together in the UK permanently with their partner
- Meet the financial requirement of £29,000 per annum
- Meet the English language requirement, unless an exemption applies
- Have adequate accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
Where the application is made from outside the UK, an initial partner visa is granted for 33 months (approximately 2 years and 9 months).
Most applicants for a partner visa must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level A1 (for entry clearance).
Savings can be used to meet the financial requirement, either on their own or to top up employment income, provided the savings have been held for at least six months before the application.
How Whytecroft Ford Can Help
Qualifying as a partner under Appendix FM is the first step. To obtain a UK partner visa, the sponsor must also meet the financial and accommodation requirements, and the application must be prepared and evidenced to a high standard.
Whytecroft Ford is authorised and regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), Registration Number F201900075. We work with couples at every stage of the family visa process, from initial eligibility checks through to application submission and beyond.
To get in touch with our team call us on + 44 (0)208 757 5751 or use our Contact Form to get it in touch.
