An Unmarried Partner Extension is for applicants already in the UK on the partner route who need to renew permission with the same qualifying partner. The extension must evidence the continuing relationship and the financial route position.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
An Unmarried Partner Extension renews permission for an unmarried partner already in the UK on the family route. The application fee is £1,407, further permission is usually 2 years and 6 months, and the usual decision time is 8 weeks where the financial and English requirements are met.
£1,407
Inside-UK fee
2 years 6 months
Further stay
8 weeks
Typical decision
What is an Unmarried Partner Extension?
The Unmarried Partner Extension is the in-country renewal stage for a partner who is not married or in a civil partnership but remains in a qualifying relationship with their UK-based partner. The application should normally be made before current permission expires.
The case focuses on whether the relationship remains genuine and continuing, whether the couple intends to live together permanently in the UK, and whether the financial, English and accommodation requirements are met.
GOV.UK confirms that extensions grant a further 2 years and 6 months and can be made more than once. Applicants who first applied before 11 April 2024 and extend with the same partner may fall under transitional financial rules.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Unmarried Partner Extension.
📄
Current Valid Permission
The applicant should hold partner permission and apply before it expires. Timing matters because an in-time application can protect continuity while a decision is pending.
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Continuing Relationship
The extension should show the relationship remains genuine. Cohabitation documents, shared finances and evidence of commitment are particularly important.
£
Financial Rule Position
Most extensions require £29,000 income, but pre-11 April 2024 partner applicants extending with the same partner may rely on transitional rules if eligible.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Unmarried Partner Extension.
✓ You Can
- Live with your partner in the UK if the application is granted.
- Work and study once granted as a spouse or partner, not as a fiancé.
- Include eligible children as dependants where the rules are met.
- Extend the route more than once if requirements continue to be met.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years on the qualifying partner route.
✗ You Cannot
- Claim public funds unless your immigration status later allows it.
- Count fiancé time towards settlement on the 5-year partner route.
- Rely on weak relationship evidence where the rules require proof of a genuine relationship.
- Ignore the financial requirement unless an exception or alternative route applies.
- Use visitor status as a shortcut to switch in most cases.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £1,407 inside UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Usually £1,035/year |
| Minimum income | Usually £29,000/year |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Fee waiver | May be available |
How to Extend an Unmarried Partner Visa
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check the Existing Route
Confirm the current visa category, expiry date and whether the same-partner transitional financial rule applies.
Gather Recent Evidence
Prepare updated cohabitation, relationship, income, accommodation, English and identity documents.
Submit the Extension
Apply online from inside the UK before permission expires and pay the fee and IHS where required.
Verify Identity
Use the identity app or attend a biometric appointment if requested.
Receive Your Decision
Inside-UK partner extensions usually take 8 weeks if the financial and English requirements are met.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Unmarried Partner Extension from employers and applicants.
What is an Unmarried Partner Extension?
It is an in-country application to renew family-route permission as an unmarried partner. If granted, it usually provides a further 2 years and 6 months.
How much does an Unmarried Partner Extension cost?
The 2026 in-country Leave to remain – Other fee is £1,407. The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually payable separately.
When should I apply for an Unmarried Partner Extension?
You should apply before your current partner visa expires. A late application can create serious immigration-status issues.
What evidence is needed for an Unmarried Partner Extension?
Evidence usually includes recent cohabitation documents, relationship evidence, income evidence, accommodation documents, identity documents and English language evidence where required.
Do I need to meet the £29,000 income requirement?
Most partner applications use the £29,000 threshold. If you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, transitional rules may apply.
How long does an Unmarried Partner Extension take?
Inside-UK applications that meet the financial and English requirements usually take 8 weeks. Applications relying on exceptions or alternative grounds can take longer.
Can I work while my extension is pending?
If you apply validly before your current permission expires, your existing conditions normally continue while UKVI decides the application.
Can an unmarried partner extension lead to ILR?
Yes. It can keep the applicant on the 5-year partner route to settlement if the requirements continue to be met.
What if we have not lived together recently?
You may need to explain why and provide evidence of continuing commitment, communication and support. The stronger the reason and evidence, the clearer the application.
Can I switch from unmarried partner to spouse at extension?
If you have married or entered a civil partnership, you may be able to apply in the relevant partner category. The evidence must still show the relationship is genuine and continuing.
Speak to Our Partner Extension Advisers
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.