Applicants under this visa route who may be defined as a partner include:

• Spouse of the existing UK resident
• Civil partner of the existing UK resident
• Fiancé(ée) or proposed civil partner of the existing UK resident
• An applicant who has been living in domestic partnership with the existing UK resident in a relationship as if in a marriage or civil partnership for a minimum period of 2 years prior to the application date

In order to apply for this visa route, the key criteria is to be able to demonstrate the eligibility of the relationship between the applicant and the existing UK resident with whom they intend to live whilst in the UK. Should the applicant not be married to the existing UK resident, they will need to be able to provide documentation in order to evidence and support their relationship and status for the minimum 2 years prior to the application date.

Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of the English language and have provision for adequate accommodation.