👫 Civil partnership law change: how does it affect visas?

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Recent law change made it possible for all couples to register a civil partnership. 

How does it affect UK visa process? Civil partners have always had the same visa rights as married couples. The difference was in family law: in the past only same-sex couples could enter a civil partnership. Now all couples have a choice of getting married or entering a civil partnership (or not doing either). Interestingly, same-sex couples campaigned for the right to get married. Then opposite-sex couples campaigned for the right ... not to get married. Fortunately, now it’s all aligned! 

What’s the difference? Civil partnerships have the same benefits as marriages when it comes to tax, benefits, pension, parental rights, property, inheritance etc. They also the same procedure if the couple wants to part their way (except can’t “blame” on adultery). 

They differ in not having religious or cultural attachments: no church ceremony, no vows etc. There is also different legal terminology (dissolution instead of divorce, for example) but generally, the difference is more psychological than practical. 

In terms of a UK visa, the only “unmarried" alternative remains an Unmarried Partner visa. As before, it is available to all couples who have lived together in a relationship for 2 years – and who are able to prove it with strict specified evidence, which is often a challenge. Now, there are 3 options for all, plus a Fiancee visa.

We have a detailed page on Spouse/Partner visa: https://www.1st4immigration.com/detail-uk-spouse-and-partner-visas/ 

For an individual advice, you can book a consultation: https://www.1st4immigration.com/book-a-consultation/ 



1st4Immigration is one of the most experienced and prominent UK immigration law companies, accredited by the OISC at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 10 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office address: Tower 42 (NatWest Tower), 25 Old Broad Street, City of London, London, EC2N 1HN.

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