If you are planning to apply for a UK family visa as an unmarried partner, it’s important to understand a recent change that could affect your application. On 31 January 2025, the Home Office updated the immigration rules to change the definition of an “unmarried partner” under Appendix FM. This change aims to make it easier for couples who have not lived together for two full years to qualify for a visa, recognising that relationships today can be more complex than simply living under the same roof.
In this article, I will explain what this change means for you, how it might help you, what evidence you will need to provide, and practical tips on preparing your application. I’ll keep it simple, clear, and focused on what you really need to know.
What Was the Old Definition?
Before 31 January 2025, the rules said that to apply as an unmarried partner, you and your partner must have been living together in a relationship like marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying.
This means that the Home Office expected you to prove that you shared the same home for two years. They wanted documents like joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax bills showing you lived at the same address.
While this might sound straightforward, it created problems for many couples. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and you might not have been able to live together for two years because:
- One partner was studying in a different city or country
- One partner was working overseas or away from home
- You had family responsibilities that meant living apart temporarily
For these reasons, many people found it difficult to meet the cohabitation requirement, even if their relationship was genuine and long-lasting.
What Is the New Definition?
From 31 January 2025, the Home Office changed the rules. The new definition no longer requires you to prove that you lived together for two years.
Now, the rule says you must have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before you apply. This means the focus is on the nature of your relationship — whether it is genuine and committed — rather than just whether you lived at the same address.
This change recognises that couples can have a “durable” and marriage-like relationship even if they do not live together all the time.
What Does “Durable Relationship” Mean?
The term “durable relationship” is key to understanding this change. It means a relationship that is strong, stable, and lasting. The Home Office expects that even if you have lived apart, your relationship should have the same qualities as a marriage or civil partnership.
Caseworkers will look at:
- How committed you are to each other
- Whether you support each other emotionally and financially
- Whether you intend to live together in the UK in the future
- Whether your relationship has lasted at least two years
- How you have maintained your relationship during periods apart
Why Was This Change Needed?
This change was necessary because the previous cohabitation rule did not reflect how modern relationships work. Many couples live apart for reasons beyond their control, such as:
- Study or training: One partner studies at university away from home.
- Work commitments: Jobs that require living in different cities or countries.
- Family care: One partner lives with relatives to provide care.
The old rules often forced couples to prove cohabitation even when they had genuine reasons for living apart. This new approach is more flexible and fairer.
What Evidence Will You Need Now?
Even though the Home Office no longer requires you to prove cohabitation, you still need to convince them your relationship is genuine and lasting. You should provide evidence to show:
- You have been in a relationship like marriage or civil partnership for two years or more.
- You have maintained your relationship during any periods living apart.
- You intend to live together in the UK in the future.
Here are examples of evidence you can provide:
Evidence to Show Relationship Duration and Commitment
- Photographs of you together over the two years
- Messages, emails, or call records showing regular contact
- Travel tickets or bookings where you met in person
- Social media posts or messages that show your relationship publicly
- Letters or emails discussing your relationship or future plans
Evidence to Explain Living Apart
- Letters from your university or employer explaining why you lived apart
- Documents showing temporary addresses (e.g., student accommodation contracts, overseas work contracts)
- Medical or care letters if you lived apart due to family responsibilities
Evidence of Shared Financial or Household Responsibilities
- Bank statements showing money transfers between you
- Joint bank accounts, bills, or insurance policies (if any)
- Joint lease or mortgage agreements (if you have lived together at some point)
Evidence of Intention to Live Together in the UK
- Tenancy agreements or property documents showing future plans
- Wedding venue bookings or plans if you intend to marry
- Statements from you and your partner explaining your plans to settle together
How Strong Does Your Evidence Need to Be?
The Home Office will look at the quality and consistency of your evidence. Some documents are considered stronger than others. For example:
- Strong evidence: Official documents like tenancy agreements, bank statements, or employment letters.
- Acceptable evidence: Utility bills, travel tickets, or school letters.
- Weak evidence: Personal statements or letters from friends and family, which are less reliable on their own.
Try to provide a mix of strong and acceptable evidence. The more clear and organised your documents, the easier it will be for the caseworker to understand your relationship.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are in a genuine relationship but have not lived together for two years, this change could help you qualify for a UK family visa. You no longer have to prove cohabitation, but you do need to prove your relationship is durable and like a marriage.
However, keep in mind:
- The change does not remove the requirement that you and your partner intend to live together in the UK when you come on the visa.
- You may still need to prove you live together if you apply for visa extensions or indefinite leave to remain in the future.
Tips to Prepare Your Application
If you are applying as an unmarried partner under the new rules, here are some practical steps:
1. Gather Evidence Early
Start collecting evidence well before you apply. Save photos, messages, travel documents, and official letters that show your relationship over time.
2. Keep Everything Organised
Create folders or files for different types of evidence — for example, “Photos”, “Financial Records”, “Travel Documents”, “Communication”. This helps you and your adviser submit a clear and easy-to-understand application.
3. Write a Cover Letter
Explain your relationship history, why you lived apart (if you did), how you stayed in touch, and your plans to live together in the UK. This letter helps the caseworker understand your story.
4. Get Professional Advice
Immigration law can be complicated. Consider speaking to a qualified immigration adviser or solicitor who can review your evidence and help present your application in the strongest way.
Common Questions You Might Have
Q: What if I have lived apart for more than two years?
A: The rule requires a relationship of two years, but it does not say you must live together for that entire time. You must show your relationship is genuine and lasting despite any periods living apart.
Q: Can I use photos and messages as evidence?
A: Yes. Photos, messages, emails, and call records are helpful, especially if dated over the two years and showing regular contact.
Q: Does this change mean I don’t have to prove I will live together in the UK?
A: No. You still need to show your intention to live together once the visa is granted.
Q: How will the Home Office check my evidence?
A: Caseworkers will carefully review your documents. They may ask for more information or interviews if they are unsure. Being honest and organised helps your case.
Final Thoughts
The change to the unmarried partner definition is a positive step for many couples who have faced challenges proving two years of cohabitation. It recognises the diversity of modern relationships and offers a more realistic and flexible way to prove your commitment.
But with flexibility comes responsibility — you need to prepare well and provide strong evidence of your durable relationship. Being clear, organised, and honest will give you the best chance of success.
If you are planning to apply soon or have had a previous refusal due to cohabitation issues, this rule change could be the opportunity to try again with confidence.
Summary: What You Should Do Next
- Understand that you no longer need to prove two years of living together, but must prove a two-year durable, marriage-like relationship.
- Collect strong and acceptable evidence showing your relationship’s duration, commitment, and maintenance during any time apart.
- Prepare documents and a clear explanation of your situation.
- Show your intention to live together in the UK when applying.
- Get professional advice if you are unsure.
With this knowledge and preparation, you can put forward a strong application and bring your partner to the UK successfully.
