The Life in the UK Test
In order to apply for an Unmarried Partners Visa, I would have to undertake the Life in the UK test after successfully completing a two-year probationary period proving that we were in fact, unmarried partners. The test involved my buying the study guide and question book, which I purchased at WHSmith for £15.
The UKBA have an excellent website about the logistics of the test which can be found available here. Questions included on the test were pretty basic and all of the answers can be found in the book, which means no tricks! I also liked the fact that it was taken on the computer because it meant you got your results straightaway. Make sure you keep your pass document because the test centre can’t reproduce it if you do lose it and the only way you can get another copy is by taking the test again -which costs £50 per time to do!
The Paperwork
In order to prove that the boy and I had lived together for the past two years, we had to assemble bank statements, paystubs (as he is effectively my sponsor and thus, needs to show he can look after me in the event that I’m not able to work, etc) and proof of address like utility bills, telephone bills and even paperwork from medical practioners like dentists and doctors which showed our address on it.
Tip: Be organized and plan ahead – keep everything, even if it seems minor at the time because it could come in very useful when you least expect it.
Ready, set, wait.
After submitting my application, I was nervous I wouldn’t have my passport back in time to go home for Christmas. The first phone call to the home office yielded very little by way of answers to my questions like “when I could expect to have my passport back,” UKBA response: “the wait can take up to 6 months or you can withdraw your application to get your passport back, but you will lose your £900+ fee you’ve paid.” So I asked what else could be done, to which the UKBA office responded, “write a letter to the given address or send a fax and tell us your predicament.” So I did, and after sending the letter multiple times, I finally got my passport and visa back in time for the holidays!
Tip: Watch your deadlines (and be sure to abide by them) particularly when it comes to booking travel or other matters where a passport is required.
A huge huge thanks to Stephanie for sharing her advice with us AGs! Have any of your own tips, share with us below!
I've recently received my 5 year visa (unmarried partner) and it was such an easy process. I hired a small immigration firm called Ergen & Sharif located in Marylebone and all I did was gathered the paperwork (proof). I paid £350 which is nothing compared to other firms that does the same thing. Ergen & Sharif tells you exactly what you need and they deal with the mailing/chasing/any other letters you need written for your current employer, etc…basically anything!! great service!!
I've recently received my 5 year visa (unmarried partner) and it was such an easy process. I hired a small immigration firm called Ergen & Sharif located in Marylebone and all I did was gathered the paperwork (proof). I paid £350 which is nothing compared to other firms that does the same thing. Ergen & Sharif tells you exactly what you need and they deal with the mailing/chasing/any other letters you need written for your current employer, etc…basically anything!! great service!!