Spouse vs fiancé(e) vs unmarried partner — which route?

Three different visas cover couples wanting to live together in the UK, and choosing the wrong one wastes time and money. Here's the honest comparison.

Spouse / civil partner visa

For couples already married or in a civil partnership. You apply with your certificate, meet the requirements (relationship, £29,000 income, English, accommodation), and get a 33-month visa leading to settlement after five years. The most common route.

Fiancé(e) / proposed civil partner visa

For couples who intend to marry in the UK but haven't yet. A 6-month visa that lets you come to the UK to get married — you can't work on it, and there's no NHS surcharge because it's under six months. Once married, you switch (from inside the UK) into the spouse route.

Unmarried partner visa

For couples who aren't married and don't plan to marry soon, but have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. The requirements mirror the spouse visa, but instead of a certificate you prove two years of cohabitation.

The quick decision guide

• Already married → spouse visa.
• Getting married in the UK → fiancé(e) visa, then switch.
• Not marrying, but living together 2+ years → unmarried partner visa.
• Together under two years and not marrying → you may not meet a partner route yet; there can be other options worth discussing.

The cost angle

The fiancé route can look cheaper up front (no surcharge on the 6-month visa) but you then pay for the in-country switch to the spouse visa, so over the journey the difference is smaller than it first appears.

The common mistake

Applying as a fiancé when you'll actually marry abroad, or as an unmarried partner without solid two-year cohabitation evidence.