UK Unmarried Partner Visa For Thai Same-Sex Couples

[SiamLegal]

Same-sex relationships are fully recognized in the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, there is a visa that permits same-sex couples to live together in the UK. This is known as the UK unmarried partner visa. Thais can readily secure this travel permission provided that they meet its corresponding requirements and conditions.

Unmarried partner visa explained

The UK visa Thailand for unmarried partners is a settlement visa. But this is not exclusive to those who are in same-sex relationships. Cohabiting couples who have been living together as de facto husband and wife are likewise covered by this visa. However, in the latter case, the couple should prove that they are still free to marry. There must be no legal impediment should they plan to tie the knot in the future. A previous marriage, for example, exemplifies a legal impediment to marriage. In this case, divorce or annulment should be sought prior to lodging an application.

Conditions to be satisfied

To qualify, Thai applicants must prove that they have been with their UK partners for two (2) years. They must prove that they share authentic and genuine relationship and that there is a commitment to share a life together. One way to prove the authenticity of their relationship is to present properties that are under their names. They can also show their joint bank accounts, if there are any.

Meanwhile, for the UK petitioner’s part, one needs to show sufficient financial resources. They need to demonstrate that they can financially support their Thai partner for a considerable period of time since they cannot seek assistance from public funds.

In case they have been separated, they need to show that it is caused by compelling circumstances such as fulfilling work-related duties, for example. If they have been together but separated for a very long time, then the previous years that they spent together may not be considered. They might need to start all over again.

Processing time

Settlement visas are usually processed in one (1) to two (2) months. Should consular officers demand more time to examine the application, the processing time could be prolonged.

Exemptions

Same-sex couples who have been together for four (4) years or more can be exempted from the 2-year requirement. However, they need to convince consular officers that they have the genuine intent to settle permanently in the UK. In case problems are encountered in proving intentions, seeking expert assistance from a reputable Thailand lawyer is highly recommended.

This article was provided by Siam Legal, an international law firm with offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. Siam Legal publishes legal guides to procuring a UK spouse visa Thailand on its website.

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