Standard unmarried partner visa, outside, approved 12th May
Hello,
I am happy to share that my visa got approved yesterday. I would like to say big thanks to this community for the support I received here and the information shared here helped me a lot to get through the process. Some details about my application:
- first time applying, no previous visa in the UK
- unmarried partner visa
- standard application from outside the UK, from EU country
- no co-habitation with 5+ years long relationship, otherwise straightforward case
- applied 13th February, 2026
- BIO 18th February, 2026
- ECO 20th February, 2026
- application update (just the standard message that it is still under consideration) 5th March, 2026
- additional documents requested (February payslip, February saving account statement, employment letter (provided at the time of application, so resent it) 1st May, 2026
- approval received 12th May, 2026
We did the whole application on our own. You have to be thorough and read everything carefully and if needed multiple times and double-check everything but it is possible to get this done without a solicitor. I have never thought I'll spend so much time reading UK immigration rules and all kinds of source of information. You definitely need to dedicate lots of time and bunch of effort. I was building a checklist as I progressed and used it to gather / make all the necessary evidence and documents.
But of course, doing this on your own comes with some level of uncertainty so whether you do it on your own or pay someone, it's entirely up to you. Especially if you think that your case isn't straightforward.
One thing we would have done different, pay the priority if you can afford it. 12 weeks waiting felt hellish long.
Good luck to those who are about to apply and to those who still wait for decisions. Keep your heads up, it will come. 🤞