how long do 2 people have to live togather before the homeoffice accept them as a legal couple?

Answer 1

You will be classed a common law husband/wife in the UK. For immigration purposes you need to be married for your application to be successful.

Answer 2

Couples living together for 2 yrs or more are recognised as a legal partnership as are Gays and Lesbians.Meaning that these groups have the same rights in Law as a married couple would have.The same would apply if you applied for a Visa and/or citizenship.But be advised that the Home Office would check the details to the letter.These rules came into play in 2005.

Answer 3

From an immigration point of view, you're not legally a couple till you get married. If you are in a country on a specific visa and are intending to marry a British national, you need to seek permission from the Home Office before even registering the intent to marry.

Answer 4

I assume you are both British if so you are never accepted as legal couple until you get married for legality to apply.

however a change in the law is going through at the moment to allow you to be accepted as a couple for legal purposes and the same rights as married couples. all being well it will Be implemented next year sometime

Answer 5

I assume from your question that either one or both of you is not a UK citizen?

The general answer is that the Immigration Rules do recognise unmarried couples, and you can get a visa on the basis. You need to be able to prove that you've been living together for 2 years or more. This applies to both different and same sex couples.

The Immigration Rules set out the following requirements:

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement

295A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, are that:

(i) (a) the applicant is the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or who is on the same occasion being admitted for settlement and the parties have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage which has subsisted for two years or more; or

(b)(i) the applicant is the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person who has a right of abode in the United Kingdom or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom and is on the same occasion seeking admission to the United Kingdom for the purposes of settlement and the parties have been living together outside the United Kingdom in a relationship akin to marriage which has subsisted for 4 years or more; and

(b)(ii) the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, unless he is under the age of 18 or aged 65 or over at the time he makes his application; and

(ii) any previous marriage or civil partnership (or similar relationship) by either partner has permanently broken down; and

(iii) the parties are not involved in a consanguineous relationship with one another; and

(iv) DELETED

(v) there will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively; and

(vi) the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and

(vii) the parties intend to live together permanently; and

(viii) the applicant holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.


Generally, you can't apply for such a visa within the UK if you are an overstayer, or illegal. You need to go back home and apply for it there.

Answer 6

A legal couple in the UK are those who are married under British law and have a certificate to prove this, by a registered marriage council/office, irrespective of how long they have lived together. if you live together are not married then you are not a legal couple.

Answer 7

Well I know after three years of living together my ex boyfriend and I were considered a CIVIL MARRIAGE, but you do not get things like you usually do with actually marriage.

Answer 8

in scotland i think it is two years cause you are then known as a common law couple

Answer 9

as soon as you get married