What are the main requirements for a UK family visa if my relationship history is complex and we have lived apart for long periods?

19.01.2026 12:02:14 To obtain a UK family visa with a complex relationship history and periods of living apart, you generally need to demonstrate the following main requirements: 1) Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship, which may include evidence of communication, visits, and intentions of living together in the future. 2) Financial requirements, showing that you or your partner can support yourselves without relying on public funds. 3) English language requirements, proving that you meet the necessary level of proficiency. 4) Adequate accommodation arrangements where you will live in the UK. Although living apart may raise questions, focusing on evidence of your ongoing commitment and the reasons for any separations can be crucial.

BASE (basic) 100

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

i

19.01.2026 12:02:23 From a legal perspective, the main requirements for a UK family visa (such as a partner visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules) focus on proving a genuine and subsisting relationship, even if the history is complex and includes long periods of living apart. Key elements include: 1. **Relationship Proof**: You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, such as being married, in a civil partnership, or having lived together as unmarried partners for at least two years prior to the application (or equivalent for other categories). For complex histories with separations, provide strong evidence like communication records (emails, calls, messages), visit logs, joint financial commitments, or affidavits explaining the reasons for living apart (e.g., work, family obligations). The Home Office assesses if the relationship is subsisting and intends to continue. 2. **Financial Requirement**: The sponsor (UK partner) must meet a minimum income threshold, typically £18,600 per year (higher with children), through employment, pensions, or permitted benefits. Savings or other sources may count if they meet specific criteria. 3. **Accommodation**: Adequate housing in the UK without recourse to public funds, evidenced by property documents or tenancy agreements. 4. **English Language**: The applicant must pass an approved English test at A1 level or higher, unless exempt (e.g., from a majority English-speaking country or due to age/disability). 5. **Suitability**: No criminal history or other issues that could bar entry. Given the complexity, applications with long separations often require detailed explanations to avoid refusal on genuineness grounds. Consulting a qualified immigration solicitor is advisable for tailored advice, as rules can change and individual circumstances vary.

BASE (basic) 2.18

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Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

i

19.01.2026 12:19:11 For a UK family visa, a complex relationship history or periods of living apart do not automatically prevent approval, but they do increase the evidential burden. The Home Office will focus on whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting at the date of application. You must clearly explain why you lived apart (for example, work, studies, immigration restrictions, caring responsibilities) and support this with documents. Typical evidence includes a detailed relationship timeline, proof of regular communication, travel records, financial interdependence, and statements from both partners addressing any gaps or inconsistencies. You must also meet the financial requirement, adequate accommodation requirement, and English language requirement (where applicable). Where the history is unusual, a well-structured legal representation letter is often critical to address credibility concerns and reduce the risk of refusal.

BASE (basic) 2.96

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Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

i

19.01.2026 12:24:34 When partners have lived separately for extended periods or have a non-linear relationship history, the key issue for a UK family visa is credibility. Decision-makers assess whether the relationship is ongoing, exclusive, and intended to continue in the UK. Applicants should provide a coherent explanation for separation periods, backed by objective evidence such as employment contracts abroad, visas, flight records, and consistent communication logs. Inconsistencies or missing periods should be proactively clarified rather than ignored. In addition, you must still satisfy mandatory criteria on income, housing, and immigration status. In complex cases, success often depends on how persuasively the evidence is presented and whether potential refusal points are addressed upfront through legal submissions rather than left to inference.

PREMIUM 2.85

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Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

i