Other Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 21 and must demonstrate that they know each other. Also, they must have sufficient funds and accommodation for themselves and their children, if they have them, so they do not need public funds.
  
  

Applicants Outside the UK

• Applications for immigration have to be made at a British diplomatic post in the applicant's country. The applicant's partner must be either already living in, or returning to, the UK.
  
  

Applicants Already in the UK

• Those who entered the UK under different immigration rules; for example, under a work or student visa, can change their status if they have lived in the country for more than 6 months.
  
  

Probationary Period

• Successful applicants will be given permission to live and work in the UK for up to 27 months before they can apply for permission to settle permanently.
  
  

Language Requirement

• As of November 29, 2010, people who wish to live in the UK as partners will have to pass an English language test. Citizens of "majority English-speaking countries" such as Canada, the US or Australia are exempt.