Civil Partnership

From 5 December 2005 civil partnerships for same sex couples will be recognised as equivalent to marriage within UK Immigration & Nationality Law. Civil partnerships entered into in other countries will also generally be recognised in the UK.

The main changes this will bring are : -

· A person living in the UK can sponsor their civil partner or proposed civil partner to join them to live in the UK.

· Couples wishing to form a civil partnership who live in another country where they are not available, will have the possibility of visiting the UK in order to enter a civil partnership here.

· British nationality rules will also be affected. A foreign national who enters a civil partnership with a British national will be able to apply earlier for naturalisation as a British citizen.

It will still be possible for same sex couples to sponsor a partner in the UK without entering a civil partnership, based on 2 years cohabitation.

There are special rules, which apply to you before you can enter a civil partnership if you are not: -

· A British national; or

· A citizen of another EU or EEA country; or

· A person with indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

If you are not one of the above you will need either the correct visa or a certificate of approval from the Home Office.

You may also have particular issues that you need to consider. You may be concerned about problems that could arise here or overseas from having a visa in your passport that refers to a civil partnership.

Our specialist Immigration Team have many years experience helping same sex couples with immigration advice. We can provide confidential and expert help on these and other issues.

Contact Jackie Peirce, Head of Department, or email to: immigrationandasylum@glazerdelmar.com

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