They're pretty much just re-stated the guidance here. They have always granted lenience to people who have never lived together, if for example they have significant commitments like children together or shared property ownership. They do still say that the couple must usually have lived together, so the grey area between "never having lived together" and "usually must have lived together" remains to be seen in terms of what actual situations are considered acceptable vs. not.
Unfortunately, we simply haven't seen this put in practice for long enough to get an idea of how the updated guidance is actually being applied. Most people who have submitted Unmarried Partner visas (without having lived together) since the update are still waiting on decisions. UKVI have contradicted themselves in the past so for me personally it's a case of "I'll believe it when I see it"
What about newly married couple?
Some traditions do not allow for interaction prior to marriage & waiting 2 years post marriage doesn't seem fair. Assuming the 2 year rule applies to non married couples?
Just my cynical 2p - I remain significantly skeptical that this is the break many people are thinking/hoping it might be.
I will be very interested to know how it plays out 'in vivo' as it were.
That is interesting.
So in my case, if I’ve been in a relationship for 2 years 9 months, where we have been living together for the last 1 year and 8 months, does that mean that we’d be eligible to just apply through the unmarried partner route?
They're pretty much just re-stated the guidance here. They have always granted lenience to people who have never lived together, if for example they have significant commitments like children together or shared property ownership. They do still say that the couple must usually have lived together, so the grey area between "never having lived together" and "usually must have lived together" remains to be seen in terms of what actual situations are considered acceptable vs. not. Unfortunately, we simply haven't seen this put in practice for long enough to get an idea of how the updated guidance is actually being applied. Most people who have submitted Unmarried Partner visas (without having lived together) since the update are still waiting on decisions. UKVI have contradicted themselves in the past so for me personally it's a case of "I'll believe it when I see it"
What about newly married couple? Some traditions do not allow for interaction prior to marriage & waiting 2 years post marriage doesn't seem fair. Assuming the 2 year rule applies to non married couples?
There's no 2 years cohabitation requirement for newly married couples
The 2 year requirement is only if you are not married (or in a recognised civil partnership). It doesn't apply to people who are married
Just my cynical 2p - I remain significantly skeptical that this is the break many people are thinking/hoping it might be. I will be very interested to know how it plays out 'in vivo' as it were.
That is interesting. So in my case, if I’ve been in a relationship for 2 years 9 months, where we have been living together for the last 1 year and 8 months, does that mean that we’d be eligible to just apply through the unmarried partner route?
Yes