It takes a crucial decision to relocate to the UK, and even more so to reunite with your partner. Adding your four-legged best friend to the plan makes the journey even more exciting, but a bit more complex. This is because entering the UK with your dog to join your partner requires a two-way process.
On the one hand, you must qualify for and apply for a Civil Partnership visa UK. On the other hand, you have to comply with the UK’s strict pet travel regulations. You do not have to worry about the rigorous processes involved.
Moving to the UK with your dog to join your partner is absolutely achievable, provided you understand the steps involved and comply with the requirements. This article explains what you must do to relocate to the UK with your partner and dog.
Table of Contents
Understanding the UK Civil Partnership Visa
With the Civil Partnership visa, you can enter the UK to live, work, study, and reunite with your partner. This visa will be suitable for your situation if you are in a legally recognized civil partnership with your UK-based partner. Similar to other UK visas, you must meet certain eligibility criteria to be eligible for the Civil Partnership visa.
Upon entering the country on this visa, you may stay for up to 33 months. Before this visa expires, you can apply for a renewal and be allowed to stay in the UK for 30 months. The Civil Partnership visa offers a direct path to indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and subsequently British citizenship, provided you meet the requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for UK Civil Partnership Visa
To relocate with your dog to reunite with your UK-based partner through the Civil Partnership visa, you must first meet the visa requirements. You must demonstrate to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet various eligibility criteria to join your partner in the UK, including:
Financial Requirement
You and your sponsor must meet the financial requirements of the Civil Partnership visa. To demonstrate that you meet this requirement, you and your spouse must have a combined minimum income of at least £29,000 per year. Alternatively, if you and your partner cannot meet the minimum income requirement, you can jointly hold £88,500 in cash savings.
You must also budget for other costs required for your Civil Partnership visa application. These fees include:
- Application fee worth £1,846 or £1,048 for extending the visa or switching to another UK visa.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to allow you access to healthcare in the UK, which is worth £1,035 per year for your visa duration.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test, which may cost £100-£150 depending on your country, if applicable.
- Costs vary for document translations if you need to translate documents.
English Language Proficiency
You must meet the English requirement to demonstrate that you can speak and understand the language. As such, you need to take an approved English language test and pass it with a score of at least Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A1. You may have already qualified if you have a degree taught in English, or you are from a recognised majority English-speaking country.
Relationship and Accommodation
To join your partner in the UK, you must prove to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that your relationship is genuine. Also, prove that your civil partnership is legally valid and recognized in the UK. Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have met in person and intend to live together with your partner in the UK. Therefore, you must prove that you have adequate accommodation when you enter the country. The place must meet the UK’s standards.
Meeting the UK’s Pet Travel Rules
For your dog to accompany you to the UK to join your partner, you must comply strictly with the UK’s pet travel rules. These rules ensure you prepare the dog before embarking on the trip. You must also budget additional funds to bring your pet to the UK. However, the UK’s pet travel mandatory steps you must take before bringing your dog to the UK include:
- Your dog must receive an ISO-compatible microchip before any rabies vaccination.
- Your dog must receive a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before you travel to the UK to reunite with your partner.
- A rabies antibody blood test is crucial if you are traveling from a country not on the UK’s list of low-risk countries. The blood sample needs to be taken at least 30 days after the vaccination. To pass UK customs without quarantine, you must wait another 90 days before traveling to the UK if the blood test result is at least 0.5 IU/ml (as expected).
- Your dog must obtain an Animal Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before traveling to the UK. This replaces the old EU passport for most non-EU arrivals.
- The dog must also receive a tapeworm treatment between 1 and 5 days before arrival in the UK. Your vet must record it on the health certificate.
- Your dog cannot fly in the cabin to the UK. As such, you need to arrange travel assistance with transport companies and routes. Ensure you only engage with approved airlines and airports, ferry and cruise companies, and rail companies.
Also Read : Why Pet Vaccinations Are Essential for Their Health
Conclusion
Relocating to the UK with your dog to join your partner requires careful planning and preparation. This is because you need to consider so many factors. You must meet the Civil Partnership visa eligibility criteria and provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship. You must also submit a comprehensive visa application that meets the Home Office’s required standards.
Additionally, you must meet the UK’s pet travel rules to bring your dog along with you. Note that timing is crucial. Therefore, start your pet preparation in advance. Remember that if you are applying from a country that is not on the UK’s list of low-risk rabies countries, the timeline to bring your dog to the UK is 4 months.
This includes a blood test after 30 days of rabies vaccination and another 90-day wait from the date the blood sample was taken. Ensure you comply with the UK’s latest immigration rules to avoid errors, which can result in delays or denial of your reunion with your partner and your four-legged best friend.
