This section explains how people from overseas can come to or remain in the United Kingdom as the partners, children and/or elderly dependent relatives of people who are already in the United Kingdom or are coming here in a different category.

Each category requires the applicant to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Rules HC395, enabled by the Immigration Act 1971. It is onus on the applicant along with their sponsor where applicable to provide the correct documents and information to support their application.

This section explains about the following:

• how you can get married or register a civil partnership in the United Kingdom;
• the help and advice you can get if you think you are at risk of forced marriage;
• what you can do if you have come to the United Kingdom as a partner, or as an asylum seeker, and you are experiencing domestic violence; and
• what to do if your relationship with your partner permanently breaks down.

Please note that the information in this section does not apply to nationals of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, who are not subject to the Immigration Rules. EEA nationals have free movement rights in the EEA, including the United Kingdom, and can enter and remain here in accordance with the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006. However, EEA nationals' family members who are not EEA citizens themselves should apply for a Family Permit before coming to the United Kingdom.