The UK Fiancé Visa is designed for individuals who wish to join their partner in the UK to get married or enter a civil partnership. This visa allows non-UK citizens to come to the UK for up to 6 months with the intention of marrying a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. Unlike other visas, the UK Fiancé Visa does not permit the visa holder to work or study, but it provides a pathway to apply for a Spouse Visa after marriage, allowing them to stay and settle in the UK.

This article outlines everything you need to know about the Fiancé Visa UK, including eligibility requirements, the application process, fees, and more.

What is a UK Fiancé Visa?

The UK Fiancé Visa (also referred to as a UK Prospective Marriage Visa) allows non-UK citizens to enter the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or someone with settled status in the UK. The visa is valid for 6 months and does not permit employment or study. Once the marriage or civil partnership has taken place, the visa holder can apply for a UK Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Fiancé Visa

To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, both the applicant and the UK-based partner must meet specific criteria set by the UK Home Office:

1. Relationship Requirements:

   • The applicant must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with settled status (e.g., ILR), or a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

   • Both partners must be at least 18 years old.

   • The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, with both parties intending to live together permanently after marriage.

2. Financial Requirements:

   • The sponsoring partner (the UK-based partner) must have a minimum gross annual income of £18,600. This threshold increases if there are dependent children: an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.

   • The income requirement can be met through employment, self-employment, cash savings (above £16,000), pensions, or other specified sources.

3. English Language Requirements:

   • The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the English language by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or higher, or by having a degree that was taught or researched in English.

4. Accommodation Requirements:

   • The couple must have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK where they can live without recourse to public funds.

5. Proof of Intention to Marry:

   • The couple must provide evidence of their intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK. This can include wedding venue bookings, notices of marriage, or letters from officiants.

Application Process for a UK Fiancé Visa

1. Online Application:

   • The application for a UK Fiancé Visa must be completed online via the UK government's official visa website. The applicant must fill out the application form, provide all necessary details, and pay the visa fee.

2. Gather Supporting Documents:

   • Applicants need to gather and submit several supporting documents, including:

     • A valid passport or travel document.

     • Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g., photos, communication records).

     • Evidence of meeting financial and accommodation requirements.

     • English language test results (if applicable).

     • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required for applicants from certain countries).

     • Proof of intention to marry or enter a civil partnership (e.g., venue booking confirmations, notices of marriage).

3. Biometric Appointment:

   • The applicant will need to attend a biometric appointment at a local visa application center. During this appointment, they will provide their fingerprints and photographs and submit their supporting documents.

4. Processing Time:

   • The standard processing time for a UK Fiancé Visa is typically around 8 to 12 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing at an additional cost.

5. Visa Fees:

   • The UK Fiancé Visa fee is £1,538. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £624 per year.

After Arriving in the UK on a Fiancé Visa

Once in thefiancé visa to the UK, the visa holder must marry or enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner within 6 months. After marriage, the following steps should be taken:

• Apply for a UK Spouse Visa: The applicant must apply for a UK Spouse Visa to remain in the UK beyond the 6-month validity period of the Fiancé Visa. The Spouse Visa allows them to live, work, and study in the UK.

• Switch to a Spouse Visa: The application for a Spouse Visa must be submitted from within the UK, and the applicant must meet the eligibility criteria for a Spouse Visa.

• Right to Work and Study: Once the applicant switches to a Spouse Visa, they will have the right to work and study in the UK without restrictions.

Common Reasons for UK Fiancé Visa Refusals

UK Fiancé Visa applications can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship or intention to marry.

• Not meeting the financial or accommodation requirements.

• Failure to provide the correct supporting documents.

• Not meeting the English language requirement.

If an application is refused, the applicant may have the option to appeal the decision, request an administrative review, or reapply with a more robust application.

Conclusion

The UK Fiancé Visa is a crucial option for non-UK citizens who wish to marry their partner in the UK and begin a life together. Although the application process requires careful preparation and meeting specific criteria, a successful application allows couples to marry in the UK and provides a pathway to further stay and settlement. By understanding the requirements and preparing a thorough application, applicants can increase their chances of a smooth and successful process.