Planning to apply for a Fiancé Visa in the UK? Here’s What You Need to Know.

If you’re a foreign national engaged to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, you’ll need a Fiancé Visa to get married in the UK. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for six months to get married or enter into a civil partnership. After that, you can apply for a Spouse Visa to stay longer.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Fiancé Visa, you and your partner must meet the following criteria:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Intend to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK.
• Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen or settled in the UK (e.g., through indefinite leave to remain or EU-settled status)
• You and your partner intend to live together in the UK after you marry or enter a civil partnership.
• You and your partner must be able to support yourselves financially. You must show a combined income of at least £29,000 per year.
• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the English language (e.g., passed an English language test at level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale)

Genuine Relationship Requirement

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) meticulously assesses your relationship to ensure its authenticity. They scrutinize evidence that you and your partner are in a genuine relationship and intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership.

Financial Requirements

You and your partner must meet a minimum combined gross annual income of £29,000. Various income sources can be considered, including employment, pensions, and savings. If your savings exceed £16,000, you can use them to meet the financial requirement. The more savings you have, the lower your income requirement will be.

English Language Requirement

You can demonstrate your English language proficiency by passing a CEFR English test at level A1 or higher. Alternatively, you can qualify with a degree or other academic qualification taught in English. Some exemptions apply, such as being over 65 or from a country where English is widely spoken.

Accommodation Requirements

You must show you have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets occupancy and public health standards.

Required Documents

• Completed application form and fee
• Valid passport and any previous passports
• Evidence of your relationship (letters, shared bills, photos, etc.)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of financial resources (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)
• Details of any past immigration applications or criminal convictions
• National insurance number (if you have one)
• Proof of accommodation in the UK
• Biometric information (fingerprints and digital photograph)
• Tuberculosis test results (if required)

How to Apply

The application process is online through the Home Office website. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Check your eligibility.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Upload supporting documents.
6. Schedule a biometric appointment.
7. Attend an interview (if needed).

You can call us for a free on-call evaluation at: +44 1753 972980

After Your Fiancé Visa

If your Fiancé Visa is approved, you can stay in the UK for six months to get married. After that, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which allows you to keep initially for up to 33 months. This can be extended for another 30 months. After five years on a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to stay permanently in the UK.

Key Differences Between Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa

• The Fiancé Visa is for couples planning to get married before applying for a Spouse Visa.
• The Spouse Visa is for couples already married or in a civil partnership.
• A Fiancé Visa allows a stay of six months, while a Spouse Visa is initially valid for up to 33 months.

Conclusion

Understanding the Fiancé Visa process is crucial for foreign nationals planning to marry a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. By grasping the eligibility requirements, application process, and what to expect after your visa, you can ensure a well-prepared and smooth transition into married life in the UK.

Reference:
GOV.UK: Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Apply as a partner or spouse – GOV.UK