Introduction
Are you a UK resident with a Mexican partner? If you’re planning to bring them to live with you in the UK, the process may seem complicated, but don’t worry—it’s entirely doable with the right guidance. This guide will walk you through the steps and visa options to help make the journey smoother.
The UK Fiancé Visa Process
The UK Fiancé Visa is a popular choice for British citizens and UK residents who wish to marry their foreign partners in the UK. This visa grants your Mexican partner a six-month stay, during which you must marry. Once married, your partner can apply for a UK Spouse Visa, allowing them to remain in the country long-term.
Eligibility Criteria for a UK Fiancé Visa
To apply for a Fiancé Visa, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Relationship Status
The couple must be genuinely engaged and intend to marry within six months of the visa being issued. Both individuals must not be married or in a civil partnership with anyone else.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old when applying.
Financial Requirements
As of April 11th, 2024, the minimum financial requirement is £29,000. This can be satisfied through various means such as income, savings, pensions, or investments. For more information on how to meet this requirement, please visit our family visa financial requirements page or contact us.
Wedding Plans
You need to provide evidence of your planned wedding, which can include details like a venue reservation or any other related expenses.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must show basic English language skills by passing an authorised A1-level English test.
Accommodation Requirement
The UK sponsor must provide evidence of adequate accommodation that meets UK standards and avoids overcrowding.
Return Plan
The Fiancé Visa is valid for six months. The applicant must demonstrate that they do not intend to overstay and have plans to leave the UK after this period, unless they transition to a Spouse Visa.
Processing Time and Outcome
Typically, the processing time for a Fiancé Visa application is between 2 to 3 months. After the Home Office reviews the application, the applicant will be notified of the decision. If the visa is granted, your partner can make arrangements to join you in the UK.
Once in the UK, you must marry within six months. After the marriage, your partner can apply for a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa to extend their stay. Please note that the Fiancé Visa does not allow for employment or access to public funds.
Additionally, after living in the UK for five years on a Spouse Visa, your Mexican partner may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
For expert advice and assistance with the Fiancé Visa application process, contact our legal advisors.
The Spouse Visa Route
If you are married to your Mexican partner, the UK Spouse Visa is an excellent option for bringing them to the UK. This visa permits your partner to live with you in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years, with the possibility of extending it further.
During this time, your partner can live, work, and study in the UK. After five years of legal residency, they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, if eligible, British citizenship. For more details concerning the requirements for the spouse visa, check out the post, New Spouse Visa Requirements for 2024.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Spouse Visa, both the applicant and their sponsor must meet the following requirements:
Sponsor’s Status
The sponsor must be either a British citizen, someone with permanent leave to remain in the UK, a person with settled status, a permanent resident, or someone with refugee or protected status in the UK.
Relationship Status
The couple must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised by the UK and must have lived together for a minimum of two years. They need to provide evidence of their marriage or civil partnership and demonstrate their intention to live together permanently in the UK.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirement
As of April 11th, 2024, the income threshold for all UK family visas is £29,000. For comprehensive advice on meeting this requirement through income, savings, investments, and pensions, please refer to our financial requirements page or contact us directly for personalized guidance.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must either pass an approved A1 level English language test or hold a degree that was taught in English to prove their English proficiency.
Processing Time and Decision
The Spouse Visa application process usually takes around 3 months, although this timeframe can vary. Once a decision is made, the applicant will be notified, and if approved, they can start planning to join their partner in the UK.
Upon arriving in the UK, the visa holder can live, work, and study without any restrictions. After residing in the UK for five years on a Spouse Visa, they may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting them permanent residency. Following this, they can also apply for British citizenship if they meet the relevant requirements.
The Civil Partnership Route
The UK Civil Partnership Visa is a fitting option for those in a civil partnership with an Indian partner, as long as one partner meets the eligibility criteria in the UK. This visa permits the civil partner to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial duration of 30 to 33 months, with the opportunity to extend it for up to 5 years.
Eligibility Requirements for the Civil Partnership Visa
To be eligible for the Civil Partnership Visa, both the applicant and the sponsor must meet certain conditions:
Sponsor’s Status
The sponsor must have one of the following statuses: British or Irish citizenship, settled status in the UK, pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, or refugee status/humanitarian protection.
Relationship Status
You must be in a legally recognised civil partnership in the UK, which is not restricted by law. You should have met in person before applying. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, with plans to live together permanently in the UK. Any previous relationships must be fully concluded.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirement
As of April 11th, 2024, the financial requirement for UK family visas is £29,000. For information on how to meet this requirement through income, savings, investments, or pensions, consult our family visa financial requirements page or contact us directly.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must show basic English proficiency by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or by holding a degree taught in English.
Processing Time and Decision
The typical processing time for a Civil Partnership Visa is around 3 months. Once a decision is reached, the applicant will be notified. If the visa is granted, they can arrange to join their partner in the UK.
After arriving, the applicant will be permitted to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. After five years of residence on this visa, they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency. They may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship after this period.
How to Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine
To establish the authenticity of your relationship, you need to provide clear evidence demonstrating a genuine and enduring commitment. Make sure that the documents you submit are recent and not more than four years old. Here are some key types of evidence to consider:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate: This official document verifies your legal marriage or civil partnership.
- Joint Financial Documents: Provide evidence of shared finances, such as joint bank accounts, co-owned property, or mutual investments.
- Shared Responsibilities: Submit documents that show both names on bills, lease agreements, or other official records indicating a shared address.
- Travel Documentation: Include passport stamps, boarding passes, and itineraries from trips taken together or visits to each other.
- Medical or Dental Records: Provide letters from healthcare providers that confirm your joint address as additional proof of living together.
Although the Spouse Visa can be intricate, it offers your partner the right to work and study in the UK once approved. Additionally, they can include dependent children from their home country in their application, which might influence their decision to move to the UK.
For those planning a permanent relocation, the Spouse Visa is generally the most appropriate route.
For additional insights into the immigration process for other nationalities, you can also check our posts, How Can I Bring My Brazilian Wife or Girlfriend to the UK In 2024? How to Bring Your Russian Partner to the UK: A Complete Guide In 2024, How to Bring Your Albanian Wife or Girlfriend to the UK and How To Bring Your Indian Wife Or Girlfriend To The UK .
FAQS
Is It Easy To Bring My Mexican Wife To The UK?
Bringing your Mexican wife to the UK involves several steps, including applying for the right visa, meeting financial requirements, and proving your relationship is genuine. While the process can be detailed and take time, following the guidelines carefully can help you successfully bring her to the UK.
Can My Mexican Girlfriend Get Married to Me in the UK?
Yes, you can marry your Mexican girlfriend in the UK. She will need to apply for a Fiancé Visa, which allows her to enter the UK with the intention of marrying within six months. After the marriage, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which will enable her to stay in the UK.
What are the financial requirements for bringing my Mexican wife to the UK?
To bring your Mexican wife to the UK, you need to meet a financial requirement of £29,000 as of April 11th, 2024. This amount may change, so check for the latest updates. For more details on how to meet these requirements, get in touch with us.
Are there any extra requirements for visa applications?
Yes, the requirements for visa applications can differ based on the type of visa and your individual circumstances. Generally, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, financial stability, and identity, as well as other documents such as a medical certificate. For specific details, check the Home Office website or speak with an immigration lawyer.
How long is the UK Spouse Visa valid for?
The UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 2.5 years (30 months). After this period, it can be extended for another 2.5 years. Once your partner has lived in the UK for a total of five years, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.
