Introduction
The UK Fiancé Visa allows you to come to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months. After the marriage or civil partnership, you can switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa, which will grant you permission to stay in the UK for a further 30 months. After five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. It’s important to note that you cannot work while on a Fiancé Visa.
If you are also considering bringing family members with you, check out the post, UK Dependant Visa: A Comprehensive Guide For 2024.
Eligibility Requirements for the UK Fiancé Visa
To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship: Your UK partner must be a British citizen, settled person, or someone with refugee status. EU citizens with pre-settled status are also eligible to bring their fiancés to the UK.
- Intention to Marry: You must prove that you intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. This is often shown by making an appointment at a registry office and including a copy of the confirmed appointment in your application.
- Financial Requirement: You must have a combined income of at least £29,000 per year from April 2024 (increasing to £38,700 by early 2025). Various sources of income, such as employment, savings, or property income, can be used to meet this threshold.
- English Language: You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the A1 level or meet certain exemption criteria, such as being over 65 or holding a degree taught in English.
- Accommodation: You must provide proof that you have adequate accommodation in the UK, meeting legal standards.
- Health & Immigration History: You must not have serious health conditions, immigration violations, or criminal convictions.
For those considering family arrangements, the post UK Dependant Visa: A Comprehensive Guide For 2024 might also be beneficial.
Financial Requirements
To qualify for a Fiancé Visa in the UK, you need to meet specific financial criteria to show that you can support yourselves and any dependents during your stay. Here’s what you need to know:
Financial Threshold
- Minimum Income: As of 11th April 2024, the financial requirement for all family visas is £29,000.
- Additional Costs: If you have children to sponsor, the financial requirement increases:
- First Child: Additional £3,800
- Each Additional Child: £2,400
Proving Financial Stability
You can demonstrate your financial situation through:
- Regular employment salary
- Self-employment income
- Savings
- Stocks and shares
- Pension payments
- Income from property
Important Considerations
- Public Funds: Fiancé Visa holders cannot access public funds.
- Employment: You are not permitted to work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa.
For the latest information or assistance with meeting the financial requirements, visit our page on family visa financial requirements or contact us directly.
Essential Documents for the Fiancé Visa Application
To apply for a Fiancé Visa, you must provide specific documents to demonstrate your eligibility. These include:
- Personal Details: Your full name and date of birth.
- Passport Copies: Photocopies of the photo pages of any past passports and visas.
- Relationship Information: Details about your relationship, such as how long you’ve been together, how and where you met, and how often you see each other.
- Previous Marriages and Children: Information about any prior marriages or children. Provide divorce certificates if applicable.
- Criminal Convictions: Details of any criminal convictions.
- Travel History: Information about countries you have visited or lived in outside the UK.
- Parents’ Details: If applying from abroad, you may need to provide your parents’ nationality and date of birth.
We can help you collect and organise these documents to ensure they meet all the necessary standards.
English Language Requirement for the Fiancé Visa
If you are a non-English speaker, you usually need to meet the English language requirement. Here’s how:
- Secure English Language Test (SELT): Pass a SELT at an approved centre and include the certificate in your application. Note that the test is valid for two years.
- Exemptions: You may be exempt if:
- You have a degree taught in English.
- You are over 65 years old.
- You are a recognised refugee, orphan, or widow living in the UK.
- You have a condition preventing you from taking the test.
Consulting an immigration lawyer can help you determine if you need the SELT or if you qualify for an exemption.
Proving Your Relationship is Genuine
To demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship, you may submit:
- Joint bank statements or utility bills.
- Photos of you and your partner over time.
- Reference letters from family or friends.
- Details of how and when you met and the frequency of your interactions.
The Home Office carefully examines these documents to prevent fraudulent applications.
UK Fiancé Visa Process: What You Need to Know
When your UK Fiancé Visa is approved, you can stay in the UK for up to six months. During this time, it is essential to get married and comply with all immigration rules.
If you’re entering the UK from abroad, you’ll need to report to border control upon arrival. It’s a good idea to bring photocopies of all your important documents related to your visa application.
For more information on family arrangements, see The UK Dependant Visa: A Comprehensive Guide For 2024.
Fiancé Visa Extensions
Generally, the Fiancé Visa cannot be extended. However, in rare cases, if you are unable to marry within the six-month period due to exceptional circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension. To be granted this extension, you must meet the same requirements as your initial application, and your situation should remain unchanged.
Fiancé Visa Processing Times
- Typical Processing Time: 2 to 6 months from your biometric appointment.
- Faster Processing: Priority services are available for a higher fee, potentially speeding up your decision.
If your application lacks any important documents, processing can be delayed. Immigration officers may contact you for additional information if needed.
How We Can Help
Our team of immigration lawyers is here to help you through the UK Fiancé Visa application process. We offer expert guidance, helping you prepare a thorough application that maximises your chances of a quick and successful outcome.
Marrying Within 6 Months on a Fiancé Visa
A key requirement of the UK Fiancé Visa is that you and your partner must marry within six months of arriving in the UK. You should have a clear plan to get married during this period.
In rare cases, if you are unable to marry within six months, you may be able to apply for an extension.
UK Fiancé Visa Fees
- Applying from outside the UK: £1,846
- Applying from inside the UK: £1,048
Additional costs may include legal fees for assistance with your application, such as hiring lawyers or solicitors to guide you through the process.
Switching to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa
If you’ve entered the UK on a Fiancé Visa, you can switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa once your marriage or civil partnership takes place. This allows you to stay in the UK without leaving, as long as you apply before your Fiancé Visa expires.
Key Benefits of a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa
- Stay for 30 months: The visa allows you to live in the UK for 30 months, with the option to extend for another 30 months if your circumstances remain unchanged.
- Work and study: While on this visa, you can work and study in the UK.
Path to Settlement
- Time towards ILR: The time spent in the UK on a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa counts towards the 5-year residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- British citizenship: After obtaining ILR, you can apply for British citizenship following one year of residency. With citizenship, you can apply for a British passport and enjoy full rights as a British citizen.
Fiancé Visa Appeal: What You Need to Know
If your Fiancé Visa application is denied, you may still have the option to appeal. Here’s a quick guide on what to expect.
- Check Your Right to Appeal: Review your refusal letter to understand the reasons for denial and confirm if you have the right to appeal.
- Submit Your Appeal on Time: You must submit the appeal within 28 days of the refusal. Missing this deadline could result in your appeal being rejected.
- Strengthen Your Case: Gather new evidence or witness statements and clearly explain why the refusal was incorrect.
- Attend a Hearing: Be prepared to attend a hearing at the First-tier Tribunal to present your case. A decision may take from one month to over a year.
- Success Rates: The Home Office loses about 75% of immigration appeals, giving you a good chance of success with a well-prepared appeal.
- Get Expert Help: Consulting an immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process and improve your chances of success.
Get Expert Advice From Our Fiancé Visa Lawyers
The process of applying for a Fiancé Visa in the UK can often feel complex and overwhelming. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to provide you with personalised advice and support, making the journey easier and less stressful. For expert assistance, feel free to contact us.
How We Can Assist You
Our team offers a range of services to help you navigate the Fiancé Visa process, including:
Eligibility Assessment
Our lawyers will thoroughly review your personal circumstances to check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a Fiancé Visa. We will also highlight any potential issues and suggest solutions to improve your chances of a successful application.
Application Preparation
From gathering the necessary paperwork to completing the application forms, we will guide you every step of the way. Our lawyers ensure that all essential information is provided and that your application is submitted on time.
Document Organisation
The Home Office has strict standards when it comes to supporting documents. We will help you organise, review, and verify each document to ensure it meets the required benchmarks.
Communication with the Home Office
Our team will act as your representative, handling all communication with the Home Office. We will keep you updated on your application’s progress and address any concerns.
Appeal Representation
If your visa application is refused, our lawyers can provide expert guidance and represent you during the appeal process, helping you to challenge the decision.
With our expert help, you can approach the Fiancé Visa application process with confidence.
FAQS
Who Can Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Fiancé Visa, you must be engaged to a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK and plan to marry within six months of arriving in the UK. Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have met your Fiancé in person and that your relationship is genuine.
Do You Offer Country Guides For UK Spouse Visa Applications?
Yes, we offer specific country guides on our website for UK spouse visa applications, with more coming soon. Currently, you can find guides for bringing your spouse to the UK from China, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Albania, and India.
How do I apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?
To apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, you need to start your application online through the UK government website. As part of the process, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation, which includes proof of your relationship with your fiancé, evidence of your financial situation, and a valid passport. Ensure all documents are current and accurate to strengthen your application.
What is the cost of a UK Fiancé Visa?
The current cost of a UK Fiancé Visa is £1,846 if you apply from outside the UK, or £1,048 if you apply from within the UK. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees, it’s recommended to consult with a professional team of UK Fiancé Visa lawyers or solicitors.
Can I Work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa?
No, you cannot work in the UK on a Fiancé visa. This visa is specifically for individuals who are engaged to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK and are planning to marry within six months of arriving. It does not grant the right to work. If you wish to work in the UK, you would need to switch to a different visa that permits employment.
What Should I Do After Getting Married on a Fiancé Visa?
After your marriage, you need to apply for a Spouse Visa or a Civil Partner Visa to continue living in the UK. This involves submitting a new application and meeting different eligibility criteria than those for the Fiancé Visa.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
To book a consultation with Family Visa Lawyers, simply fill out the contact form on our website or call us during business hours. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations to suit your need
