UK Fiancé

UK Fiancé(e) Visa: The Complete 2024 Guide

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa allows non-UK citizens to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with their British partner or a person with settled status. This visa grants you a six-month period to formalize your relationship and can lead to an application for a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa after the marriage or civil partnership has taken place.

In this guide, we will walk you through the eligibility criteria, the application process, required documents, and fees for the UK Fiancé(e) Visa in 2024.

What is a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa is a short-term visa that allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering a civil partnership. The visa is valid for six months, during which time the applicant is expected to marry or form a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. Once the marriage or civil partnership is complete, the applicant can apply for a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa, allowing them to remain in the UK for a longer period.

Unlike other types of visas, the Fiancé(e) Visa does not allow the holder to work in the UK. However, it provides a pathway to live in the UK permanently if the marriage or civil partnership leads to a successful Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa application.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa

To be eligible for a UK Fiance Visa, you and your partner must meet the following requirements:

1. Genuine Relationship

You and your partner must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK. Evidence of your relationship can include:

• Correspondence showing regular communication (e.g., emails, texts, phone call logs).
• Photos together during visits.
• Travel history showing trips taken to visit each other.

2. Intent to Marry or Enter a Civil Partnership

You must provide proof that you plan to get married or register a civil partnership within six months of entering the UK. This could include:

• Booking confirmations for a wedding venue.
• Correspondence with a civil partnership registrar.
• Any other evidence that shows wedding plans are in place.

3. Financial Requirement

Your British or settled partner must meet a minimum income threshold to show that they can support you without relying on public funds. The income requirement is:

• £18,600 per year for a couple without children.
• £22,400 for one child, with an additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

Income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, or other acceptable sources. You will need to provide evidence such as payslips, bank statements, and tax returns.

4. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate a basic level of English by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A1 level or higher.
• Holding a degree taught in English.
• Being a citizen of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

5. Accommodation Requirement

You must show that you and your partner have suitable accommodation in the UK where you will live after your marriage or civil partnership. This can be demonstrated through:

• Tenancy agreements.
• Mortgage statements.
• A letter from a landlord confirming that you both have permission to live at the property.

Required Documents for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa

When applying for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, you’ll need to submit several documents to support your application, including:

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Proof of your relationship, such as photos, communication logs, or travel history.
• Proof of plans to marry or enter a civil partnership (e.g., booking confirmations, correspondence with wedding venues).
• Financial documents to demonstrate that your partner meets the minimum income requirement (e.g., payslips, bank statements, tax returns).
• Evidence of accommodation in the UK.
• Proof of your English language proficiency.
• Tuberculosis test results (if required based on your country of origin).

Make sure all documents are in English or have certified translations.

UK Fiancé(e) Visa Application Process

1. Online Application

You can apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You’ll need to complete the application form, pay the required fees, and upload your supporting documents.

2. Visa Fees

The fees for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa in 2024 are:

• Application fee: £1,538.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You are exempt from paying the IHS for this visa because it’s a short-term visa. However, if you later apply to switch to a Spouse Visa, you will be required to pay the IHS for that visa.
• Biometric fee: £19.20 for providing biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

3. Biometric Appointment

After completing your online application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

4. Submit Supporting Documents

You will either upload your supporting documents online or bring them to your biometric appointment. Be sure to double-check that all documents are complete and translated if necessary.

5. Processing Time

Processing times for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa can range from 12 to 24 weeks, depending on the country you’re applying from. Priority services are available at an additional cost if you need a quicker decision:

• Priority Service: £500 for a decision within 5 working days.
• Super Priority Service: £800 for a decision within 24 hours.

After Receiving the Fiancé(e) Visa: What’s Next?

Once you receive your Fiance Visa uk , you can travel to the UK and stay for six months. During this period, you must get married or enter a civil partnership with your partner. After the marriage or civil partnership is registered, you can apply to switch to a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa, which allows you to remain in the UK for an additional 2.5 years (30 months).

Key Considerations

1. Timing Your Wedding Since the Fiancé(e) Visa is only valid for six months, it’s important to have a clear plan for your wedding or civil partnership before you apply. Make sure you’ve booked your venue or registered your partnership date to avoid any last-minute issues.

2. No Work Rights The Fiancé(e) Visa does not allow the holder to work in the UK. You can only start working once you have switched to a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa after your marriage or civil partnership has taken place.

3. Meeting Financial Requirements Ensure that your partner meets the financial threshold and that all supporting financial evidence is clear, consistent, and up-to-date. Incomplete or inaccurate financial documentation is a common reason for visa refusals.

4. English Language Test Prepare for your English language test in advance if needed, and make sure you receive your results before submitting your application.

Switching to a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa

Once your marriage or civil partnership is registered, you can apply to switch from a Fiancé(e) Visa to a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa. The requirements are largely the same, and you’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine, that you meet the financial and accommodation requirements, and that you can speak English at the required level. The visa will be valid for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension or indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Final Thoughts

The Fiance Visa lawyer is an important step for couples who want to build a life together in the UK. By ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and understanding the visa process, you can improve your chances of a successful application. Once you are married or in a civil partnership, the Fiancé(e) Visa opens the door to a longer-term stay through a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa. If you have any doubts about your application, consider seeking professional legal advice to ensure everything is in order.