The Fiance Visa UK is designed for non-UK residents who are engaged to British citizens or individuals with settled status, allowing them to enter the UK to get married. If you're planning to marry a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain, you might need to apply for a UK fiance visa. This visa gives you six months to get married in the UK and then switch to a spouse visa after the marriage. In this article, we’ll cover the requirements, the application process, and the necessary documents for the fiance visa UK.
What is a Fiance Visa UK?
The UK fiance visa is a type of family visa that allows you to enter the UK for the purpose of marrying your British partner or a partner with settled status. After the marriage or civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa, which will allow you to stay in the UK long-term.
Key Points:
- The fiance visa UK is valid for six months.
- During this period, you must get married or enter into a civil partnership.
- After the wedding, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK.
- The fiance visa does not allow you to work in the UK during the six-month period.
Eligibility Criteria for a UK Fiance Visa
To be eligible for a UK fiance visa, both you and your partner must meet several requirements:
- Relationship Requirement: You must be engaged to a British citizen or a person with settled status (e.g., indefinite leave to remain, refugee status). You need to prove that you intend to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months.
- Financial Requirement: The sponsoring partner must meet the financial threshold of £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children, this requirement increases.
- English Language Requirement: You must pass an approved English language test unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.
- Accommodation Requirement: You must show that you have adequate accommodation for you and your partner in the UK without needing public funds.
- Genuine Relationship: You need to provide evidence of your genuine relationship, such as photos, communication history, and evidence of time spent together.
Documents Required for a UK Fiance Visa
To apply for a fiance visa UK, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Both your passport and your partner's passport.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence showing that your relationship is genuine, such as photos, messages, emails, or call logs.
- Proof of Financial Requirement: Payslips, bank statements, or employment letters demonstrating that the sponsor meets the income threshold.
- Accommodation Details: Evidence that you have suitable accommodation in the UK.
- English Language Certificate: Proof that you meet the English language requirement.
- Intent to Marry: Evidence of wedding plans or civil partnership arrangements, such as venue bookings or invitations.
How to Apply for a Fiance Visa UK
- Complete the Online Application: You can apply for a UK fiance visa online via the UK government’s official website.
- Pay the Visa Fees: The application fee is currently £1,538. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
- Submit Your Documents: Gather and submit all the required documents mentioned above. You may need to upload them online or submit them at a visa application center.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment: You will need to attend an appointment to provide biometric information, including your fingerprints and a photograph.
- Wait for a Decision: The average processing time for a fiance visa UK is around 12 weeks from the date of your application. You may opt for a priority service for a faster decision, but this will cost extra.
After Arriving in the UK
Once you receive your UK fiance visa, you will have six months to marry or enter into a civil partnership. During this time, you are not permitted to work or claim public funds. Once married, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK, allowing you to remain for another 2.5 years, after which you may extend your visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Financial Requirements for a Fiance Visa UK
The sponsoring partner must earn a minimum income of £18,600 per year. If you have children who are also applying, the financial threshold increases:
- One child: £22,400
- Each additional child: £2,400
Savings can be used to meet the financial requirement, but specific rules apply regarding how savings are calculated.
Processing Time for a Fiance Visa UK
It typically takes up to 12 weeks for the fiance visa UK to be processed. You can choose to pay for priority processing if you need a quicker decision. In some cases, processing times may be delayed due to missing documents or complex cases.
Switching to a Spouse Visa
Once you are married or have entered into a civil partnership, you can switch to a spouse visa from within the UK. This is a much longer-term visa that will allow you to live and work in the UK for 2.5 years. After that, you can extend your visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Conclusion
The uk fiance visa is an excellent route for non-UK citizens who wish to marry their British partner and start a life together in the UK. It allows you to enter the UK for six months to get married, after which you can switch to a spousal visa UK. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, including the financial and relationship requirements, and gather all necessary documents to support your application.
It's highly recommended to consult with immigration experts or legal professionals to ensure that your application process runs smoothly and increases your chances of success.
