UK Fiancée Visa
A UK Fiancée Visa allows a non-UK national to enter the UK to marry their British citizen or settled partner within six months. Unlike a Spouse Visa, which is for those already married, the Fiancée Visa is intended for couples planning to marry in the UK. After the marriage, the applicant can apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK.
Who is eligible to apply for a Fiancée Visa?
To qualify for a Fiancée Visa, you must:
Be engaged to a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
Intend to marry within six months of entering the UK.
Demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Meet the financial requirement, typically a minimum annual income of £29,000.
Have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK.
Meet the English language requirement.
What are the financial requirements?
The sponsor must have an annual income of at least £29,000. If the sponsor’s income is below this threshold, cash savings can be used to meet the requirement. The exact amount of savings needed depends on the shortfall in income.
What is the English language requirement?
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at A1 level or higher. This can be proven by:
Passing an approved English language test.
Holding a degree taught in English.
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Can I work or study on a Fiancée Visa?
No, the Fiancée Visa does not permit employment or study. Once married and after switching to a Spouse Visa, you will have the right to work and study in the UK.
What happens if we don’t marry within six months?
If you do not marry within the six-month validity of the Fiancée Visa, you must leave the UK. Extensions are not typically granted unless there are exceptional circumstances.
How do I switch to a Spouse Visa after marriage?
After marrying your partner in the UK, you can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa. This application must be made before your Fiancée Visa expires. The Spouse Visa will allow you to live, work, and study in the UK for 2.5 years, with the possibility of extension and eventual settlement.
How can HM & Co. Solicitors assist with my application?
Our experienced immigration solicitors can guide you through each step of the Fiancée Visa process, ensuring all requirements are met and documentation is correctly prepared. We offer personalised advice tailored to your circumstances, increasing the likelihood of a successful application.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
UK Fiancé(e) Visa FAQs
Do I need to be married before applying for a Fiancé(e) Visa?
No. The UK Fiancé(e) Visa is specifically designed for individuals intending to marry or enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner. You must plan to marry within six months of arriving in the UK.
How long can I be engaged before applying?
The Fiancé(e) Visa is valid for six months. During this period, you are expected to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. After the marriage or civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa.
Do we need to have our wedding planned to apply for the Fiancé(e) Visa?
While a detailed wedding plan isn't mandatory, it's advisable to have some arrangements in place. Providing evidence of venue bookings, invitations, or other preparations can strengthen your application by demonstrating your genuine intention to marry within the visa period.
How do we prove our relationship is genuine if we haven't lived together?
Evidence of a genuine relationship can include:
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Communication records (e.g., emails, messages, call logs)
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Photographs together
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Travel itineraries showing visits to each other
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Statements from friends or family attesting to your relationship
Our specialists at HM & Co. Solicitors can advise on compiling and presenting this evidence effectively.
Do I need to meet financial requirements for a Fiancé(e) Visa?
Yes. You and your UK-based partner must demonstrate a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This threshold applies to applications made on or after 11 April 2024.
Can savings be used to meet the financial requirement?
Yes. If your income doesn't meet the threshold, you can use savings to make up the shortfall. The calculation involves:
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Subtracting £16,000 from your total savings.
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Dividing the remaining amount by 2.5 (representing the 2.5-year visa period).
The resulting figure can be added to your income to meet the requirement. For example, if you have £88,500 in savings:
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£88,500 - £16,000 = £72,500
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£72,500 ÷ 2.5 = £29,000
In this case, you wouldn't need to demonstrate any income.
Can I work or study on a Fiancé(e) Visa?
No. The Fiancé(e) Visa doesn't permit employment or study. Once you marry and switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa, you'll have the right to work and study in the UK.
What happens if we don't marry within the six-month visa period?
If you don't marry within the visa's validity, you'll need to apply for an extension or leave the UK. Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, and you'll need to provide compelling reasons and evidence for the delay.
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