1. What is the UK Fiancé Visa?
The UK Fiancé Visa, also known as the Marriage Visitor Visa, allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK and marry their British or settled partner (someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status). This visa is designed for couples who plan to get married or enter a civil partnership in the UK within six months of their partner’s arrival.
Unlike other visas, the Fiancé Visa does not allow the visa holder to work in the UK. However, after marriage, the applicant can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa, which provides the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
2. Who Can Apply for the UK Fiancé Visa?
To qualify for the UK Fiancé Visa, both the applicant and their partner must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship with your UK-based partner is genuine and that you plan to live together permanently after the marriage or civil partnership.
- Financial Requirement: Your UK-based partner must have an annual income of at least £18,600 (before tax) or show proof of sufficient savings to support both of you without needing public funds. The income threshold increases if you have dependent children.
- English Language Requirement: The applicant must demonstrate English proficiency, typically by passing an A1-level English language test or having an English-taught degree recognized by UK NARIC.
- Accommodation Requirement: You must have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK where you and your partner will live after the marriage.
- Intent to Marry: You must provide evidence that you plan to marry within six months of arriving in the UK. This could include booking confirmation of the wedding venue, correspondence with registrars, or other wedding arrangements.
3. How to Apply for a Fiancé Visa UK
The application process for the UK Fiancé Visa involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documentation to support your application. This will include:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of relationship: Photos, communication records, evidence of time spent together.
- Proof of financial income: Payslips, tax returns, or bank statements.
- Accommodation details: Proof of suitable housing in the UK.
- Intent to marry: Wedding venue bookings or correspondence with a registrar.
- English language test results or a recognized qualification.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Submit the application through the UK government visa website. You will need to fill out the Fiancé Visa application form (VAF4A) and provide all relevant documentation online.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
The UK Fiancé Visa fee is £1,538 for applications made outside the UK. This fee does not include additional costs, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or costs associated with submitting biometrics.
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center in your home country. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
The standard processing time for the Fiancé Visa is usually 12 to 24 weeks (3 to 6 months), depending on the country where you apply and any delays in processing.
4. Required Documents for a UK Fiancé Visa
Submitting the correct documents is crucial for a successful Fiancé Visa application. Here’s a list of key documents you’ll need:
- Valid passport (and any previous travel documents).
- Proof of relationship: Photos, chat logs, travel history, or joint accounts showing a genuine relationship.
- Financial evidence: Your partner’s payslips, bank statements, or proof of savings to meet the financial requirement.
- Accommodation details: A letter from your partner’s landlord or proof of property ownership.
- Intent to marry: Wedding venue bookings, marriage license application, or correspondence with a registrar.
- English language proficiency certificate (if required).
- Biometric information: Fingerprints and photographs from your visa appointment.
Make sure all documents not in English are translated into English by a certified translator.
5. UK Fiancé Visa Fees and Additional Costs
The Fiancé Visa UK fee is £1,538 for applications submitted outside the UK. However, there are other costs to consider, including:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The IHS provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS fee is £624 per year, and while the Fiancé Visa is for six months, you may need to pay upfront if you plan to switch to a Spouse Visa later.
- Biometric fee: The cost of the biometric appointment may vary depending on your country of application.
- Priority visa service (optional): You can pay an additional fee to have your application processed faster. This service typically reduces the processing time to 5 to 30 working days, depending on availability.
6. How Long Does the Fiancé Visa UK Take?
The processing time for the UK Fiancé Visa generally takes between 12 and 24 weeks. However, delays can occur depending on the time of year, visa center workload, and whether additional documentation is required.
Priority Processing
For those needing faster results, the UK government offers priority processing, which can reduce the decision time to 5 to 30 working days, though this service comes with additional fees.
7. What Happens After Your UK Fiancé Visa is Approved?
Once your Fiancé Visa is approved, you can enter the UK to get married or enter a civil partnership. The visa is valid for 6 months, during which time you must marry your partner. Once married, you can apply to switch from the Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa, allowing you to remain in the UK for up to 30 months, with the possibility of extension.
8. Switching to a Spouse Visa After Marriage
After your wedding, you must switch to a UK Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK. The Spouse Visa allows you to:
- Live and work in the UK.
- Study in the UK.
- Access public healthcare through the NHS.
The application fee for switching to a Spouse Visa is £1,048, and you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as well.
Conclusion
The Fiancé Visa UK is a key step for non-UK nationals who want to marry their British or settled partner and live together in the UK. By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting a complete application, you can ensure a smoother process. Once married, switching to a Spouse Visa will grant you more permanent residency options in the UK.