Complete Guide to the UK Fiancé Visa: Eligibility and Costs

The UK Fiancé Visa allows non-UK residents to enter the UK and marry their British or settled partner within six months. This visa is the first step towards joining your partner in the UK permanently and enables applicants to apply for further visas, such as the Spouse Visa, once married. Here’s a detailed guide covering the eligibility, required documentation, financial requirements, and the application process for the UK Fiancé Visa.

Table of Contents

1. What is the UK Fiancé Visa?

The UK Fiancé Visa is a short-term visa that enables non-UK nationals to travel to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. Once married, the visa holder can apply for a UK Spouse Visa (also known as a Partner Visa) to extend their stay and gain residency rights.

Key Features of the UK Fiancé Visa:

Valid for 6 months and cannot be extended.
Allows you to get married or enter a civil partnership in the UK.
Does not allow employment during the fiancé visa period.
Requires transitioning to a Spouse Visa for continued residence after marriage.

The UK Fiancé Visa is ideal for couples who plan to marry and then settle in the UK permanently.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the UK Fiancé Visa

To qualify for the UK Fiancé Visa, both the applicant and the sponsoring partner (British or settled resident) must meet specific eligibility criteria:

Relationship Requirement: You must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to marry within six months of arrival.
Sponsor Requirement: The sponsoring partner must be a British citizen or have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settled Status, or Permanent Residency in the UK.
Minimum Age: Both the applicant and the UK-based partner must be at least 18 years old.
Intention to Live Together: You must intend to live together permanently in the UK after marriage.
Financial Requirement: The sponsoring partner must meet a minimum income threshold to demonstrate they can financially support the applicant without relying on public funds.
Accommodation Requirement: There must be adequate accommodation for the couple to live together in the UK after marriage.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful UK Fiancé Visa application.

3. Financial Requirement for the UK Fiancé Visa

The sponsoring partner must meet a minimum income requirement to support the applicant without requiring public funds. The current threshold is:

£18,600 per year for the sponsoring partner alone.
Additional £3,800 for the first dependent child and £2,400 for each subsequent child if dependents are included in the application.

Proof of Income:

Employment Income: Payslips, tax records, and employment letters.
Self-Employment Income: Tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and other business-related documents.
Savings: Savings can supplement income if the sponsor does not meet the threshold through earnings alone. A minimum of £62,500 in savings can meet the financial requirement.

By meeting the financial requirement, the sponsor demonstrates that they can support the applicant, which strengthens the application.

4. Required Documents for the UK Fiancé Visa Application

The application requires extensive documentation to verify the relationship, financial stability, and intent to marry within six months.

Personal and Identity Documents:

Passport: Current and previous passports for the applicant.
Sponsor’s Passport or Residency Document: Proof of the sponsor’s UK citizenship or residency status.
Proof of Relationship: Photos, emails, text messages, and travel records demonstrating a genuine relationship.

Financial Evidence:

Income Documentation: Payslips, bank statements, and tax records showing the sponsor’s income.
Savings Evidence: If using savings to meet the financial requirement, bank statements showing the required balance.

Accommodation Proof:

Accommodation Details: Documents showing suitable accommodation, such as rental agreements, mortgage statements, or letters from family members providing housing.

Additional Documentation:

Proof of Intention to Marry: Wedding venue booking, receipts, or communications regarding wedding plans.

Compiling these documents carefully ensures a stronger application by proving that all eligibility criteria are met.

5. How to Apply for the UK Fiancé Visa

Applying for the UK Fiancé Visa involves several steps, from completing the online application to providing biometric data and attending an interview if required.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Complete the Online Application Form: Begin your application on the UK government website by selecting the appropriate visa type and filling out the application form.
Pay the Visa Fee and Health Surcharge:
- Visa Fee: Currently £1,523.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Covers access to the National Health Service (NHS) and is typically £624 for the six-month visa.
Book a Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or provide copies of all required documents, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and accommodation.
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview to discuss the relationship and plans for marriage in the UK.
Wait for a Decision: Processing typically takes 2-3 months, although priority processing may be available in certain locations.

Once approved, you will receive a vignette or entry clearance in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK and marry within six months.

6. What to Do After Marriage: Transition to the UK Spouse Visa

After marrying within the six-month fiancé visa period, you must apply for a UK Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.

Steps to Transition to a Spouse Visa:

Apply for Spouse Visa from within the UK: Use Form FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain) to apply from inside the UK.
Meet Financial and Accommodation Requirements: Similar to the fiancé visa, the financial and accommodation requirements still apply for the Spouse Visa.
Pay the Spouse Visa Fee and Health Surcharge: The application fee for the Spouse Visa (from within the UK) is £1,033 with an additional £624 per year for the health surcharge.

Once approved, the Spouse Visa grants you a 30-month stay in the UK and the ability to work. After five years on the Spouse Visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent residency.

7. Processing Times and Priority Options

The processing time for the UK Fiancé Visa varies, with most applications processed in 2-3 months. However, priority options may be available, depending on your location.

Processing Options:

Standard Processing: Typically 8-12 weeks.
Priority Processing: 5-10 working days (additional fee).
Super Priority Processing: 24-hour decision (additional fee).

Applying early and using priority options can help ensure timely processing, especially if wedding plans are already in place.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa?
No, the UK Fiancé Visa does not permit employment. You must switch to a Spouse Visa after marriage to work legally in the UK.

2. How long is the UK Fiancé Visa valid?
The Fiancé Visa is valid for six months, during which time you must get married and then switch to a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK.

3. Do I need a job offer in the UK to apply for a Fiancé Visa?
No, a job offer is not required. However, your UK-based partner must meet the financial requirement to support the application.

4. Can I extend the Fiancé Visa if we cannot marry within six months?
The Fiancé Visa cannot be extended. If you cannot marry within the six-month period, you would need to reapply or return to your home country.

5. Is a language test required for the UK Fiancé Visa?
No, a language test is not required for the Fiancé Visa, but you will need to demonstrate English proficiency when applying for the Spouse Visa.

6. How soon can I apply for a Spouse Visa after marriage?
You can apply for the Spouse Visa immediately after your marriage. Apply within the six-month Fiancé Visa period to ensure a seamless transition.