Are you marrying your partner in the UK? Whether it is a big family and friends wedding or a simple, personal ceremony, a UK Fiancé Visa is your ticket to beginning your life together in the UK. It is a visa that permits you to come to the UK to get married or be in civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled-status person.
Here we will cover everything you need to know when applying for a UK Fiancé Visa, from eligibility to documents, to showing that your relationship is real.
What is a UK Fiancé Visa?
UK Fiancé Visa is for someone who is not a UK citizen to come to the UK and marry or civilize with a person who is a UK citizen, has a settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or has refugee or EU settled status.
This visa gives you 6 months to live in the UK once granted. While you are there, you have to marry your partner. You can apply for a Spouse Visa or Civil Partner Visa after you have been married to stay and live in the UK longer.
Who Can Apply For a UK Fiancé Visa?
To get a UK Fiancé Visa you and your partner need to be:
- Both have to be older than 18.
- You and your partner should be a UK citizen or have settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain, refugee status, EU settled or pre-settled status).
- You’ll need to prove that any previous marriages or civil partnerships ended (if any).
- You and your partner need to get married within 6 months of entering the UK.
- Then you will have to prove that you are planning to stay together in the UK after you are married.
- You’ll need to have the income requirement which is usually an income of at least £18,600 a year. If you have kids who are going to be living with you in the UK, the amount you need to earn goes up.
- Ensure that you have available accommodation in the UK for you and your partner (and children, if they’re under 18).
- You must show that you can communicate in and comprehend English at the most basic level (A1 level).
Documents Required for a UK Fiancé Visa
When applying for a UK Fiancé Visa, you will need to submit various documents to prove your eligibility. Here’s a list of documents you may need:
- A valid passport with blank pages.
- Proof of your legal immigration status (if you are not applying from your home country).
- Details of your previous UK visa applications (if applicable).
- Evidence of your relationship: This could include photos, letters, call logs, travel records, and any other proof that shows your relationship is genuine.
- Proof of financial stability: Evidence of your income (e.g., payslips, bank statements) to show you meet the minimum financial requirement.
- Accommodation details: A letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement showing you have somewhere to live.
- Proof of your English language ability: This can be a certificate from an approved test or evidence of a degree or qualification taught in English.
- Health and character documents: A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required) and police certificates (if required).
Proving the Genuineness of Your Relationship
One of the key parts of your Fiancé Visa application is proving that your relationship is genuine. The Home Office wants to ensure that your relationship is not just to gain a UK visa. You’ll need to provide evidence that:
- You and your partner have been in a relationship for a significant amount of time.
- You live together, or have lived together, and share financial responsibilities (e.g., joint bank accounts, and utility bills).
- You have plans together, such as getting married within six months of arriving in the UK.
- You have regular communication, such as phone calls, messages, or visits.
Financial Requirements
To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, you and your partner must show that you can support yourselves without needing public funds (welfare). The minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year. If you have children who will be joining you, the financial requirement increases:
- £3,800 for your first child.
- £2,400 for each additional child.
You can show your income with documents like:
- Payslips or bank statements showing your salary.
- Self-employment records, such as tax returns.
- Cash savings (if applicable).
English Language Requirement
As part of the application, you will need to prove your English language ability. This is typically done by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT). You must achieve A1 level proficiency, which means you can understand and communicate in simple English.
You are exempt from the English test if:
- You are from a country where English is the main language.
- You have a degree or higher qualification taught in English.
- You are over 65 years old.
- You have a disability that prevents you from taking the test.
How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa
- Complete the Online Application: You will need to fill out an online application form on the UK government website.
- Gather Your Documents: Submit the required documents as mentioned above, including proof of your relationship and financial stability.
- Book Your Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Pay the Visa Fees: The cost for a UK Fiancé Visa is £1,523 if you are applying from outside the UK. If applying from inside the UK, the cost is £1,033, plus an additional £19.20 for biometric enrolment.
- Wait for a Decision: It usually takes about 2 to 3 months for the Home Office to make a decision. You can apply for priority services in some locations to speed up the process, for an additional fee.
Applying for a UK Fiancé Visa is a key step in starting your life together with your partner in the UK. It’s essential to meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the right documents to avoid delays or refusals. Make sure to plan ahead and gather everything you need to make your application as strong as possible.
If you need assistance with your Fiancé Visa application, Law and Visas is here to help. Our experts can guide you through the process and ensure that your application is completed correctly. Start planning your future together in the UK today!
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a UK Fiancé Visa or an Immigrant Investor Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
