Table of Contents
- What is a UK Fiancé Visa?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a Fiancé Visa?
- What supporting documents will I need for a Fiancé Visa?
- How to apply for a Fiancé Visa?
- How long does it take to process a Fiancé Visa?
- How much does it cost to apply for a Fiancé Visa?
- Why has my Fiancé Visa been refused?
- Things to do if my Fiancé Visa is refused
- How do I switch to Spouse Visa?
- How long can you stay with Fiancé Visa?
- Can I extend my Fiancé Visa?
- Here’s how you can extend your Fiancé Visa
- How Immigration Lawyers UK can help you obtain a fiancé visa?
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa
Eligibility Test
What is a UK Fiancé Visa?
The UK Fiancé Visa is your golden ticket to bring forward your love story with a UK-based partner. This type of visa is perfect for non-EEA nationals who wish to enter the country in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person. The UK Fiancé Visa allows you to come to the UK for a specific period of time (maximum 6 months) to get married and subsequently apply for further leave to remain in the country as a spouse.
Keep in mind that the UK Fiancé Visa is suitable for couples who are not legally married yet but have a genuine intention to do so, but only within the visa’s validity period of 6 months.
If you were to stay as the spouse of a UK-based citizen after the 6-month validity period of the Fiancé visa, switching to a UK Spouse Visa which grants you 30 months of residence in the country.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Fiancé Visa?
This visa category is designed specifically for individuals who are engaged to be married to a UK citizen or a person who is settled in the UK. The UK Fiancé Visa allows non-UK citizens to enter the country with the intention of getting married within six months of arrival.
Here are some specifications to know if you are eligible for a UK Fiancé Visa:
- You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have met each other in person and intend to live together permanently after marriage.
- The sponsoring partner must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK, meaning they have the right to live and work there without any immigration restrictions.
- You and your sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 annually combined.
- You can provide evidence of your intention to marry, such as engagement rings, wedding invitations, or a letter from the registrar.
- An approved SELT test is also a requirement if you are from a non-English-speaking country.
- You have suitable accommodation to live with your partner.
Just like any other visa available in the United Kingdom, the eligibility requirements of a UK Fiancé Visa can vary depending on the case you have. If you are unsure whether you qualify or not, taking the time to talk to an expert in UK immigration law is your safest bet.
What supporting documents will I need for a Fiancé Visa?
Supporting documents demonstrate the credibility and validity of your relationship with your partner. To ensure a smooth and successful visa application, it is important to know exactly what supporting documents are required:
- Proof of your identity, such as your valid passport or travel document
- Your biometric residence permit, if you have one
- Evidence of your relationship with your fiancé
- Financial stability documents including bank statements, employment contracts, payslips, or evidence of any other sources of income
- Proof of accommodation in the form of a tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement, or a letter from your partner confirming that you will be staying with them
- Divorce certifications (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents like medical certificates, police clearance certificates (for criminal convictions), or evidence of English language proficiency
It is important to note that the UK Fiancé Visa requirements may vary, and it is recommended to refer to the official UK Visas and Immigration website or consult with an immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How to apply for a Fiancé Visa?
The process to get a UK Fiancé Visa is conducted online through the Home Office website. To help you prepare for what to expect, below we are going to outline the process:
- The first step is to ensure that you and your partner meet the eligibility requirements for a Fiancé Visa. This includes being in a genuine and subsisting relationship, intending to marry within the specified timeframe, and meeting the financial requirements we mentioned earlier.
- Next, gather all the necessary documents to support your Fiancé Visa application.
- Complete the online application form.
- There are fees associated with the Fiancé Visa application, which need to be paid at the time of submission. Be sure to check the current fee structure and make the payment accordingly.
- Attend the appointment with all the necessary documents and be prepared for biometric data collection, such as fingerprints and photographs.
- Participate in an interview if they require you to do so. Finally, wait for approval.
We can all agree that obtaining a UK Fiancé Visa can be a complex process but with preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success! Remember to seek professional immigration advice if needed and stay organised throughout the process.
Note: If you are looking for a faster process, we at Immigration Lawyers UK offer a 7-day service to help you get a UK Fiancé Visa quickly and without the hassle.
How long does it take to process a Fiancé Visa?
On average, the processing time for a UK Fiancé Visa is around 2-3 months. However, it's essential to note that this is an estimate and not a guarantee. The processing time can be influenced by various factors, including the volume of applications, the completeness of the documentation provided, and any additional scrutiny required by the immigration authorities.
If you want to get a faster decision on your visa application, you can avail the UK Visas and Immigration Priority or Super Priority Service. Note that this service can incur an expensive additional fee.
We at Immigration Lawyers UK also offer a 7-day service to ensure that you have your UK Fiancé Visa in no time. It is our pleasure to go the extra mile for you and your fiancé and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome!
How much does it cost to apply for a Fiancé Visa?
As of 2024, the fee for a UK Fiancé Visa is £1,048 if you apply in the UK and £1,846 if the application is made outside the country. This fee is paid upfront and covers the processing and administration costs of your application.
Keep in mind that there may be additional charges for certain services or add-ons including: a priority service, which can cost between £500 to £950, an Immigration Healthcare Surcharge of £624, and the biometric fee of £19.20.
The UK Fiancé Visa financial requirements can be summarised in a few key points but the most important thing to remember is ensuring that the sponsoring partner meets the minimum income threshold. And as of now, this threshold stands at £18,600 annually. However, this is set to increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024, with incremental increases, first to £34,500, then, finally, to £38,700 in early 2025. If you have a child, the minimum income threshold increases by £3,800 and £2,400 for each child after your first.
This income can come from a variety of sources, including employment, self-employment, rental income, or other lawful sources. To prove these sources of income, you might need to provide evidence to demonstrate that the income is genuine and will continue for the duration of the visa. This evidence can include payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or other relevant documentation.
How do I switch to Spouse Visa?
You can switch to a Spouse Visa from the UK Fiancé Visa once you and your partner are legally married or have entered into a civil partnership. The application process for a UK Spouse Visa is the same as the UK Fiancé Visa but this time, you have to provide proof of your marriage or civil partnership, evidence of your ongoing relationship, and proof of meeting the financial requirements set by the UK government.
After gathering all the necessary documents, complete the online application form and settle all the fees. If needed, UK Visas and Immigration will call you for an interview or other mandatory tests.
If your application is successful, you can now stay in the United Kingdom for 30 months thanks to your UK Spouse Visa!
Why has my Fiancé Visa been refused?
Although receiving a refusal can be disheartening, it is crucial not to lose hope. The most frequent reason for UK Fiancé Visa refusal is insufficient evidence to prove the genuineness of the relationship.
Another common reason for refusal is financial requirements not being met. So, remember to carefully assess and provide the necessary financial evidence if you decide to reapply.
If you fail to provide accurate and complete information, it can also lead to a visa refusal. If the UK Home Office have any concerns or doubts about the credibility of the information you presented, thus the need to provide supporting documents, they may refuse your visa application.
Seeking professional advice from expert immigration solicitors, like Immigration Lawyers UK, can help you navigate the process and increase your chance of obtaining a visa the next time around.
Things to do if my Fiancé Visa is refused
A Fiancé Visa refusal is not the end of the road and there are many things you can do in this event.
One option is to appeal the decision, though not all cases are eligible for an appeal especially if your application was made outside the UK. Otherwise, we recommend that you go forward with your reapplication with the help of legal assistance as the appeal process can be complex.
Alternatively, if your circumstances allow, you may consider exploring other visa options, such as a Spouse Visa or a different immigration route.
How long can you stay with Fiancé Visa?
With a UK Fiancé Visa, you are granted a stay of 6 months in the United Kingdom. This provides ample time for you and your partner to plan and organise your wedding.
Can I extend my Fiancé Visa?
Yes, you can extend your UK Fiancé Visa for another 6 months.
As we all know, this type of visa allows you to stay for half a year. However, if you are unable to get married within the initial 6-month period, you can apply to extend your Fiancé Visa. This extension will provide you with an additional 6 months to finalise your wedding arrangements.
Here’s how you can extend your Fiancé Visa
The UK government recommends applying for an extension at least 28 days before your current visa expires. You can extend your UK Fiancé Visa by submitting the required documents and applying online by completing form FLR (M).
If you need any help extending your visa, we at Immigration Lawyers UK offer our services 24/7 to ensure that you can remain in the UK via a stress-free process.
How Immigration Lawyers UK can help you obtain your UK Fiancé Visa?
With the help of Immigration Lawyers UK, you can navigate the process of obtaining a UK Fiancé Visa with ease. We can save you the time and effort in bringing your other half to the country, as well as help you prepare a strong and persuasive case to support your Fiancé Visa application.
The following are some of the 5-star services we provide to our clients:
- Helping you gather all the relevant evidence, such as proof of your genuine relationship, financial stability, and accommodation.
- Providing the most accurate and relevant advice
- Keeping you informed of any changes in immigration policies
- Assisting you in appeal processes
- Collecting and organising required documents
- Liaising with the Home Office on your behalf
- Offering a 7-day service for faster visa application
- Fixed fee pricing with a FREE initial assessment
If you’re looking to make a fiancé visa application or have been rejected, call us for free today on 0203 633 8983, or complete our contact form for a callback. Let’s get it right first time!
