If you’re engaged to a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK, the Fiance Visa UK, also known as the UK Fiance Visa, allows you to join them in the UK and get married. This visa enables you to enter the UK for six months, during which time you must get married or enter into a civil partnership. After the marriage, you can apply for a UK Spouse copyright stay in the country longer.

This article will guide you through the key aspects of the UK Fiance Visa, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process.

What Is the Fiance Visa UK?

The Fiance Visa UK is a visa for individuals who are engaged to be married to a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. It allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months, with the primary purpose of getting married. Once the marriage or civil partnership takes place, you can switch to a Spouse Visa for a longer stay.

Who Is Eligible for the UK Fiance Visa?

To qualify for the UK Fiance Visa, both you and your partner must meet specific requirements:

1. Relationship Requirement:

   • You and your fiance(e) must intend to get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
   • You must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you have met in person.
   • You must plan to live together permanently after marriage.

2. Financial Requirement:

   • Your partner (the sponsor) must meet the financial threshold of £18,600 per year or have sufficient savings. This amount increases if there are dependent children involved.

3. English Language Requirement:

   • You need to demonstrate that you have a sufficient understanding of the English language. This can be done by passing an English language test or providing proof of education taught in English.

4. Accommodation Requirement:

   • You must have adequate accommodation available in the UK that meets UK living standards.

Required Documents for the Fiance Visa UK

When applying for the UK Fiance Visa, you will need to submit various documents as part of your application, including:

• A valid copyright or travel document.
• Evidence of your relationship, such as photographs, chat logs, and travel documents that show you've met in person.
• Proof of your partner’s British citizenship or settled status (such as a copyright, ILR, or settled status document).
• Financial documents that prove your partner meets the financial threshold, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Proof of suitable accommodation, like a tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
• English language test certificate or proof of qualifications taught in English.

How to Apply for the Fiance Visa UK

The application process for the Fiance Visa UK is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Complete the Online Application:

   • Fill out the UK Fiance Visa application form on the UK government website.

2. Pay the Application Fees:

   • The application fee for the Fiance Visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK.

3. Submit Biometrics:

   • You will need to attend a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photograph as part of the application process.

4. Submit Supporting Documents:

   • Upload or send all required documents, including financial evidence, proof of relationship, and accommodation details.

5. Wait for a Decision:

   • The processing time for the Fiance Visa UK is typically around 12 weeks but can vary depending on individual cases.

What Happens After You Get the UK Fiance Visa?

Once your Fiance Visa UK is approved, you’ll be allowed to stay in the UK for six months to get married or enter into a civil partnership. During this period:

• You cannot work or study in the UK on this visa.
• You must get married within the six-month validity of the visa.
• After the marriage or civil partnership, you will be eligible to apply for a UK Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.

Can You Extend the UK Fiance Visa?

The UK Fiance Visa is not extendable. However, after you get married, you can switch to a Spouse Visa, which is valid for 2.5 years and can be renewed. After five years of holding a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to stay in the UK permanently.

How Much Does the UK Fiance Visa Cost?

The current cost of the UK Fiance Visa is £1,538 when applying from outside the UK. In addition, there may be fees for the English language test, document translation, and the biometric appointment.

Conclusion

The UK Fiance Visa is a valuable option for couples looking to marry in the UK and build a future together. While the process can be complex, especially in gathering the necessary documents, the visa offers a clear pathway to marriage and, ultimately, long-term residency in the UK.

For more personalized advice or help with your application, it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer who specializes in UK Fiance Visas.