UK Fiance Visa: Your Path to Marriage in the UK
The UK Fiance Visa (also known as a Marriage Visitor Visa or Prospective Marriage Visa) is designed for couples who want to get married in the UK. This visa allows a foreign national to enter the UK for the purpose of marrying their British citizen or settled person partner within a 6-month period.
Unlike the Spouse Visa, the Fiance Visa is a temporary visa that allows entry to the UK for the specific purpose of marriage. After the marriage takes place, the visa holder can then apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK long-term.
Fiance Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a UK Fiance Visa, you and your partner must meet several requirements:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old
- The UK partner must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK
- You must intend to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK
- You must have met each other in person at least once
- Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting
- You must have adequate accommodation arranged for your stay in the UK
- The UK partner must meet the minimum financial requirement (currently £18,600 per year)
- The applicant must meet the English language requirement (A1 level)
- You must intend to leave the UK if the application for further leave to remain is refused
Our immigration solicitors have extensive experience helping couples successfully navigate the Fiance Visa application process. We understand that this is a significant moment in your life, and we are committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible.
Supporting Documentation for Fiance Visa Applications
A successful Fiance Visa application requires comprehensive documentation to prove that you meet all the requirements. The documents you'll need to provide include:
Relationship Evidence
- Proof of your intention to marry (e.g., booking confirmations for the wedding venue)
- Evidence of your relationship (e.g., photos together, travel records, communication history)
- Proof that you have met in person (e.g., flight tickets, passport stamps)
Financial Evidence
- Six months of bank statements from the UK sponsor
- Payslips or proof of employment for the UK sponsor
- Evidence of savings, if being used to meet the financial requirement
- Property ownership or rental agreement showing adequate accommodation
Personal Documentation
- Current passport and previous passports
- Birth certificate
- English language certificate (IELTS or equivalent)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)
- Police clearance certificates (if required)
- Proof of the UK partner's status (passport or residence permit)
The Fiance Visa Application Process
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Initial Consultation
Begin with a free consultation with one of our immigration experts who will assess your situation and advise on your eligibility.
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Document Preparation
Gather all necessary documentation to support your application, including evidence of your relationship, financial status, and plans to marry.
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Application Submission
Complete and submit the online application form, pay the visa fee, and book an appointment at a visa application center.
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Biometric Appointment
Attend your appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).
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Application Processing
Wait for your application to be processed, which typically takes 2-3 months for standard service.
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Visa Issuance
If successful, collect your visa and make arrangements to travel to the UK.
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Marriage in the UK
Get married within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
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Apply for Further Leave to Remain
After marriage, apply for a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK with your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Fiance Visas
No, the UK Fiance Visa does not permit employment. You will only be able to work in the UK after you get married and successfully apply for a Spouse Visa (further leave to remain).
Standard processing times for a UK Fiance Visa are typically 2-3 months from the date of application. However, processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the current workload of the UK Visa and Immigration service. Priority and super-priority services are available at an additional cost if you need a faster decision.
The Fiance Visa is valid for 6 months and is specifically issued for the purpose of getting married in the UK. If you do not get married within this period, your visa will expire, and you will be expected to leave the UK. In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension, but this is rare and would require strong evidence of why the marriage couldn't take place within the original timeframe.
As of 2025, the application fee for a UK Fiance Visa is £1,846. In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £1,035 for 6 months. There may also be additional costs for priority processing, if desired, and for the subsequent Spouse Visa application after marriage. Our team will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of all costs during your consultation.
The UK Fiance Visa is generally not extendable. It is granted for a fixed period of 6 months to allow you to enter the UK, get married, and then apply for a Spouse Visa. In very exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness or bereavement), you might be able to apply for a short extension, but this is at the discretion of the Home Office and requires strong supporting evidence. It's always best to plan your wedding well within the 6-month period to avoid complications.
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