Fiancé Visa

The UK Fiancé Visa, also known as the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa, falls under the family visa scheme. It allows eligible foreign nationals aged 18 and above to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, such as a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined below. If granted, the Fiancé Visa allows a 6-month window from entry into the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership. Subsequently, applicants can apply for a Spouse Visa, permitting a 33-month stay initially, which is extendable for an additional 30 months. Eventually, one can acquire Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residency in the UK without immigration constraints. For detailed information on transitioning from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa, refer to our guide.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Both applicant and partner are over 18 years old.
• Intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
• Partner is a British or Irish citizen, or settled in the UK (e.g., through Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU settled status).
• Intention to live together in the UK post-marriage or civil partnership.
• Financial capability to support themselves, with a combined income of at least £18,600.
• Availability of suitable accommodation in the UK.
• Proficiency in the English language, demonstrated by passing an English language test at level A1 on the CEFR scale.

Requirements:

1. Genuine Relationship Requirement:
   • Evidence of a genuine relationship with the UK-based partner.
   • Plans to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months.
   • Intent to reside together in the UK post-marriage or civil partnership.
     
     
2. Financial Requirements:
   • Minimum combined gross annual income of £18,600 for both applicant and partner.
   • Additional financial provisions for dependent children: £3,800 per year for the first child, £2,400 for each subsequent child.
   • Acceptable sources of income include earnings from employment or self-employment, pensions, maternity allowances, and any other specified income and/or savings.
   • Savings exceeding £16,000 can be used to meet the financial requirement, and exemptions from financial requirements may be available.
     
     
3. English Language Requirement:
   • To qualify for a Fiancé Visa, you must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English by:
     • Passing an English Language Test: Successfully passing a CEFR English test at level A1 proficiency in both speaking and writing.
     • Academic Qualifications: Holding a degree or another academic credential taught in English.
     • Exemption: Categories exempt from this requirement include:
       • Individuals over 65 years of age.
       • Those with physical or mental conditions that impede meeting the requirement.
       • Nationals from specified countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, US).     
         
         
4. Accommodation Requirements for UK Fiancé Visa:
   • Must show suitable accommodation in the UK, which includes:
     • Being owned or exclusively occupied by the applicant and family members.
     • Providing adequate living space.
     • Compliance with public health standards.

Required Documents for UK Fiancé Visa:

• Application form and fee.
• Passport and previous passports.
• Evidence of a genuine relationship (letters of reference, shared bills, divorce certificates if applicable, photographs, correspondence, and messages).
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., CEFR exam certificate).
• Two passport-sized color photos meeting UK standards.
• Evidence of financial stability (bank statements, savings statements, wage slips, details of prior immigration applications, disclosure of any criminal convictions, national insurance number if applicable).
• Proof of UK accommodation.
• Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).
• Tuberculosis test results, if required by the country of origin.

Duration of Stay on a Fiancé Visa in the UK:

• Upon approval, the Fiancé Visa allows a stay in the UK initially for 6 months to facilitate marriage or civil partnership.
• After marriage, the application for a Spouse Visa is permissible, offering a duration of up to 30 months, extendable for an additional 30 months.
• Continuous eligibility in the same relationship with the UK-based partner is mandatory, necessitating timely visa renewal applications.

Transitioning to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

• After residing in the UK for a cumulative period of 5 years on both the Fiancé and Spouse Visas, applicants become eligible to apply for ILR.
• ILR status grants permanent residence in the UK, freeing individuals from immigration control.
• Eligibility for ILR entails meeting various criteria, including residency, maintaining a genuine relationship, English language proficiency, accommodation adequacy, and financial stability.

Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa:

• Fiancé Visa: Intended for couples planning marriage or civil partnership prior to applying for a Spouse Visa. The initial stay duration is limited to 6 months.
• Spouse Visa: Designed for couples already married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting for at least 2 years at the time of application. The initial stay can extend up to 33 months, with a provision for further extension.

Grounds for Fiancé Visa Refusal:

• Various grounds for refusal include public good concerns, deportation orders, adverse conduct or associations, failure to comply with procedural requirements, medical inadmissibility, non-payment of mandatory charges, and inadequate evidence of financial means and accommodation.

Seeking legal advice from immigration solicitors is advisable in the case of visa refusal to explore potential remedies and ensure a favorable outcome.