Marrying the person you love is like the flood of emotions- love, excitement, fear, hope, and many beautiful dreams. When it’s a different country like the UK, it brings even more excitement, new challenges and rules. So, if you are planning to marry in the UK on a Fiance Visa and eventually, becoming the British Citizen, here’s what you need to know-
- You have only six months to tie the knot and enter into a civil partnership.
- The rule from April 2024 states the combined earning of you and your partner must be at least £29,000 / year.
- Once the marriage is complete, you can then apply for a Spouse or Civil Partner visa to get a further 30-month stay in the UK.
- After finishing the period of a Spouse visa, you can apply for further extension. This way if you stay in the UK for more than 5 years, you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and become a British citizen.
Want to know more about the UK Fiance Visa? Here’s for you-
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Fiance Visa
- Partner’s Citizenship Status:
Your partner can bring you to the UK, only if they are a settled person in the UK, British citizen, or have a refugee status. You can also apply for a Fiance Visa, if your partner has a EU citizenship with pre-settled status.
- Marriage Intention:
You have to prove your intention to marry within six months. You may submit a registry office appointment to show that you will marry your partner within six months from your entry in the UK.
- Financial Criteria:
According to the new rule published on 11th April 2024, the combined earnings (including employment, property income, and savings) of both partners must be at least £29,000 per year. As of now, the financial requirement remains the same, but it is expected to be revised in mid-2025 and may increase to £38,700 per year.
- English Language Criteria:
When you are applying for a UK Fiance Visa, your English will be tested. If you have a degree taught in English or you are over 65, you may qualify for an exemption. Otherwise, at the A1 level, you have to go through the SELT – Secure English Language Test.
- History or Health and Immigration Status:
A person with serious healthy conditions, criminal convictions, and immigration violations will not by eligible for a Fiance Visa. So, make sure none of these apply to you.
Documents Required to Apply for Fiance Visa:
| Documents Required | |
| Personal Details | Your full name, DOB, and contact information. |
| Parents’ Details | If you are applying from abroad: provide information about your parents, including their names, DOB, and nationalities. |
| Passport Copies | Photocopies or scans of your any passports (current or previous), including visas. |
| Relationship Information | A written statement or evidence of your relationship, describing how you two met, relationship period, and future plans. Show photos and proofs of visits, |
| Previous Marriages / Children | Details of any prior marriages (including divorce or death certificates), and provide information about children from previous relationships. |
| Travel History | A list of countries you have lived in or traveled outside the UK, including dates and reasons for the trip. |
| Criminal Convictions | Disclosure of any criminal history, with police certificates or other supporting documents. |
How to Apply for a Fiance Visa?
If you are planning to apply for a Fiance Visa, here are the following steps to take:
- Step 1: Collect Documents
Know the required documents listed above, and then collect all the documents including proof of your partner’s UK citizenship status, financial records, relationship proofs, and accommodation details. - Step 2: Apply Online
Once you have all the documents in your hand, fill out the online application form for a Fiance Visa. You have to pay a certain visa fee during the submission of the form. - Step 3: Fix a Biometric Appointment
after submitting your application; you have to choose a specific date to provide biometric details, including your photograph and fingerprints. - Step 4: Wait for the Outcome
The Home Office will inform you whether you are eligible for a Fiance Visa or not based on your documents and tests. If you get selected for a Fiance Visa, start planning your marriage within six months after you enter the UK. - Step 5: Apply for Spouse Visa
After you get married to your partner, you can apply for a Spouse Visa to further extend your stay with your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions?
No, if you are married, you directly apply for a Spouse Visa.
You can not extend the Fiance Visa period. You must marry your partner within six month to further apply for a Spouse Visa.
You can apply for Fiance Visa online. You don’t necessarily need to seek for legal advice, if all your documents are fully prepared. However, considering the complexity of the application process, you may consult a law firm.