Fiancé(e) VISA

UK Fiancé(e) Visa

The UK Fiancé Visa allows individuals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership. After the marriage or civil partnership, they can transition to a Spouse Visa.

Important Update: Effective 11 April 2024, new regulations have been introduced for the UK Fiancé Visa. The minimum income requirement for sponsors has been increased to £29,000 per year.

Concerned about the new requirements for 2024? We offer a free initial assessment to address your questions.

Fiancé Visa Application Services

Our highly rated immigration solicitors specialise in building compelling applications that highlight the authentic nature of your partnership.

  • Free Initial Eligibility Assessment
  • Flexible Services (In-person, Phone, Virtual)
  • Application Preparation, Review, and Submission
  • Relationship Evidence Portfolio
  • Compelling Cover Letters/Letters of Representation
  • Ongoing Application Tracking and Support
uk fiancé(e) visa: solicitor and client during the free initial consultation at axis solicitors, manchester.

FAQ: Fiancé Visa

Yes, you must be engaged to apply and qualify. In particular, UKVI requirements imply that you and your partner must have at least had a ‘face-face meeting’ in person once to satisfy that you are in a genuine relationship before applying. Any evidence of meeting through the internet or a phone call is not considered; as a means to provide evidence to meet the genuine relationship criteria.

Note that once you enter the UK via this route, you are supposed to get married within 6-months, the validity period of the UK Fiancé Visa route. So depending on the individual merits, your circumstances are assessed differently by the UK immigration caseworkers.

No, you are not permitted to work or study while on a UK Fiancé Visa. This visa is specifically designed for individuals intending to marry their British or settled partner within six months of arriving in the UK.

However, you can gain these rights by:

  1. Entering the UK on your Fiancé Visa.
  2. Marrying your British partner within six months of arrival.
  3. Applying promptly to switch to a Spouse Visa.

Once you are married and have successfully switched to a Spouse Visa, you will be eligible to work or study without any restrictions. The Spouse Visa route can allow you to pursue employment or education opportunities in the UK while building a life with your partner.

The UK Fiancé Visa is valid for up to six months. This means you have six months from the date your visa is issued to enter the UK and marry your fiancé(e). Once you are married, you can then apply to switch to a Spouse Visa, which allows you to live in the UK long-term.

Including Dependants and Dependent Family Members

Yes, you can include dependent children on your UK Fiancé Visa application. They qualify as dependants if they meet the following criteria:

  • Age: They must be under the age of 18 at the time of application.
  • Independent Life: They must not be leading an independent life (e.g., married, financially independent).

Important Note: If your children are over 18 and not leading an independent life, they may still be eligible to apply for a visa alongside your application but under a different category.

Note that once you enter the UK via this route, you are supposed to get married within 6-months, the validity period of the UK Fiancé Visa route. So depending on the individual merits, your circumstances are assessed differently by the UK immigration caseworkers.

The most common reasons for UK Fiancé visa refusals include

  1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Providing incomplete or false information on the application form can lead to refusal. Ensure all details are accurate and consistent.
  2. Insufficient Evidence of a Genuine Relationship: Failing to provide enough evidence to prove the authenticity and ongoing nature of your relationship with your fiancé(e) is a major cause of refusal.
  3. Failure to Meet Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and your partner (and any dependants) without relying on public funds.
  4. Failure to Meet English Language Requirements: You may need to prove your English language proficiency, depending on your nationality and circumstances.
  5. Other Factors: Other reasons for refusal can include previous immigration violations, criminal history, or health concerns.

From Fiancé to Permanent Resident

No, the UK Fiancé Visa does not directly lead to permanent residency. 

Nevertheless, it is a pathway towards becoming a Permanent Resident. After marrying or forming a civil partnership within the six-month validity of your Fiancé Visa, you can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK.

The Spouse Visa then allows you to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 30 months. After successfully extending this visa for another 30 months (a total of five years in the UK as a spouse), you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency.

UK Fiancé Visa to ILR

  • Fiancé Visa is Temporary: The Fiancé Visa is intended for you to enter the UK and marry your partner. It does not automatically grant permanent residency.
  • Spouse Visa is the Next Step: After marriage, you must switch to a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK and work towards permanent residency.
  • ILR After 5 Years: After five years of continuous residency on the Spouse Visa, you can apply for ILR, which grants you the right to live and work in the UK permanently.

For more information and other pathways, please consult our immigration solicitors.

No, you cannot access most public funds while on a UK Fiancé Visa. This visa is issued with the condition of “no recourse to public funds” (NRPF), meaning you cannot rely on government benefits for financial support.

What are Public Funds?

Public funds include various forms of government assistance, such as:

  • Housing benefits
  • Child benefit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Council Tax Reduction

Exceptions:

There are limited exceptions to the NRPF condition. You may be able to access certain benefits related to healthcare, education, or disability support. Seek advice from an immigration solicitor for specific details.

Important Note: Applying for public funds when you are not eligible may have consequences and you should always consult with an experienced immigration solicitor first.

No, you cannot get married in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa is designed for tourism, business, or family visits and does not permit marriage or forming a civil partnership. If you only wish to get married in the UK, you must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa before entering the country.

The UK Marriage Visitor Visa and Fiancé Visa both allow individuals to enter the UK to get married, but they have distinct differences in terms of purpose and post-marriage permissions.

Duration and Purpose:

  • Marriage Visitor Visa: This visa allows you to visit the UK for the sole purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. It is valid for six months. After your marriage, you must leave the UK and cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK.
  • Fiancé Visa: This visa is intended for individuals planning to marry a UK resident and then settle in the UK. It is also valid for six months. Once you are married, you can apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK. After living in the UK for five years under a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible for permanent residence.

Long-Term Residency:

  • Fiancé Visa: Designed for those who intend to settle in the UK post-marriage. After getting married, you can transition to a Spouse Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK. Eventually, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residency.
  • Marriage Visitor Visa: Meant for short-term visits for marriage purposes only. You must exit the UK after the wedding, with no option to extend your stay or switch to a different visa.

Choosing the Right Visa:

  • Marriage Visitor Visa: Suitable if you plan to return to your home country after your wedding in the UK.
  • Fiancé Visa: Ideal if you intend to remain in the UK with your partner after the marriage.

At Axis Solicitors, we offer legal services for the whole UK Fiancé Visa application process. Our experts are client-focused and committed to securing a positive outcome for your case.

Our services include

Free Eligibility Assessment

Currently, we offer a Free Eligibility Assessment, where we thoroughly evaluate your eligibility for various UK visa categories to determine the most suitable route for your circumstances.

Flexible Consultations

Our flexible consultation options include in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations (via Skype, WhatsApp or similar platforms) to accommodate your schedule and preferences. 

Application Preparation

We assist in gathering, compiling, and completing your application form with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it meets all UK immigration requirements.

Document Review

Our Document Review service involves a thorough examination of your application and supporting documents to identify potential issues and ensure compliance with UKVI standards. 

Cover Letter/Letter of Representation

Our team also prepares detailed Cover Letters and Letters of Representation that outlines the merits of your case, providing robust legal arguments to strengthen your application.

Application Submission and Tracking

Once your application is ready, we handle its submission to the Home Office and provide ongoing support by tracking its progress and communicating any updates or requests for additional information. 

Contact us today for a free initial assessment to discuss your specific needs and discover how our affordable legal services can facilitate your successful relocation to the UK.

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