As you plan your journey to the UK with your partner, one of the crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing the right visa route. Two popular options are the UK Fiancé Visa and the UK Spouse Visa. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two visas, helping you make an informed choice for your specific situation.
Option 1: UK Fiancé Visa
The UK Fiancé Visa, also known as the UK Marriage Visitor Visa, is designed for people planning to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person in the UK. Here are the key points to consider:
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a genuine intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
- Your partner must be a British citizen or settled in the UK
- You must meet the minimum income requirement of at least £29,000 per year.
- You must have suitable accommodation for yourself and your partner in the UK.
Route to Settlement:
The UK Fiancé Visa is a temporary visa valid for 6 months. During this time, you must marry or enter into a civil partnership with your partner. After the marriage or civil partnership, you can then apply for the UK Spouse Visa, which will allow you to live and work in the UK.
Fees and Health Surcharge:
- Visa application fee: £1,846
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Does not apply
Decision Timeframe:
The UK Fiancé Visa decision typically takes around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made within the UK.
Option 2: UK Spouse / Partner Visa
The UK Spouse Visa is designed for people who are already married, in a civil partnership or liviing together in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person in the UK. Here are the key points to consider:
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be legally married, in a civil partnership or living together in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for a least two years prior to the date of the application with a British citizen or settled person
- Your partner must meet the minimum income requirement of at least £29,000 per year.
- You must have suitable accommodation for yourself and your partner in the UK.
Route to Settlement:
The UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 33 months. After this period, you can apply for an extension, and then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
Fees and Health Surcharge:
- Visa application fee: £1,048 if applying from inside the UK, £1,846 if applying from outside the UK
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
Decision Timeframe:
The UK Spouse Visa decision typically takes around 2-3 months for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made within the UK.
| Visa Type | UK Fiancé Visa | UK Spouse Visa |
| Purpose | To marry or enter civil partnership in the UK | Already married or in civil partnership |
| Validity | 6 months | 33 months initially, can extend |
| Route to Settlement | Apply for Spouse Visa after marriage | Apply for ILR after 5 years |
| Fees | £1,846 | £1,846 (for applications made outside the UK), £1.048 (for applications made inside the UK) + £1,035/year |
| Decision Timeframe | 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK) | 2-3 months (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK) |
How can Gateway Immigration Services help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the UK Fiancé Visa or UK Spouse Visa application process, don’t worry! Our team at Gateway Immigration Services is here to provide you with expert guidance and support. With experience in handling UK visa applications, we can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your partner.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate the intricate visa landscape with confidence. Together, we’ll find the best solution tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring a successful outcome.