UK Fiance Visa

What is the UK Fiance Visa?

The UK Fiance Visa, also known as the proposed civil partner visa, is granted for a period not exceeding 6 months and allows you to travel to the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership with your British or settled partner. You must be outside the UK to apply for the UK Fiance Visa. It applies to those engaged to:

• British or Irish citizens
• Individuals with settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• Persons with pre-settled status, a Turkish Worker Visa, or humanitarian protection.

After your marriage or civil partnership, you should apply to switch to a UK spouse visa to remain in the UK as a spouse or civil partner.

Under the UK Fiance visa you are not allowed to work in the UK and you will have no recourse to public funds.

What are the requirements for the UK Fiance Visa?

Obtaining a UK Fiance Visa involves meeting specific relationship, financial, accommodation, English language criteria. In some cases a Tuberculosis certificate is required. Let’s break it down:

Relationship requirements for UK Fiance Visa

Immigration status of your UK Fiance

In order to make a successful application for the UK Fiance Visa, your must meet be one of the following: 

• a British citizen in the UK; or
• Present and settled in the UK (i.e. they have have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK; or 
• Have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or
• In the UK with protection status as a refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK Turkish Worker under Appendix ECAA; or
• Have EU pre-settled status 

According to the Immigration Rules, ‘present and settled’ means that your sponsoring partner is settled in the UK and, at the time of the application they are physically present in the UK or will be coming to the UK with or to join you, and intends to live together with you in the UK if your application is successful. 

What is the minimum age for the UK Fiance Visa

Both you and your partner must be 18 or over at the date of submission of your UK Fiance Visa application

What types of relationships are prohibited for the UK Fiance Visa

Certain relationships, such as close relatives (e.g., siblings, uncles, and aunts), are not allowed under UK marriage laws. In order to meet there requirements of the UK fiance visa, you relationship with your partner must not be of a prohibited degree. Primarily you and your fiance must not be related 

You must have met your UK Fiance in person

You and your fiance must have met each other in person and made acquaintance of one another, not necessarily in the context of marriage or a civil partnership. For instance, if your relationship started over a dating app, followed by video calls, you would not satisfy this requirement if you have not met in person to gain a sense of your appearance and personality. This cannot be a relationship formed purely online. 

Your relationship is genuine and subsisting

You and your fiance must show that the nature and quality of the relationship is genuine. In determining that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, the Home Office will look for evidence such as, a long-term relationship, you and your fiance have been cohabiting and are able to show evidence, you and your fiance have children and share responsibility for them, you and your partner have shared financial responsibilities.  

You must be seeking to get married in the UK

You and your fiance must be seeking entry to the UK to enable you get married or enter into a civil partnership in the United Kingdom.

Any previous relationship must have broken down permanently

If you and or your partner have been previously married or in a civil relationship, you must provide evidence that that relationship has ended. Death certificate of a previous partner, a decree absolute of divorce or a dissolution order terminating a civil partnership will be sufficient evidence.

Neither you nor your partner must be married to or in a civil partnership with someone else at the date of your application for UK Fiance Visa. 

You and your UK Fiance intend to live together permanently in the UK

You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK immediately following the outcome of your fiance visa application or as soon as circumstances permit after the visa is issue

Financial requirements for UK Fiance visa

One of the main requirements of the UK fiance visa is the ability of your UK fiance to show that they can support you without need of public funds. As a result, your UK fiance (or a combination of incomes if you are both working) must meet a minimum gross annual income of £29,000 (as of April 11, 2024).

Meeting the minimum gross income requirement

You can use various sources of income like salaried employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, or third-party support (with limitations) to meet the requirement.

• Salaried employment – you or your partner’s income from employment 
• Non-employment income – income from property rental, dividends from shares, etc.  
• Cash savings – Savings held by the you or your partner above £16,000 for at least six months prior to the application
• Pension – Income from state, occupational, or private pensions
• Self-employment – Income from self-employment or as a director of a specified limited company 

Exceptional circumstances and third-party support – In cases where refusal of the application might breach human rights under Article 8 of the ECHR, other credible and reliable sources of income or financial support may be considered. This includes financial support from third parties, which is generally not counted but can be in exceptional circumstances

Exemption from the minimum income threshold

If your UK fiance is in receipt of one or more of the following UK welfare benefits, then your partner needs to show that they are able to maintain and accommodate you, themselves and any dependants adequately in the UK without recourse to public funds. 

• Disability living allowance or personal independence payment;
• Severe disablement allowance;
• Industrial injury disablement benefit;
• Attendance allowance;
• Carer’s allowance;
• Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
• Constant attendance allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme; and 
• Police injury pension 

Adequate Maintenance test – In order to pass the adequate maintenance test, you and your partner after income tax, National Insurance contributions and housing costs have been deducted must have income that is greater than what a British family of similar size would receive in income support

Accommodation requirements for UK Fiance Visa 

You must have suitable accommodation that is not overcrowded and can accommodate you and your fiance without recourse to public funds. The accommodation must also be adequate for other family members who are not included in your application but who live in the same household. 

You and your partner will need to show that your accommodation is owned or occupied exclusively by yourselves. If the property was bought with a mortgage, a copy of the property deeds and mortgage statement will be sufficient. For rented accommodation, a tenancy agreement will be sufficient evidence.

English language requirement for UK Fiance visa 

You will need to demonstrate basic English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) at a level equivalent to A1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Meeting the English language requirement

You will meet requirement if:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country 
• You have an academic qualification recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree or PhD in the UK, which was taught in English 
• You have passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A1 of CEFR
• You are exempt 

Who is exempt from the English language requirement

You will exempt from the English language requirement if at the date of your application, you are:,

• 65 years or over;
• Have a disability (physical or mental condition) 
• Have other exceptional  compassionate circumstances which prevent you from meeting the requirement such as serious illness or humanitarian disaster 

Tuberculosis test requirement for UK Fiance visa 

You will need to provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate with your UK Fiance Visa application if you have been continuously present in a country or countries listed here for 6 months or more including a period of any length within the 6 month before the date of your application. 

Meeting the tuberculosis requirement

Your TB certificate will be valid only if it:

• Was issued by a medical practitioner approved by the Home Office 
• Confirms that you have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis and it is absent
• Was issued within the 6-month period immediately before the date of your application 
• Has not expired 

UK Fiance Visa Application Process & Decision Timeframes

• Application for the UK fiance visa is made online through the UKVI website.You will need to create an account and complete an online application form on the website.
• You will need to submit your application, all supporting documents in the correct format as well as the UK fiance visa application checklist. The fiance visa application checklist is an important part of your application and must be included to make a complete application. 
• Pay the UK fiance visa application fee
• You will need to book appointment to capture your biometric data as a UK Visa Application Centre

If you are applying from outside the UK, It typically takes around 12 weeks to receive a decision on your UK fiance visa application. Applications from inside the UK are decided within 8 weeks. 

Depending on availability you may opt for the fast tracked priority service and get a decision by the next working day.

UK Fiance Visa Application fees

The application fees for the UK fiance visa is £1,846 (as at July, 2024) when made from outside the UK. From the inside the UK, the application fee is £1,258.

You may opt for the priority service for an additional £500. You will get a decision in up to 30 days from outside the UK. The next day super priority service fee is £1,000 and is available for applications made from inside and outside the UK.

After your UK Fiance Visa is issued

Following a successful application, you will be issued a UK fiance visa for 6 months. You will not be allowed to work in the UK. 

Extending your UK Fiance visa

You may apply to switch to the UK spouse visa, after your marriage or civil partnership, subject to meeting the requirements for extension. This will enable you to continue to live and work  in the UK with your partner until you reach the eligibility criteria for settlement / indefinite leave to remain. 

Indefinite leave to remain as a spouse

You will be eligible to apply for settlement / indefinite leave to remain after a continuous period of at least 60 moths (five years) as a spouse. This will not include any period spent in the UK as a fiancé or proposed civil partner. 

Ready to start your journey together?

Gateway Immigration Services can help you navigate the UK Fiance Visa application process smoothly and efficiently. Our experienced team will ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements, maximizing your chances of success. Let’s bring your dream of a life together in the UK to reality!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the UK Fiance Visa

What is a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

It’s a visa that lets you come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with your partner within six months.

Who can apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

If you’re over 18 and planning to marry or form a civil partnership with someone who lives in the UK, you can apply.

How long does the UK Fiancé(e) Visa last?

The visa is valid for six months. You need to get married or form a civil partnership within that time.

Can I work in the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, you can work and study while you’re on a Fiancé(e) Visa.

What do I need to apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

You’ll need your passport, proof of your relationship, financial documents, proof you can speak English, and plans to marry in the UK.

What are the money requirements for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

Your partner in the UK must earn at least £29,000 a year.

Do I need to prove my relationship is real?

Yes, you need to show that your relationship is genuine with things like photos, messages, and plans to marry.

Do I need to speak English for the UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, you need to show you can speak at least basic English, usually by passing a test at level A1 of the CEFR or having an English degree.

Can I bring my children with me on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, your children can come with you if they meet the requirements and your partner can support them financially.

How much does a UK Fiancé(e) Visa cost?

The application fee is about £1,846, and you also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is £1,035 per year.

How long does it take to get a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

It usually takes around 12 weeks to process your application.

Do I need to give my fingerprints and a photo?

Yes, you have to provide your fingerprints and a photo as part of the application.

Can I extend my Fiancé(e) Visa?

No, you can’t extend it. Instead, after you get married or form a civil partnership, you need to apply for a UK Spouse Visa.

What happens after I get married on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

You can apply for a Spouse Visa, which lets you stay in the UK longer and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Can I travel in and out of the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, you can travel while your visa is valid, but make sure you come back before it expires.

What if my Fiancé(e) Visa is denied?

You can appeal the decision, ask for a review, or try applying again with more information.

Do I need to live in the UK before applying for a Fiancé(e) Visa?

No, you don’t need to live in the UK before applying, but you need to plan to live together in the UK.

Do I have to get married in the UK?

No, you can get married anywhere, but you must marry within six months of arriving in the UK on the Fiancé(e) Visa.

Can I study while on a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, you can take classes or study while you’re in the UK on this visa.