Fiance Visa Uk
The UK Fiance Visa, also known as the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa, is part of the Family Visa scheme and allows an eligible foreign national over 18 to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or a settled person. Once granted, the visa is valid for 6 months, during which the applicant must get married or enter into a civil partnership.
After this, they can apply for a Spouse Visa, which initially allows a stay of 33 months, extendable for a further 30 months, leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and permanent residency in the UK.
To switch from a Fiance Visa to a Spouse Visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including having a valid Fiance Visa, meeting the good character requirement, proving a genuine relationship, and getting married within 6 months of being in the UK on the Fiance Visa. The application for a Spouse Visa can be made anytime after the marriage, and the processing time is shorter compared to the Fiance Visa application.
Additionally, the applicant must meet the financial requirements, have a good knowledge of English, and not have breached any visa conditions.
- What are the Fiancé Visa requirements?
- UK Fiancé Visa interview questions
- UK Fiancé Visa required documents
- What are the financial requirements?
- Fiancé Visa Lengths and Conditions
- What is the duration of a Child Dependent Visa in the UK?
- Can I apply for a Spouse Visa after I get married?
- Gaining an exemption from the financial requirements for a Fiancé Visa application
Fiancé Visa requirements
To qualify for a fiance visa you must satisfy the following criteria:
- You and your future spouse must be at least 18 years of age
- You and your future spouse must have met each other
- You and your future spouse must intend to live together on a permanent basis once married
- You must show that any previous relationship that you or your partner were involved in has ended (whether it was as a married or an unmarried couple)
- You and your future spouse must have enough funds to support yourselves (and any dependants) without claiming public funds
- Your fiance must be earning a minimum of £18,600 per annum or have savings to be able to sponsor you. The level of this financial requirement will increase if you are also sponsoring children as dependants
- You must have suitable accommodation available for you, your future spouse and any dependants
UK Fiancé Visa interview questions
During the UK Fiance Visa interview, the entry clearance officer will ask the applicant a series of questions to ensure the information on their settlement visa application is honest and accurate. The questions aim to establish the genuineness of the relationship and the intention to get married and live together in the UK.
Some common questions include:
- When and where did you meet your partner?
- What do you know about your partner’s background and family?
- What are your plans for the wedding and living arrangements in the UK?
- Have you met your partner’s family?
- What are your future plans as a couple
UK Spouse Visa Interview Questions
The UK spouse visa interview aims to verify the authenticity and ongoing nature of the relationship.
Some common questions include:
- Is this your first application for a UK visa?
- Where and when did you meet your partner?
- What are your plans for living in the UK?
- How do you stay in touch with your spouse?
- What do you know about your spouse’s occupation and family?
- Have you met your spouse’s family?
UK Fiancé Visa required documents
When you apply for your Fiance Visa, you will be advised by UKVI which documents and forms of evidence to provide.
- Complete application form and application fee
Personal Documents
Current valid passport
Previous passports (if any)
Two passport size photos
Divorce certificate from previous marriage
Biometric Information (fingerprints and digital photographs
Evidence you meet the English language requirement, typically at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) if applicable.
Evidence of your relationship
Photographs
Correspondence such as messages or letters
Evidence of meeting in person
Details of how, when and where you met
Reference letters from friends, family members or professionals who can confirm the genuineness of your relationship.
Proof you meet the income requirement:
Bank statement
Wage slips, Savings statements
Details of any criminal convictions.
Evidence of suitable accommodation to live in with your partner
It’s important to note that the exact documents required may vary based on individual circumstances. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek personalised guidance from an immigration specialist to ensure that all necessary and correct documents are provided for the Fiance Visa application.
What are the financial requirements?
The financial requirements for UK Fiance, Spouse, Partner, and Family Visas are as follows:
- The applicant and their UK based partner must have a minimum combined gross annual income of £18,600.
- If there are dependent children, an additional financial requirement applies, with an extra £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- The income must be genuine and come from specific sources, such as employment, self employment, savings, stocks and shares, or pensions.
- Evidence must be provided to prove the authenticity of the income, and the format of evidence varies based on the type of income.
- The Home Office has announced that the minimum income requirement will increase from £18,600 to £29,000 in 2024, with a proposed further increase to £38,700 in early 2025.
If you are unable to meet the new financial requirement, it is advisable to seek advice on your options, as there may be opportunities to apply before the new threshold is introduced or to explore alternative routes
Fiancé Visa Lengths and Conditions
The financial requirements for UK Fiance, Spouse, Partner, and Family Visas are as follows:
- The applicant and their UK based partner must have a minimum combined gross annual income of £18,600.
- If there are dependent children, an additional financial requirement applies, with an extra £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- The income must be genuine and come from specific sources, such as employment, self employment, savings, stocks and shares, or pensions.
- Evidence must be provided to prove the authenticity of the income, and the format of evidence varies based on the type of income.
- The Home Office has announced that the minimum income requirement will increase from £18,600 to £29,000 in 2024, with a proposed further increase to £38,700 in early 2025.
If you are unable to meet the new financial requirement, it is advisable to seek advice on your options, as there may be opportunities to apply before the new threshold is introduced or to explore alternative routes
What is the duration of a Child Dependent Visa in the UK?
Applicants can apply for an initial 6 month stay in the UK. After your marriage or civil partnership, you can transition to the spouse and civil partner category while in the UK.
If you haven’t married or entered into a civil partnership within the initial six months, you can apply for a 6 month extension, provided you can demonstrate a valid reason for the delay and evidence that the ceremony will occur within the next six months.
During your stay as a fiance or proposed civil partner, you won’t have work rights. However, once you switch to the spouse and civil partnership category, you gain the right to work.
The Home Office rigorously reviews fiance and proposed civil partner visa applications. Any doubts about the authenticity of the relationship or noncompliance with other requirements can lead to refusal. Therefore, meticulous and thorough application preparation is crucial, and a solicitor can play a pivotal role in this process.
Can I apply for a Spouse Visa after I get married?
Yes, you can apply for a Spouse Visa after you get married. The spouse visa, also known as a UK marriage visa, allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK’ – i.e. a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK.
You can apply for a spouse visa from overseas or from within the UK. If you are already in the UK on a Fiance Visa, Skilled Work Visa, or Student Visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch into a Spouse Visa.
Gaining an exemption from the financial requirements for a Fiancé Visa application
Exemptions from the financial requirements for a UK Fiance Visa application are available in certain circumstances. The standard minimum income threshold of £18,600 can be exempted if the applicant or their UK sponsor receives specific benefits or allowances. These exemptions are granted if the main applicant or their UK sponsor receives any of the following:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation
In these instances, the applicant or their sponsor isn’t expected to meet the minimum income threshold but must offer proof of “adequate maintenance” based on the qualifying benefits received.
It’s important to note that the financial requirement exemptions are subject to specific eligibility criteria, and it’s advisable to seek guidance from immigration solicitors to determine if you qualify for these exemptions.
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