UK Fiancé Visa

AUS (UK) Immigration’s

Overview of the UK Fiancé Visa

The UK Fiancé Visa, or the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa, is part of the family visa program. It allows eligible foreign nationals aged 18 and above to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person with settled status, such as someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status. Upon receiving a Fiancé Visa, applicants have a 6-month window from entry into the UK to formalize their marriage or civil partnership. Subsequently, they can apply for a Spouse Visa, which provides an initial 33-month stay, extendable for 30 months. After meeting the requirements, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residence in the UK without being subject to immigration regulations.

Eligibility and Application Process

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
Concrete plans to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
The UK partner should be a British or Irish citizen, hold settled status, or possess refugee status or humanitarian protection.
The intention is to live together in the UK after marriage or civil partnership.
Financial self-sufficiency with a combined income of at least £29,000.
Adequate accommodation in the UK.
Proficiency in English (minimum level A1 on the CEFR scale).

Application Process

The application process involves:

Confirming eligibility.
Gathering vital documentation.
Completing the online application form.
Paying the application fee.
Uploading supporting documents.
Scheduling a biometric appointment.
Attending an interview if requested.

Requirements for the UK Spouse Visa

Genuine Relationship Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship with their partner, with concrete plans to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arrival in the UK. The intention must be to live together in the UK after marriage or civil partnership. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is vigilant about potential fraudulent or “sham” relationships.

Financial Requirements

Applicants and their UK-based partners must have a gross annual income of £29,000. Income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, maternity allowances, bereavement benefits, or other specified income and savings. Savings exceeding £16,000 can also be used to meet financial requirements, with specific calculations for how savings contribute to the income requirement.

Sponsors receiving certain benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance or Carers’ Allowance, are exempt from the financial requirement but must still show sufficient funds for maintenance and adequate accommodation.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by:

Passing a CEFR level A1 English test.
Holding a degree or academic qualification taught in English.

Exemptions apply to those over 65, with certain physical or mental conditions, or from specific English-speaking countries.

Accommodation Requirements

Applicants must show they have suitable accommodation in the UK that:

Is owned or occupied exclusively by the applicant and their family members.
Has sufficient living space for all occupants.
Meets public health requirements.

Required Documents Checklist

Applicants need to provide:

Completed application form and fee.
Valid passport(s).
Evidence of a genuine relationship (e.g., shared bills, photographs).
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., CEFR exam certificate).
Two passport-sized color photos.
Proof of financial requirements (e.g., bank statements).
Details of previous immigration applications and criminal convictions (if any).
National Insurance number (if available).
Proof of accommodation in the UK.
Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Given the complexity of documentation requirements, legal advice from a family immigration solicitor is recommended. Contact us at +44 (0) 1293 522 275 for assistance.

Visa Costs, Extensions, and ILR

UK Fiancé Visa Fee/Cost

The application fee is £1,048 if applying from inside the UK and £1,846 if applying from outside. Additional costs include the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (£624 per year) and the biometric fee (£19.20).

Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa

After marriage or civil partnership, applicants can apply for a Spouse Visa, initially valid for up to 30 months. This visa can be extended for another 30 months, provided the relationship remains eligible, and the application is made before the current visa expires.

Fiancé Visa to ILR

After five years on a family visa as a partner, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing permanent residence in the UK. Requirements include:

Living in the UK for five years on a family visa as a partner.
Continuous living with the partner since the last visa renewal.
A genuine and ongoing relationship.
Meeting English language and Life in the UK requirements.
Proving suitable accommodation and financial stability.

Spouse Visa Refusal and Next Steps

A Fiancé Visa application may be refused for several reasons, such as:

Public good concerns or deportation orders.
Applicant’s conduct or associations deemed harmful to the UK.
Failure to attend required interviews, provide specified information, undergo medical exams, or report when required.
Medical reasons or failure to pay mandatory charges.
Insufficient evidence of maintenance and accommodation.

If your application is refused, consult with our immigration solicitors for advice on next steps. Contact us at +44 (0) 1293 522 275 for assistance.

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