Fiance Visa UK Requirements and Application Guide 2024

UK Fiance Visa Requirements and Application Guide 2024

As an applicant wishing to join your partner in the UK, the UK Fiance Visa is a pathway allowing you to enter the UK for marriage or civil partnership within a six-month period. This visa is intended for those who wish to enter the UK to marry or form a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled individual, with the potential to later apply for a Spouse Visa.

This detailed guide outlines the requirements, application process, eligibility criteria, documentation, and important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful application for a UK Fiance Visa in 2024.

1. Eligibility Requirements for a UK Fiance Visa

The UK Fiance Visa is available to individuals who meet a specific set of criteria to verify their relationship and ensure that they have the necessary funds, language proficiency, and intentions for living in the UK. To be eligible for a Fiance Visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Relationship and Marriage Intentions
- You and your partner must be over 18 years of age.
- Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen, hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- You and your partner must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with a clear intention to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK.
Financial Requirements
- To qualify, your UK-based partner must meet a minimum financial threshold, with an annual gross income of at least £18,600.
- If there are dependent children applying with you, this threshold increases by an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.
- The financial requirement can be met through income from employment, self-employment, pension, or substantial cash savings of at least £62,500 if no income threshold can be met.
Accommodation
- You must demonstrate that adequate accommodation is available in the UK for you and any dependents without recourse to public funds. Accommodation should meet UK public health and safety standards and provide sufficient living space.
English Language Proficiency
- As an applicant, you must have a basic understanding of English, meeting at least the A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement can be satisfied through:
  - An approved English language test passed at an A1 level or above,
  - A degree taught in English,
  - Exemptions apply if you are over 65, have a physical or mental condition preventing compliance, or are from an English-speaking country.

2. Documents Required for a UK Fiance Visa Application

Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential to ensure your application is processed without delay. Required documents include:

Proof of Identity: Valid passport, and previous passports if applicable.
Proof of Relationship: Photographs together, correspondence, shared travel bookings, and proof of any previous marriages or civil partnerships ending.
Financial Documentation:
- Recent payslips and bank statements from the last six months,
- Proof of employment or self-employment income,
- Evidence of any other income, such as pensions or benefits,
- Bank statements showing cash savings, if applicable.
Accommodation Proof: Property ownership documents, rental agreements, and evidence that the accommodation meets UK requirements.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: CEFR exam certificate or other proof of English language ability.
Other Relevant Documents: Tuberculosis test results (if required based on your country of residence), and two passport-sized photographs meeting UKVI specifications.

Important Note: It’s highly recommended to seek legal advice to ensure all documents meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements, as even minor omissions or errors can lead to delays or refusals.

3. Application Process for the UK Fiance Visa

The UK Fiance Visa application is completed online through the UK government portal. Below are the main steps:

Online Application
- Access the online application form on the official UK government website.
- Complete the form, answering questions related to your background, relationship, and intent to marry in the UK.
- Upload digital copies of your supporting documents.
Paying Application Fees
- The Fiance Visa fee is £1,846 (from outside the UK). In addition, a biometrics fee of £19.20 applies for fingerprinting and photographs.
- Note: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) does not apply to the Fiance Visa but will apply to subsequent visa applications such as the Spouse Visa after marriage.
Scheduling and Attending the Biometric Appointment
- You will need to schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken.
Document Verification and Submission
- During or after the biometrics appointment, you may be required to submit original documents for verification.
- It is essential to confirm that all documents are up-to-date, genuine, and accurately translated into English if required.
Waiting Period and Decision
- Processing times for the Fiance Visa generally range between 2 to 3 months, although expedited services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.
- You will be notified of the decision by the UKVI via email or letter.

4. What to Do After Your Fiance Visa is Approved

Once approved, your UK Fiance Visa is valid for six months, within which you are expected to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. During this period:

You are not permitted to work in the UK. The Fiance Visa is intended solely to allow entry for marriage, so employment rights are not granted with this visa.
You may prepare to apply for a Spouse Visa. After marriage or forming a civil partnership, you will need to switch to a Spouse Visa if you wish to remain in the UK long-term. This application must be submitted before your Fiance Visa expires and will involve meeting the financial, accommodation, and language requirements once again.

5. Applying for a Spouse Visa After Marriage

Following marriage, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which provides the right to work and live in the UK and eventually leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and citizenship. To switch to a Spouse Visa, you must:

Submit a New Application: Apply online for the Spouse Visa, ensuring all updated documents and requirements are met.
Meet Financial, Accommodation, and Language Criteria: The requirements for the Spouse Visa closely mirror those of the Fiance Visa.
Prepare for an Extension and ILR: The Spouse Visa typically lasts for 2.5 years and can be extended. After five years, Spouse Visa holders may apply for ILR if all eligibility requirements are maintained.

6. Potential Visa Refusals and Next Steps

Fiance Visa applications may be refused if:

Sufficient documentation proving a genuine relationship is not provided,
Financial, language, or accommodation requirements are not met,
There are adverse findings in character, criminal records, or health assessments.

If your visa application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or reapply. In either case, consulting an immigration expert can help improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome by addressing any issues noted in the refusal.

Contact and Assistance

The Fiance Visa application process can be complex and challenging without proper guidance. To ensure a seamless and successful application, we encourage seeking assistance from a professional immigration solicitor who can help prepare documentation, meet eligibility requirements, and navigate any challenges along the way.

For more information or assistance with your Fiance Visa application, please contact us directly, and our dedicated team will be happy to help with your case.