Logo2023-tpc-legal
Logo2023-tpc-legal

UK Fiance Visa

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, our immigration solicitors can help clarify your situation.
Enquiry Form
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

UK Fiance Visa

The UK Fiance Visa (also called the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa) is part of the family visa category. It allows an eligible foreign national, over the age of 18, to enter the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who has settled status in the UK (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status).

To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria. Once granted a Fiance Visa, you have six months from your entry date into the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership. After this, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which permits you to stay for an initial period of 33 months. This visa can be extended for another 30 months, after which you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to stay permanently in the UK without needing further immigration approval.

Requirements for the UK Fiance Visa

To successfully apply for a Fiance Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Age: Both you and your partner must be over 18.
  2. Intent to Marry: You must plan to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
  3. Partner’s Status: Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen or have settled status in the UK (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status). This also applies if your partner holds a UK Turkish businessperson or worker visa, or has refugee status or humanitarian protection.
  4. Living Together: After the marriage or civil partnership, you both plan to live together in the UK.
  5. Financial Requirements: You must show that you and your partner have a combined income of at least £29,000.
  6. Accommodation: You must have appropriate accommodation arranged in the UK.
  7. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language, typically by passing a test at level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Genuine Relationship Requirement

To qualify, you must prove that you are in a genuine relationship with your UK-based partner. This means:

  • Your relationship is authentic, and you plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of your arrival.
  • After the wedding or civil partnership, you intend to live together in the UK.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) closely scrutinizes relationships to prevent sham marriages or partnerships.

If you’re unsure about meeting this requirement, consult an immigration solicitor.

Financial Requirements for a Fiance Visa

As an applicant, you and your partner must show a minimum combined gross annual income of £29,000. This income can come from:

  • Employment or self-employment
  • Pensions
  • Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits
  • Other specified sources of income and/or savings

If you have savings exceeding £16,000, they can contribute to meeting this financial requirement. For instance, if you have £17,500 in savings, the calculation would reduce your required annual income to £28,400. You will need to declare the source of these savings when applying.

Exemptions from Financial Requirements:
Certain sponsors receiving specific benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance or Carer’s Allowance) may be exempt from the £29,000 requirement, but the applicant still needs to prove they can financially support themselves and have suitable accommodation in the UK.

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate proficiency in English by:

  • Passing a test at level A1 in speaking and writing at an approved testing center.
  • Alternatively, you may fulfill this requirement if you have an academic qualification taught in English.

Exemptions:
You are exempt if you are over 65, have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement, or are from an English-speaking country such as the USA, Canada, or Australia.

Accommodation Requirements

You must show you have suitable living arrangements in the UK, which should:

  • Be owned or rented exclusively by you and your family members.
  • Have enough living space.
  • Meet public health standards.

Required Documents for a UK Fiance Visa

When applying, you must provide the following:

  • A completed application form and payment of the application fee.
  • Valid passport and any previous passports.
  • Proof of your genuine relationship (e.g., letters from family, shared bills, photos, and other relationship documentation).
  • Proof of meeting the financial and English language requirements.
  • Passport-sized photos that meet UK standards.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Biometric information and tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Due to the complexity of the documentation, it’s recommended to seek legal advice from a family immigration solicitor to avoid delays or refusal.

How to Apply for a UK Fiance Visa

The application process is completed online. You will need to:

  1. Verify your eligibility.
  2. Gather necessary documents.
  3. Complete the online application form.
  4. Pay the application fee.
  5. Upload supporting documents.
  6. Schedule a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photos.
  7. Attend an interview, if requested.

Length of Stay on a Fiance Visa

The Fiance Visa allows you to stay in the UK for six months to get married or enter a civil partnership. Once married, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which allows you to stay for up to 30 months, with a possibility to extend for another 30 months.

From Fiance Visa to ILR

After residing in the UK for five years on a combination of a Fiance and Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, you must:

  • Be in a genuine relationship and intend to continue it.
  • Meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements.
  • Have suitable accommodation and continue meeting financial requirements.

Fiance Visa vs. Spouse Visa

The key differences between the two visas are:

  • A Fiance Visa is for those planning to get married or enter into a civil partnership, while a Spouse Visa is for those who are already married or in a civil partnership.
  • A Fiance Visa is valid for six months, whereas a Spouse Visa allows for an initial stay of 33 months.

What if Your Fiance Visa Is Refused?

Applications can be refused for several reasons, such as failing to meet financial or accommodation requirements, or not providing sufficient evidence. If your visa is refused, an immigration solicitor can help you with the next steps.

For more assistance, reach out to an immigration solicitor to ensure the best possible outcome.