The UK Fiancé Visa is a visa category for individuals who are engaged to marry a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. This visa allows you to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival. After your marriage or civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a spouse or civil partnership visa, which grants a longer stay in the UK.

In this article, we will explain the eligibility criteria, the application process, visa fees, and other important details for those applying for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa in 2024.

What is the UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa is a type of Family Visa that allows non-UK nationals who are engaged to a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to come to the UK for six months. The visa is designed to give couples time to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. After the marriage or civil partnership is registered, the visa holder can switch to a UK spouse or civil partnership visa, allowing them to stay longer in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa

To apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, you and your partner must meet specific criteria:

  1. Intention to Marry or Enter a Civil Partnership
    You and your partner must intend to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK. Evidence of this intention can include booking a venue, correspondence with a registrar, or any other relevant arrangements made for the ceremony.

  2. Genuine Relationship
    You must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will want to see evidence that your relationship is not solely for immigration purposes. Proof can include:

    • Photos together.
    • Correspondence between you and your partner.
    • Travel documents showing visits to each other’s countries.
    • Proof of shared financial responsibilities.

  3. Financial Requirement
    Your partner in the UK must meet the minimum income threshold to show that they can support you without relying on public funds. For 2024, the financial requirements are:

    • £18,600 per year if there are no dependent children.
    • £22,400 if you have one dependent child, with an additional £2,400 for each further child.

    This income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these. If your partner does not meet the income requirement through employment, savings over £16,000 can be used to make up the difference.

  4. English Language Requirement
    The applicant must prove their ability to speak and understand English at A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can meet this requirement by passing an approved English language test, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.

  5. Accommodation Requirement
    You and your partner must show that you have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK where you can live together after your marriage or civil partnership. The accommodation must meet UK housing standards and not require public assistance.

Required Documents for a Fiancé(e) Visa Application

When applying for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, you will need to submit a range of documents to support your application. These include:

  • Passports: Both yours and your partner's passports.
  • Proof of relationship: Photos, correspondence, travel documents, or any other evidence that demonstrates the genuine nature of your relationship.
  • Civil partnership or marriage plans: Proof of your intention to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months (e.g., a venue booking or registrar correspondence).
  • Financial evidence: Payslips, bank statements, or proof of savings showing that your partner meets the financial requirement.
  • Accommodation evidence: A rental agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from a landlord confirming that you have suitable accommodation.
  • English language test certificate: If required, proof of meeting the English language requirement.

UK Fiancé(e) Visa Fees for 2024

When applying for the Fiancé Visa uk, you will need to pay the following fees:

  1. Visa Application Fee

    • £1,538 if applying from outside the UK.

  2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
    Unlike spouse or civil partnership visas, you are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for a fiancé(e) visa because it is only valid for six months. However, you will need to pay the IHS when you apply to switch to a spouse or civil partnership visa after your marriage or civil partnership is registered.

  3. Biometric Fee

    • £19.20 for providing your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the application process.

Application Process for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa

  1. Submit an Online Application
    The first step in applying for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa is completing the application form online through the UK government’s visa portal. You will need to create an account, provide your personal details, and upload supporting documents.

  2. Pay the Fees
    During the online application process, you will be asked to pay the application fee and schedule an appointment to provide biometric information.

  3. Attend a Biometrics Appointment
    After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center. At this appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken. You may also need to submit additional supporting documents if you did not upload them online.

  4. Processing Times
    The processing time for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa can take between 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the location and demand at the visa processing center. Priority services may be available for an additional fee to expedite the process.

After Arriving in the UK

Once you have been granted a Fiancé(e) Visa and arrived in the UK, you have six months to marry or enter into a civil partnership with your partner. During this six-month period, you are not allowed to work or access public funds.

Switching to a UK Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa

After you have married or entered a civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a UK spouse or civil partnership visa. This visa is initially granted for 30 months (2.5 years) and can be extended. After five years of living in the UK on a spouse or civil partnership visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you permanent residency.

To switch to a spouse or civil partnership visa, you will need to meet the financial, accommodation, and relationship requirements. You will also need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge at this stage.

Common Reasons for Fiancé(e) Visa Refusals

Common reasons for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa refusal include:

  • Failure to meet the financial requirement.
  • Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
  • Failure to demonstrate the intention to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months.

If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal or submit a new application, though this can lead to delays and additional costs.

Final Thoughts

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa provides a pathway for engaged couples to be together in the UK, marry or enter a civil partnership, and start their life together. By ensuring that you meet all eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documents, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Once married or in a civil partnership, you can then switch to a spouse or civil partnership visa, setting you on the path toward permanent residency and British citizenship.