UK Fiancé Visa Overview

The UK Fiancé Visa, sometimes referred to as the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa, is a key component of the family visa scheme. This visa is designed for eligible foreign nationals over the age of 18 who wish to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or an individual who is settled in the UK, such as someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status.

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a UK Fiancé Visa, applicants must provide evidence that they satisfy a range of eligibility criteria. Meeting these requirements is crucial for a successful Fiancé Visa application. At Axis Solicitors, our experienced solicitors are dedicated to guiding you through each step, ensuring that all the documentation is prepared with evidence for a convincing application.

UK Fiancé Visa Requirements

Applying for a UK Fiancé Visa involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing the required evidence. 

Overview of Requirements

1. Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be over 18 years old.
2. Marriage or Civil Partnership Intentions: You must have a genuine intention to get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
3. Partner’s Immigration Status: Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen, have settled status in the UK (such as indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status), hold a UK Turkish businessperson or worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection.
4. Cohabitation Plans: You must intend to live together in the UK once you are married or in a civil partnership.
5. Financial Requirements: You and your partner must demonstrate financial stability with a combined annual income of at least £29,000.
6. Accommodation in the UK: You must have suitable accommodation arranged for your stay in the UK.
7. English Language Requirement: You must prove your knowledge of the English language, typically by passing an approved English language test at A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

Each application is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering all available evidence and the unique circumstances of your relationship. Providing convincing documentation is key for a successful application.

Successful Applications

Our experienced immigration solicitors specialise in Fiancé Visas and are dedicated to making your dream wedding a reality. We understand the application process and can assist you in preparing the documentation required for a convincing portfolio of evidence.

UK Fiancé(e) Visas

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa allows individuals engaged to a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK to enter the country with the purpose of getting married or entering a civil partnership. This visa provides a six-month window for couples to formalise their relationship, after which applicants can apply to switch to a UK Spouse Visa, allowing them to stay in the UK and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). While on the Fiancé(e) Visa, the applicant is not permitted to work, as the visa is granted solely for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership.

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship, a shared intent to live together permanently, and financial stability without recourse to public funds. As of April 2024, sponsors are required to show an annual income of at least £29,000. Additional requirements include proof of adequate accommodation in the UK and sufficient English language proficiency.

At Axis Solicitors, one of the UK’s leading immigration firms, our expert solicitors offer full support throughout the Fiancé(e) Visa application process. We provide personalised advice to ensure your application meets all requirements, from gathering relationship evidence to fulfilling financial criteria. Contact us for a free initial assessment, and let us guide you through each step to secure your Fiancé(e) Visa to start your journey towards a life together in the UK.

Relationship Requirements

Meeting in Person

To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, you and your fiancé must have met in person. This requirement goes beyond a brief encounter. Providing evidence of in-person meetings can demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.

In-Person Meeting Evidence

• Evidence of face-to-face meetings that led to the development of your relationship is necessary.
• Documented proof of your in-person interactions is required.
• A short encounter followed only by phone calls or written communication is insufficient.

Key Evidence to Provide

• Dated photographs of you together.
• Travel itineraries and boarding passes.
• Accommodation receipts from shared trips.
• Witness statements from friends or family who have seen you together.

For a successful application, applicants must provide enough compelling evidence to satisfy the caseworker handling the application that you have met in person. Therefore, our solicitors will help you gather the necessary evidence, navigate potential challenges, and present a persuasive case to the Home Office.

Processing Times

The standard processing time for a UK fiancé visa is typically 2-3 months. 

Factors Which Influence Processing

• Complexity of your application: If your application has missing information or requires additional checks, it may take longer.
• Time of year: Processing times can fluctuate due to seasonal demands or backlogs.
• Country of application: Processing times can vary depending on where you apply from.

On average the Home Office takes 24 weeks to process a Fiancé Visa application submitted from outside the UK. Priority Service may result in a decision within 30 working days. 

Note that the Super Priority Service is not available for out-of-country applications.

Fiancé Visa Application Timelines

• Standard: 24 weeks
• Priority: 30 working days
• No Super Priority for out-of-country applications