UK Fiancé Visa
Pave the Way to Your 'I Do': Complete Guide to UK Fiancé Visa
The UK Fiancé visa allows individuals who are engaged to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to enter the UK to get married or enter a civil partnership. This visa is valid for six months, during which you must marry or register your civil partnership. Once married, you can apply to switch to a UK Spouse or Civil Partner visa to remain in the UK.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, financial requirements, the application process, and what happens after marriage.
Who Can Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?
To qualify for a UK Fiancé visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Relationship Requirement
- You and your partner must be 18 or older.
- Your partner must be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- You must intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
- You must have met in person before applying.
- You must intend to live together permanently in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership.
Financial Requirement (Updated April 2024)
To apply, you and/or your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year.
- If applying from outside the UK, only the British/settled partner’s income can be considered.
- Acceptable income sources include:
- Employment (salaried or non-salaried)
- Self-employment or directorship of a UK company
- Rental income, dividends, or other non-employment income
- Pension income
- Cash savings held for at least six months
Using Cash Savings to Meet the Financial Requirement
If you do not meet the income threshold, you can use cash savings instead. The amount required is calculated as follows:
- Base amount: £16,000
- Additional amount: 2.5 times the shortfall between the required income and actual income
Example Calculation:
- If you have no income, the shortfall is £29,000.
- Formula: £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £88,500
- Total savings required: £88,500
Below is a financial requirement table summarising the income and savings threshold:
| Income Level | Shortfall | Formula | Total Savings Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| £29,000 or more | £0 | Not applicable | No additional savings needed |
| £20,000 | £9,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000) | £38,500 |
| £0 (fully relying on savings) | £29,000 | £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) | £88,500 |
English Language Requirement of the UK Fiancé Visa
The English language requirement differs depending on where the application is made.
- Applying from outside the UK: CEFR Level A1 (beginner level)
How to Meet This Requirement
- Passing an approved English language test
- Holding a degree taught or researched in English
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Exemptions
You do not need to meet this requirement if you:
- Are 65 or over
- Have a disability or exceptional circumstances preventing you from meeting the requirement
How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of upcoming marriage or civil partnership (e.g., booking confirmation)
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, savings documentation)
- Accommodation details
- English language certificate (if required)
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
- Apply via the UK government website
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Upload supporting documents
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Outside the UK: Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Step 4: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 12 weeks
- Priority processing is available for an additional fee
What Happens After Marriage or Civil Partnership?
- You must apply to switch to a UK Spouse visa or Civil Partner visa before your Fiancé visa expires.
- The Spouse or Civil Partner visa allows you to stay for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension and later for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Fees and Costs of a UK Fiancé Visa
- Application Fee: £1,846
Estimated total cost: £1,846
How Immtell Can Help
- Fiancé visa applications and financial eligibility
- Marriage registration requirements
- Switching to a Spouse or Civil Partner visa before expiry
Applying for a UK Fiancé visa can be overwhelming, especially with tight timelines to marry and switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner visa. Immtell provides expert guidance and support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and meets all Home Office requirements.
We assist with:
Your Marriage, Your Future – Start Your Visa Journey Today
Get expert support for your UK Fiancé visa and plan your move to a Spouse or Civil Partner visa.
Get expert support for your UK Fiancé visa and plan your move to a Spouse or Civil Partner visa.
Further Reading
Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Spouse Visa Application Process
Navigate the UK Spouse Application Process with Our Step-By-Step Guide
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence