UK Fiancé Visa

Overview

The UK Fiancé(e) Visa allows the non-UK partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. This visa route gives couples the opportunity to start their lives together in the UK and later apply for a partner or spouse visa.

At Imran Solicitors, our experienced UK Fiancé(e) Visa solicitors provide clear guidance and expert support throughout the application process. From eligibility checks to preparing supporting evidence, we ensure your case is handled with care and professionalism.

Eligibility Requirements

Relationship Requirements:

• You must be engaged to a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK.
• You must have met each other in person.
• You must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership.

Financial Requirements:

• Your partner will generally need to meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year.
• The financial requirement may also be met through permitted sources such as certain cash savings, pension income or non-employment income, subject to the applicable rules.
• There is no additional income requirement based on the number of dependent children under the current rules.

Accommodation:

• You must have suitable accommodation arranged for you and your partner.

English Language:

• You must generally demonstrate your knowledge of English at the required level, unless you are exempt.

Application Process

After Applying

Online Application:

• Complete the online application form through the official UK government website.

Supporting Documents:

• Passport and travel documents.
• Proof of your relationship, such as photographs, correspondence and evidence of visits.
• Financial documents showing that your partner meets the financial requirement.
• Evidence of suitable accommodation.
• Evidence that you meet the English language requirement.
• TB test certificate, if required based on the country where you have been living.

Biometric Information:

• Provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as required through the visa application process.

Application Fee:

• Pay the applicable visa application fee.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not normally payable for the Fiancé(e) Visa, because the visa is granted for 6 months. However, the IHS will generally apply when you later apply for a spouse or partner visa for more than 6 months.
• Processing Time: Applications made outside the UK usually receive a decision within 12 weeks, although processing times can vary.
• Validity: The Fiancé(e) Visa allows you to stay in the UK for 6 months, during which you must marry or enter into a civil partnership.
• Work and Study: You cannot work or study in the UK while holding a Fiancé(e) Visa. After marriage or entering into a civil partnership, you can apply to extend your stay and, if approved, you will have the right to work or study.
• Post-Marriage: After getting married or entering into a civil partnership, you can apply from within the UK to switch to a spouse or partner visa, provided you meet the relevant requirements.

Post-Fiancé(e) Visa

Spouse/Partner Visa:

• Apply for a spouse or partner visa after getting married or entering into a civil partnership in the UK.
• When applying from within the UK, the initial grant is generally 2 years and 6 months.
• You must meet the relevant relationship, financial, accommodation and English language requirements.
• The applicable Immigration Health Surcharge will normally be payable for this application.

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain):

• The earliest you can generally apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a partner is after 5 years of continuous residence on the qualifying family visa route.
• Time spent in the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa does not count towards the 5-year qualifying period for settlement.

Citizenship:

• After obtaining ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if you meet the relevant naturalisation requirements. If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, different residence requirements may apply.

Important Notes

• Legal Advice: It is advisable to seek professional legal advice to ensure your application is complete and meets all relevant requirements.
• Changes and Updates: UK immigration rules can change, so applicants should always check the latest information on the official UK government website or consult an immigration specialist.

Written on: 24 August 2026