The UK Fiancé(e) Visa – Also known As The Family Visa
If you are engaged to or are planning to marry a person who is a British citizen or is settled in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa.
Everything You Need to Know About UK Fiancé(e) Visas
The UK Fiancé(e) Visa Will Allow You To Come To The UK And Get Married Within 6 Months
The Fiancé(e) visa allows you to enter the UK for 6 months for the purpose of marrying your partner or entering into a civil partnership. After the marriage or civil partnership,, , you can switch by applying in-country for a UK Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa, which will allow you to remain in the UK for a further 30 months. If you have continually lived in the UK for five years as a Spouse or Civil Partner, you should qualify to apply for indefinite leave to remain and, afterwards, British citizenship. Furthermore, if you opt for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, you will not be authorised to work during your stay in the UK under this category, until you have switched successfully into a Spouse or a Civil Partner Visa.
Who Can Apply For A UK Fiancé(e) Visa?
Individuals must fulfil the following criteria to be eligible for a UK Fiancé(e) visa:
All applicants for this visa route must be over 18 years of age
Can Prove that their relationship is genuine and still existing
confirm they intend to get married in the uK within a 6 month period
show they have evidence of finances to support their application
Eligibility
What Are The Prerequisites For A UK Fiancé(e) Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, you must meet certain requirements, including:
Relationship: To qualify, the UK resident partner must either be living and working in this country as a British citizen, a settled person, or someone with refugee leave to remain. It is also possible for your UK partner to have pre-settled status (if an EU citizen) for 5 years, which will still enable you to come to the UK as a fiancé(e) and then marry or enter into a civil partnership.
Intention to marry in 6 months: You must provide evidence that you and your fiancé(e) plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in Britain. That is usually shown by making an appointment at the registry office, and a copy of the confirmed appointment will be one of the documents that you can upload with your application to the home office.
Financial requirement: Your UK-based fiancé(e) must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 (set to increase to £38700 in spring 2024) per annum gross or meet the requirement to have sufficient savings to support you without recourse to public funds. This requirement can be met through various sources, including employment income, self-employment income, and cash savings. Savings of £62,500 (with a definitive increase to £112,750 scheduled for Spring 2024) held in your partner’s account in the UK for at least 6 months may be sufficient alternative income.
English language prerequisite: You must verify your English level for reading, writing, listening, and articulating to the minimum level of A1, as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. To prove your ability, you must pass a SELT (Secure English Language Test) at an approved test centre and include the pass certificate in your application documents.
Adequate accommodation: You must provide evidence that you and your fiancé(e) have adequate accommodation in the UK that meets the legal requirements.
Eligibility: You must not have any previous immigration violations or criminal convictions in the UK or any other country. If you have previously been married or entered into a civil partnership, a copy of your final court order terminating the relationship should be produced.
Health requirements: You must not have any serious health conditions. If you are applying from certain countries, you will need to have a TB negative test.
Financial Requirements
What Are The UK Fiancé(e) Visa Financial Requirements?
To apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa in the UK, you must demonstrate that you meet specific monetary requirements. This means that as a couple, you have to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourselves and any dependents during your stay in the UK.
To meet the minimum income threshold, your combined yearly earnings must be a minimum of £18,600 (this could increase to £38,700 by spring 2024). If you have any little ones, the fees increase by £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each additional dependent.
You can prove your financial stability through various means such as regular employment salary, self-employment, savings, stocks, shares, pension payments, or regular income from property financial gains.
It’s important to keep in mind that as a Fiancé Visa holder, you won’t have access to public funds as you won’t be considered a permanent resident. You also can’t work in the UK while on this Visa.
Required Documents
Essential Documents for a Successful UK Fiancé Visa Application
If you are planning to apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa, it is essential to provide the required documents and information to prove your eligibility for the visa. These documents will allow the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to assess your application and determine whether you meet the requirements to enter and remain in the UK with your partner. The required information includes the following:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Copies of the photo section of any of your past passports and visas.
- Information pertaining to your relationship with your partner, including the duration of your togetherness, the place and manner of your acquaintance, and the frequency of your meetings.
- Details of any prior marriages or children, if applicable.
- In the case of any previous divorces, you would be required to provide divorce certificates.
- Any information regarding criminal convictions.
- Information on the countries that you have visited or resided in outside the UK.
- If you are not in the UK and applying from abroad, you might require to furnish your parents’ nationality and date of birth.
We can assist you in obtaining and organising all the necessary documentation and information for your application and can ensure that your evidence meets all the required administrative standards before your application is sent.
English Language Test
Satisfying the English Language Requirement for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa
If you are a non-English speaking Fiancé(e) Visa applicant, it is important to note that you will typically need to fulfil an English language requirement unless you meet one of the exemption criteria.
To prove your proficiency, you must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved test centre and include the pass certificate in your application documents. It’s worth noting that the SELT is only valid for two years from the date of issue, so it’s essential to make sure you pass the test within a reasonable time frame before submitting your application.
However, there are a few occasions in which you may be excused from the English language prerequisite. For example, if you hold a degree or higher qualification that was taught in English by a recognised educational institution, you may not need to take the test. Similarly, if you are over 65 years old, are a recognised refugee, live in the UK as an orphan or widow, or have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test, you may be exempt from the requirement.
If you are unsure whether you need to take the SELT or meet any of the exemption criteria, it may be beneficial to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the application process and advise you on the necessary steps to take. With careful planning and assistance, you can maximise your chances of success and secure your UK Fiancé Visa.
The Genuine Relationship Requirement For The UK Fiancé(e)
Proving Your Relationship Is Genuine: Advice for a Successful Fiancé(e) Visa Application
When applying for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa, one of the key requirements that you must meet is proving the authenticity of your relationship with your UK-based partner. This can be a challenging aspect of the application process, as it requires providing sufficient evidence to indicate that your relationship is real.
To meet this requirement, there are several documents that you can provide as evidence. These include joint bank statements, proof of shared accommodation, birth certificates (if applicable), divorce certificates (if applicable), and reference letters from family, friends, and professionals who can attest to the authenticity of your relationship. Photos of yourselves at different times and different seasons. Evidence of communication during periods of absence,
Apart from the aforementioned documents, you would also be required to furnish information about the following: The means by which you and your partner got to know each other, the duration of your relationship, and the frequency of your interactions. This information will aid the Home Office in evaluating the authenticity and viability of your relationship.
It’s important to note that the Home Office is highly experienced in identifying fake or fraudulent relationships, so it’s crucial to ensure that the evidence you provide is both accurate and comprehensive. This can be a daunting process, but there are experts who can assist you in preparing your application and ensuring that you provide all the necessary evidence to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship.
We have a team of experienced immigration lawyers who can assess your situation, provide guidance on the necessary information and documents to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship and support you throughout the application process. Our purpose is to assist you in securing a successful outcome and starting your new life together in the UK.
The UK Fiancé(e) Visa Procedure
Understanding the Procedure Behind The UK Fiancé(e) Visa
Once your Fiancé(e) Visa application is authorised, you can stay in Britain for up to six months. During this time, getting married and adhering to the regulations of your immigration permission is crucial.
If you are coming from outside the UK, you have to report to border control upon arrival. It is advisable to have good-quality photocopies of all essential documents to demonstrate information relevant to your application with you when travelling to the UK.
When granted a Fiancé(e) Visa, you are expected to establish the UK as your new permanent residence. Generally, it is not possible to secure approval for an extension of a Fiancé(e) Visa. However, in exceptional circumstances, if you were unable to marry or enter into a civil partnership within the initial six-month period, the Home Office may grant you an extension at their discretion. To be eligible for an extension, you must meet the same requirements as before, and your circumstances must not have significantly changed.
Processing Times
UK Fiancé(e) Visa Processing Times
The time it takes to receive a decision on your Fiancé(e) Visa is not fixed, but it is usually between 2 and 6 months from the date of your biometric appointment. You can expect a faster decision if your application is thorough and satisfies all the required prerequisites and you apply for a priority service which requires more home office fees.
However, if important documents are missing from your application, the processing stage will take longer. Immigration officers may get in touch with you for more information if they need it.
We offer an application package that will help you create a high-quality application for your UK Fiancé(e) Visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers will work with you throughout the application process, ensuring that your chances of receiving the Fiancé(e) Visa are maximised. With our assistance, you can expect a prompt decision on your application.
Marriage
Marrying In 6 Months
Marrying within six months is an essential requirement for the UK Fiancé(e) Visa. This implies that you and your companion must have a concrete plan to get married within six months of arriving in the UK on the visa. In exceptional circumstances, you can extend the 6 months for a further period if you cannot marry within the 6-month period.
Visa Fees
Fiancé(e) Visa Fees
To apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa in the UK, you must pay £1,846 if you are outside the country and £1,048 if you are inside. Additionally, there may be other expenses related to your application, such as the costs of lawyers and solicitors to facilitate your application smoothly.
Switching To a Family visa after 6 months
Switching To A Spouse Or Civil partner Visa From UK Fiancé(e) Visa
If you have entered the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa, you can switch into a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa and after your ceremony takes place, apply to the Home Office for the new visa. This is an advantageous process as you can apply for a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa without leaving the UK, provided you submit the application before your Fiancé(e) Visa expires.
Under this Visa, you can remain in the UK for a span of 30 months, during which you can work and study. It is also possible to extend your Spouse Visa for another 30 months as long as your circumstances have not significantly changed.
Moreover, the time you spend in the UK on a family Visa counts towards the time needed to fulfil the residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, after this, British citizenship. This can be achieved after spending 5 years in the UK on a Spouse Visa, i.e., you will get a permanent residency in the UK that will permit you to stay without any restrictions.
After acquiring ILR status, you become eligible to apply for complete British citizenship following a year of residency in the UK. With British citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a British passport and enjoy all the benefits of being a British citizen.
UK Fiancé(e) Application Rejection
Fiancé(e) Visa Appeal Process: What To Expect And How to Prepare
If your Fiancé(e) Visa request has been denied, do not worry, there is still a chance to appeal the ruling. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must adhere to the following steps:
In the event that your Fiancé(e)Visa application has been declined, you may have the chance to dispute the decision by appealing. It’s essential to carefully read your refusal letter to understand the reasons for the decision, as this will help you determine whether an appeal is the appropriate course of action. Additionally, the letter will outline whether you have the right to appeal, as this may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
If you do have the right to appeal, you must submit one within 28 days of the decision, as you will be outside the UK. The Fiancé(e) visa can only be applied for from abroad. Meeting this deadline is crucial since failing to do so could lead to a denial of your appeal.
Continued
Preparing a strong case to demonstrate why the decision should be reversed is crucial to the success of your appeal. This may include assembling further evidence, such as new documents or witness statements, to support your case. It’s also essential to provide a clear and detailed explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect and how it has impacted you.
Once you have submitted your appeal, you would have to be present for a hearing at the UK immigration courts’ First-tier Tribunal. The hearing is an opportunity for you to present your case and respond to any questions or concerns raised by the judge. Following the hearing, you will need to wait for a decision on your appeal, which can take anywhere from one month to over a year.
It’s important to note that there is no specific timeline for the Fiancé(e) Visa appeal process. It is noteworthy that nearly half of the immigration verdicts are reversed during the appeal process, and the Home Office loses about 75% of the immigration appeals. Therefore, if you submit a strong appeal, there is a good chance that you will be successful in reversing the decision. If you require assistance with your appeal, it may be beneficial to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you prepare a strong case.
Let Us Handle The Complicated Legal Work
Get Expert Advice From Our Fiancé(e) Visa Lawyers
We understand that the Fiancé(e) Visa application procedure can be intricate and intimidating. Our team of skilled immigration attorneys is committed to delivering bespoke advice and guidance to assist you in manoeuvring this process effortlessly.
We can assist you in several ways, including:
Eligibility Assessment: Our lawyers can conduct a thorough review of your circumstances to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for a Fiancé(e) Visa. We will advise you on any potential challenges and offer solutions to increase your chances of a successful application.
Application Preparation: Our lawyers will steer you through the entire application procedure, from collating the requisite documentation to filling out the application form. We will ensure that all the required information is provided and that the application is submitted within the required timeframe.
Document Organization: Our team will help you organise your supporting documents to meet the Home Office’s standards. We will review and verify each document to guarantee that they satisfy the benchmarks.
Communication with the Home Office: We will communicate with the Home Office, acting as your representative and providing updates on your application’s advancement.
Appeal Representation: If your application is refused, our team can provide guidance and representation at the appeal hearing to challenge the decision.
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