UK Fiancé(e) Visa Applications

Overview

The visa does not permit work or study and normally provides no access to public funds. Time spent in the UK as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner does not count toward the qualifying period for settlement.

After the marriage or civil partnership has taken place, the applicant may apply from within the UK for permission to stay as a spouse or civil partner. Once that permission is granted, the five-year route toward Indefinite Leave to Remain begins.

Applicants often ask whether they should use the fiancé(e) route or marry abroad and apply directly for a spouse visa. Both are legitimate options. The fiancé(e) route may suit couples who want their wedding or civil partnership ceremony to take place in the UK. Applying directly as a spouse or civil partner avoids an additional application immediately after the ceremony and the initial period without work rights.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if:

• You are outside the UK when you apply.
• You and your partner are both aged 18 or over.
• Your partner is a British or Irish citizen, is settled in the UK, or holds another qualifying immigration status.
• You and your partner have met in person.
• Your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
• Any previous marriages, civil partnerships or relationships have permanently ended.
• You intend to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arriving.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK after the ceremony.

Key Requirements

• A genuine and subsisting relationship
• Evidence that you have met in person
• A genuine intention to live together permanently in the UK
• Genuine plans to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK during the visa period
• The applicable financial requirement met through permitted sources
• Adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds, overcrowding or breach of public health regulations
• English-language ability at the required level, unless an exemption applies
• Compliance with the suitability requirements under the Immigration Rules

How It Works

1. Assessment. We assess whether the fiancé(e) route is appropriate and identify how the relationship, financial and other requirements will be met.
2. Evidence strategy. We provide a tailored document plan covering the relationship, finances, accommodation, previous relationships and proposed ceremony.
3. Preparation. We prepare the application and a detailed legal representation letter addressing the relevant requirements.
4. Submission and biometrics. The application is submitted online, after which the applicant attends an appointment at a visa application centre.
5. After approval. Once the marriage or civil partnership has taken place, we advise on the application for permission to stay as a spouse or civil partner.