The UK Fiance Visa allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. If you’re planning to bring your partner to the UK for marriage, understanding the visa process and considering legal assistance can help ensure your application is successful. This guide provides a breakdown of the key requirements, fees, documents, and the role of a fiance visa lawyer in making the process smoother.
What Is the UK Fiance Visa?
The UK Fiance Visa, also known as the UK Marriage Visa, allows non-UK citizens to come to the UK for six months to marry or form a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain. Once the marriage or civil partnership is registered, the applicant can switch to a UK spouse visa to remain in the country.
Key Requirements for the UK Fiance Visa
To be eligible for a UK Fiance Visa, you and your partner must meet specific criteria:
- Relationship Requirements
- You must intend to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- You must have met your partner in person and prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
- Your partner must be a British citizen, hold settled status (indefinite leave to remain), or have refugee or humanitarian protection status.
- Financial Requirements
- You and your partner must meet the minimum income requirement, which is £18,600 per year. This amount increases if you have children. The income can come from various sources, including employment, self-employment, savings, or other permitted sources.
- Accommodation Requirement
- You must show that you have suitable accommodation for both you and your partner to live together in the UK.
- English Language Requirement
- You must pass an approved English language test at the A1 level, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or otherwise exempt.
Documents Needed for a UK Fiance Visa
When applying for the UK Fiance Visa, you’ll need to provide several important documents:
- Identity Documents: Valid passports for you and your partner.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence that you have met in person and that your relationship is genuine, such as photos, travel documents, and communication records.
- Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements, or savings evidence showing that you meet the financial requirement.
- Accommodation Proof: Tenancy agreement, property ownership documents, or letters from friends/family who will provide accommodation.
- English Language Test Certificate: Proof of passing an approved test unless exempt.
- Divorce Certificate (if applicable): If either of you was previously married, provide evidence of the end of that marriage.
UK Fiance Visa Fees (2024)
Understanding the costs of a UK Fiance Visa is essential to planning your application. Here’s a breakdown of the key fees:
- Fiance Visa Application Fee (from outside the UK): £1,623.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £0 (for a Fiance Visa). The IHS applies only to visas lasting more than six months.
- Biometric Appointment Fee: £19.20 (for providing fingerprints and a photo).
- Priority Service (Optional): £573 for faster processing within five working days.
- Super Priority Service (Optional): £956 for a decision within 24 hours.
What Happens After Marriage in the UK?
Once you marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, you will need to apply to switch from a Fiance Visa to a UK Spouse Visa. The spouse visa will allow you to live in the UK for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension. You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at this point, which currently costs £624 per year.
The spouse visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.
How a Fiance Visa Lawyer Can Help You
Applying for a UK Fiance Visa can be a complex process with many documents to prepare and legal requirements to meet. Engaging a fiance visa lawyer can provide several benefits:
- Expert Advice
An experienced immigration lawyer can assess your case, ensuring that you and your partner meet all the eligibility requirements. They can guide you through each step of the application process and help you understand what evidence is needed. - Document Preparation
One of the most common reasons for visa refusals is incomplete or insufficient documentation. A lawyer can help you gather and organize the necessary paperwork, ensuring that your application is fully prepared before submission. - Avoiding Delays and Refusals
A lawyer can identify potential issues with your application and resolve them before submission. By doing so, they can help you avoid unnecessary delays or refusals, which can result from errors or missing information. - Faster Processing
If time is a concern, your lawyer can recommend and arrange priority or super-priority services, ensuring that your application is processed as quickly as possible. - Support with Refusals or Appeals
In the event that your visa is refused, a lawyer can help you challenge the decision by submitting an appeal or reapplying with a stronger case.
Steps to Apply for a UK Fiance Visa
- Online Application
Complete the visa application form online and pay the application fee. - Document Submission
Gather and submit all required documents, including proof of relationship, financial documents, and evidence of your English language proficiency. - Biometric Appointment
Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph. - Decision
Wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Standard processing can take up to 12 weeks, though faster options are available.
UK Fiance Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Fiance Visa Uk is approximately 12 weeks from the date of application. However, if you opt for the priority service, you could receive a decision within five working days. The super-priority service offers a decision within 24 hours, but this option is only available in certain countries.
Final Thoughts
The UK Fiance Visa is an excellent option for couples planning to marry and settle in the UK. By understanding the visa requirements, gathering the correct documents, and considering the assistance of a fiance visa lawyer, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
If you need help navigating the complexities of the visa process, a qualified immigration lawyer can provide personalized guidance and ensure that your application is as strong as possible.