Fiance Visa

The UK Fiance Visa allows engaged couples where one partner is a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK, has pre-settled status, holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, or has refugee status or humanitarian protection, to enter the UK and marry within 6 months of arrival. This visa must be applied for from outside the UK.

Important Note: The Fiance Visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK. After marriage, you can apply for a Spouse visa within the UK, which can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after 5 years.

UK Fiance Visa Requirements

To qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, you must meet the following:

• Your partner's status: They must be a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK, have pre-settled status, hold a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection.
• Age: Both you and your partner must be over 18.
• In-person meeting: You must have met in person.
• Genuine relationship: Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• Marriage intention: You intend to marry within six months of arriving in the UK.
• Previous relationships: Any previous relationships have ended permanently.
• Living together: You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Financial maintenance: You can be adequately maintained in the UK without relying on public funds.
• Adequate accommodation: You have suitable accommodation for you and any dependents.
• English language proficiency: You meet the required English language level.

Specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer is highly recommended.

Status of Sponsoring Partner

To qualify, your partner must:

• Be a British or Irish citizen in the UK.
• Have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK.
• Have pre-settled status under Appendix EU.
• Have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker under Appendix ECAA.
• Have refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK.

Minimum Age

You and your partner must be over 18 years old when you submit your application.

Relationship Requirements

• Prohibited relationships: You and your fiance cannot be within a prohibited degree of relationship (e.g., close family members).
• In-person meeting: You must have met in person.
• Genuine and subsisting relationship: Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
• Marriage intention: You must be coming to the UK to marry within 6 months of arrival.
• Previous relationship breakdown: Any previous relationships must have ended permanently.
• Intention to live together: You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

The Home Office will assess whether your relationship is genuine and subsisting on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like:

• Current relationship status (long-term, etc.)
• Cohabitation history
• Shared children and responsibilities
• Shared financial responsibilities
• Visits to each other's home countries and families
• Plans for living together in the UK

Evidence: The Home Office expects significant evidence of regular contact, affection, companionship, emotional support, and mutual interest. Documents like joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, and travel records are crucial. If you haven't lived together, other forms of evidence are acceptable.

Intention to Marry Within 6 Months

You must demonstrate your intention to marry within 6 months of arrival in the UK. This may involve providing evidence of wedding planning.

Previous Relationship Breakdown

You must provide evidence that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have been legally dissolved (e.g., divorce decree).

Intention to Live Together Permanently

You and your partner must demonstrate a clear intention to live together permanently in the UK.

Financial Requirement

• General Requirement: Unless exempt, your fiance (or both of you jointly) must demonstrate a gross annual income of at least £29,000.
• Meeting the Requirement: This can be met through income from employment, self-employment, investments, savings, pensions, or a combination of sources.
• Exemptions: Certain state benefits may qualify for alternative financial requirements.

Accommodation Requirement

You must demonstrate adequate and suitable accommodation in the UK that you own or occupy exclusively.

English Language Requirement

Unless exempt, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at least at CEFR level A1.

Exemptions:

• You are over 65 years old.
• You have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
• There are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from meeting the requirement 1 before entering the UK.  

Supporting Documents

The Immigration Rules have strict document requirements. It's crucial to include all necessary and correctly formatted documents to avoid application refusal.

Application Fee

The Home Office application fee for a UK Fiance Visa submitted outside the UK is currently £1,846.

Processing Times

The current Home Office processing time for a Fiance Visa application submitted outside the UK is 24 weeks.

Working in the UK on a Fiance Visa

Fiance Visa holders are not permitted to work in the UK.

How Our Immigration Barristers Can Help

Our experienced immigration barristers can assist you with:

• Understanding the Fiance Visa requirements.
• Assessing your eligibility for a Fiance Visa.
• Preparing and submitting your application.
• Navigating the complex financial requirement rules.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change.

Contact Us

For expert advice on your UK Fiance Visa application, contact our immigration barristers a t0207 112 4955