Fiance Visa

1. What is a UK Fiancé Visa?

The UK Fiancé Visa (also known as the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa) allows eligible foreign nationals to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK (e.g., someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status). Once married, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which eventually leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

You can find more information on the official government website here.

2. What are the requirements for a UK Fiance Visa?

To qualify for a UK Fiancé Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You and your partner are both over 18 years old.
• You both intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
• Your partner is a British or Irish citizen or has settled status in the UK (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU Settled Status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or refugee status).
• You intend to live together in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership.
• You meet the financial requirements (i.e., a minimum combined gross income of £29,000).
• You have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• You have sufficient knowledge of English (CEFR level A1 or equivalent).

3. What is the genuine relationship requirement for a Fiance Visa?

The genuine relationship requirement ensures that your relationship is real and not a “sham.” To prove this, you must show:

• You are in a genuine relationship with your partner.
• You plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival.
• You will live with your partner in the UK after marriage or civil partnership.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is vigilant about detecting fraudulent relationships, so it’s essential to provide strong evidence of your relationship.

4. What are the financial requirements for a UK Fiance Visa?

You and your UK-based partner must demonstrate a minimum combined gross annual income of £29,000. Various income sources can count towards this, including:

• Income from employment or self-employment.
• Pensions received by the applicant or partner.
• Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits.

You may also use savings to combine with other income to meet the requirement, with a minimum threshold of £16,000 in savings.

If your partner receives certain state benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance, Carers’ Allowance), you may be exempt from the financial requirement.

5. How do I meet the English language requirement for a UK Fiancé Visa?

To meet the English language requirement, you can:

• Pass an English test (CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening) from an approved test center.
• Hold an academic qualification taught in English (e.g., a degree).

You may be exempt from the requirement if:

• You are over 65 years old.
• You have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
• You are a citizen of certain English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).

6. What accommodation requirements do I need to meet?

To meet the accommodation requirement, you must show that you and your partner will live in suitable accommodation in the UK. The accommodation must:

• Be owned or rented by you or your partner.
• Have sufficient space for both of you (and any dependents).
• Meet public health standards.

7. What documents are required for a UK Fiance Visa application?

When applying for a Fiance Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Completed application form and visa fee payment.
• Valid passport and previous passports.
• Proof of genuine relationship (e.g., photos, shared bills, messages, reference letters).
• Proof of English language proficiency (CEFR exam certificate or equivalent).
• Proof of meeting financial requirements (e.g., bank statements, wage slips).
• Proof of suitable accommodation in the UK.
• Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photo).
• Tuberculosis test results (if required).

Failure to provide the correct documents in the right format may result in a delay or refusal of your application.

8. How long can I stay in the UK on a Fiancé Visa?

A UK Fiancé Visa allows you to stay in the UK for 6 months to get married or enter a civil partnership. After your marriage or civil partnership, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which is valid for 30 months. You can then extend this for another 30 months and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

9. How do I apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?

To apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, follow these steps:

1. Check eligibility for the visa.
2. Prepare your documents to prove eligibility.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay the visa application fee.
5. Upload your supporting documents.
6. Arrange a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo).
7. Attend an interview (if requested by UKVI).

10. What if my Fiancé Visa application is refused?

If your Fiancé Visa application is refused, the common reasons may include:

• Failure to meet the financial or relationship requirements.
• Missing or incorrect documentation.
• Issues related to your criminal history or immigration record.

You may appeal the decision or reapply, and it’s advisable to seek legal advice to strengthen your case.

11. How can Kaya Legal help with the UK Fiancé Visa process?

At Kaya Legal, our immigration lawyers provide expert guidance for Fiancé Visa applications. We can help with:

• Assessing your eligibility and advising on the required documents.
• Preparing and submitting your application to meet the UKVI requirements.
• Ensuring you meet the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements.
• Appealing a refusal or reapplying if necessary.

We ensure that your application is accurate and complete to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.