How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to marry your partner in the UK and live together, you may need to apply for a  Fiance Visa UK. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the UK with the intention of marrying a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. The process can seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it successfully. In this article, we’ll walk you through the application process, essential documents, and fees involved, providing a complete guide for applying for a UK Fiancé Visa.

1. Understanding the UK Fiancé Visa

The UK Fiancé Visa is a type of family visa that allows a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national to enter the UK to marry their partner. It is a temporary visa, typically valid for 6 months, and it grants permission to enter the UK to marry your partner within that period. Once married, you can then apply for a spouse visa to remain in the UK long-term.

To apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, both parties must meet specific eligibility requirements. The process involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, and attending a biometric appointment. It’s important to understand the criteria and gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth application.

2. Eligibility Criteria for a UK Fiancé Visa

Before applying, you and your partner must meet the following basic requirements:

a. Relationship Requirements:

• You must be engaged to a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK (i.e., they are a permanent resident or hold indefinite leave to remain).
• You must have met each other in person and have genuine intentions of marrying within six months of your arrival in the UK.

b. Age Requirements:

• You (the applicant) must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying.
• Your fiancé must also be at least 18 years old.

c. Financial Requirements:

• You and your partner must prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourselves without recourse to public funds. The minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year (this may be higher if you have dependent children).

d. Accommodation:

• You must have a place to live in the UK that is suitable for both of you. This could be rented accommodation or owned property.

e. English Language Requirement:

• As part of the application, you’ll need to prove your knowledge of the English language. This can be demonstrated by passing an approved English language test or by having a degree taught in English.

3. Preparing Your UK Fiancé Visa Application

Once you’ve established that you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to prepare your application. The process involves the following key stages:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

The first step in applying for a UK Fiancé Visa is to complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website. You’ll need to provide your personal details, your fiancé’s details, and information about your relationship. The application will also ask for information about your financial situation, accommodation, and plans for marriage.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Along with your application, you will need to pay the visa application fee. As of 2024, the fee for a UK Fiancé Visa is £1,538 if you apply from outside the UK. If you’re applying from within the UK, the cost is £1,048. You can pay this fee online after completing your application form.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

You will need to provide a variety of supporting documents to prove your eligibility for the visa. These documents help the UK authorities verify that your relationship is genuine, that you meet the financial requirements, and that you are eligible to marry in the UK.

4. UK Fiancé Visa Document Checklist

Here is a list of the key UK Fiance visa document checklist you will need when applying for a UK Fiancé Visa:

1. Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of arrival in the UK.
2. Passport-Sized Photos – Two passport-sized photographs as per UK visa specifications.
3. Evidence of Relationship – Documents showing your relationship is genuine, such as photos, communication records, and details of when and where you met.
4. Fiancé’s Passport or Immigration Status Documents – A copy of your fiancé’s British passport or any documents proving their settled status in the UK.
5. Proof of Engagement – Documentation proving you are engaged to be married, such as engagement cards, photographs, or communication about your wedding plans.
6. Proof of Financial Requirement – Documents proving that you meet the financial requirements, such as pay slips, bank statements, or proof of income.
7. Accommodation Details – Evidence that you have a place to live in the UK, such as a tenancy agreement or proof of homeownership.
8. English Language Test Certificate – If required, you must provide a certificate showing that you meet the English language requirement.
9. Medical Certificate (if required) – If you’ve been requested to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test, you’ll need to provide a certificate confirming the results.
10. Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable) – If either you or your fiancé has been previously married, you will need to provide evidence of divorce or the death of your previous spouse.

5. Attending a Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application and paying the visa fee, you will be asked to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center in your country. At this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken to verify your identity. You will also need to submit your biometric information as part of the application process.

6. Wait for a Decision

Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometrics appointment, you will need to wait for a decision on your UK Fiancé Visa. The processing time can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but it typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, the UK Home Office will review your application and documents, and may request additional information if needed.

You can track the progress of your application online through the UK Visas and Immigration website. If your visa is granted, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport, which allows you to travel to the UK.

7. Arriving in the UK

If your UK Fiancé Visa is approved, you can travel to the UK. Remember, this visa is valid for 6 months, during which you must marry your fiancé. Once you are married, you can then apply for a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.

8. Fiancé Visa UK Cost

The application for a Fiance Visa UK cost involves several components. The main cost is the visa application fee, which, as mentioned earlier, is currently £1,538 for applicants applying from outside the UK. Additionally, there are other fees you may need to pay:

1. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – This fee grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. As of 2024, the IHS is £624 per year, so for a 6-month Fiancé Visa, the cost would be £312.
2. Document Translation Fees – If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll need to get them translated, which can incur additional costs.

So, in total, you can expect the UK Fiancé Visa application to cost around £1,850 or more, depending on the circumstances of your application and any additional fees you may need to pay.

9. After the UK Fiancé Visa is Granted

Once you are in the UK on a Fiancé Visa, you will need to marry your partner within six months. After the wedding, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which will allow you to stay in the UK for a longer period. The Spouse Visa is initially valid for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), provided you meet all the requirements.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK Fiancé Visa can seem like a lengthy and detailed process, but understanding the steps involved can make it much more manageable. By ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and preparing for the visa application process, you will increase your chances of a successful application. Once granted, the UK Fiancé Visa allows you to live and marry in the UK, with the opportunity to continue your journey as a couple once married.