Fiance Visas
What is it?
A fiancé visa allows the fiancé(e), or prospective civil partner of a British citizen or a permanent resident of the UK to enter the country and stay for 6 months, during which they can marry their partner.
Who should apply?
The fiancé(e) or prospective civil partner of someone who is present and settled in the UK or is a British citizen living in the UK.
How long does it take?
Visa applications usually take 2-4 weeks to process once they have been submitted.
Basic requirements
To be eligible for a fiancé visa you must:
- be the fiancé, fiancée or prospective civil partner of a permanent resident of the UK
- have met
- both be 21 years of age or older
- plan to marry or register your civil partnership within 6 months of coming to the UK
- plan to live together after you have married or registered your civil partnership
- have support and accommodation for yourself and any dependents without using public funds.
What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide:
- your original birth certificate
- a Certificate of Approval for marriage (if you are applying within the UK)
- evidence of the UK based partner’s employment (such as payslips) and recent bank statements
- evidence of your UK accommodation arrangements (mortgage or rental agreement)
- relevant letters between you and your spouse
- any divorce certificates, death certificates or final dissolution orders from previous marriages
- evidence that the UK-based partner is legally settled in the UK (a certified passport or registration certificate).
How do I apply?
To contact Visas for Couples and start your application, fill out the contact form or call the office on 0207 828 6998. Alternatively you can contact UKBA to make your application directly.
Who makes the decision?
The final decision on whether to grant your fiancé visa will be made by the UK Border Agency.
How can Visas For Couples help me?
Our knowledge and experience means that we know exactly how to put together a strong application. We know the difficulties and pitfalls in the visa process and can help guide you through to a successful application.
Common questions
- Is there a quota agenda?
- No, there is no restriction on the number of people entering the UK legally on a fiancé visa.
- Does age difference matter?
- No, as long as you are both over 21, the age gap is irrelevant.
- Does it matter if I haven't met my partner in person?
- You must have met your partner to qualify for a fiancé visa, but Visas for Couples can help make arrangements for you if you have not yet met your partner.
- When I get my fiancé visa will I be allowed to work in the UK?
- No. A fiancé visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, during which you are not permitted to take up any work.
- How long must I wait before I’m eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
- You must marry your partner within 6 months of coming to the UK on a fiancé visa. After you have married or registered your civil partnership, you may apply to stay in the UK on a marriage visa, which gives you permission to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. After these two years you will then be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- How much do Visas for Couples charge?
- Our fees are based on your individual circumstances, taking into account the complexity of your case and whether you have previously been refused a visa. The government also charges a fee for processing your visa application.