What is the UK Fiancé visa?

The UK Fiancé visa, also known as the UK Fiancée visa or Marriage Visitor visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals to travel to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner. This visa category is specifically designed for those who plan to marry or form a civil partnership within the UK and then switch to a spouse visa to remain in the country.

To be eligible for a UK Fiancé visa, the following requirements typically need to be met:

Genuine intention to marry: You must demonstrate that you and your partner genuinely intend to marry or form a civil partnership within the six-month validity of the visa.

Relationship proof: You need to provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner, including details of your engagement, communication history, and plans for the wedding or civil partnership ceremony.

Financial requirement: You must meet the financial criteria, which typically involves demonstrating that your UK partner meets the minimum income threshold or providing evidence of sufficient savings to support yourselves without relying on public funds.

Accommodation: You must have suitable accommodation available for you and your partner in the UK without the need for public funds.

Immigration history: You should have a clean immigration history, without any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.

How much does a UK fiancé visa cost?

The cost for a UK Fiancé visa application is subject to change and may vary depending on several factors. Here are the main fees involved:

Application fee: The current fee for the UK Fiancé visa application (known as the "Marriage Visitor visa" application) from outside the UK is £95.

Immigration Health Surcharge: As part of the application process, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. The surcharge allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. As of September 2021, the surcharge is £624 per year for each applicant. The amount may vary depending on the duration of the visa granted.

It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to check the UK Visas and Immigration website or consult with an immigration solicitor to confirm the most up-to-date fees at the time of your application. Additionally, there may be additional costs for services such as document translations, English language tests, or other related expenses.

What is the benefit of a fiancé visa in the UK?

The UK Fiancé visa, also known as the UK Fiancée visa or Marriage Visitor visa, offers several benefits to individuals who plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner. Here are some key benefits of the UK Fiancé visa:

Entry to the UK: The Fiancé visa allows you to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married or forming a civil partnership with your UK partner. It grants you the legal right to travel to the UK and stay for a specific period.

Legally marry or form a civil partnership: With a Fiancé visa, you can legally marry or form a civil partnership with your UK partner in the UK. It enables you to go through the necessary legal procedures and have a recognized marriage or civil partnership under UK law.

Path to a spouse visa: The Fiancé visa serves as a pathway to a spouse visa in the UK. After you are married or have formed a civil partnership in the UK, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa, which allows you to remain in the UK and enjoy the rights and privileges associated with being the spouse or partner of a UK citizen or settled person.

Extended stay: The Fiancé visa typically grants a stay of up to six months in the UK. This duration allows you to make necessary wedding preparations, complete the marriage or civil partnership ceremony, and potentially spend time with your UK partner before transitioning to a spouse visa.

Opportunity to settle in the UK: By transitioning from a Fiancé visa to a spouse visa, you can eventually become eligible to apply for settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK. Settlement allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions.

It's important to note that the Fiancé visa is a temporary visa and has specific requirements that need to be met. It's advisable to consult with an immigration solicitor or seek professional advice to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits specific to your situation.

How long does a fiancé visa take?

The processing time for a fiancé visa in the UK can vary depending on several factors including the country where you apply and the volume of application being processed at the time. The standard processing time for a fiancé visa application is usually around 12 weeks (approximately 3 months). However, the processing time can fluctuate and there is no guarantee of a specific timeframe.

In some cases, you may have the option to expedite the processing of your application by paying an additional fee for priority or premium services. These services can significantly reduce the processing time sometimes to as little as a few days or a couple of weeks depending on the service chosen.

It is important to regularly check the official UK government website or consult with UK visas and immigration for the most up-to-date information on processing times. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and current estimates based on your specific circumstances and the current processing capacity.

How can apply for a fiancé visa in the UK?

To apply for a fiancé visa in the UK, you can follow these steps:

Review the eligibility criteria: Ensure that you meet the requirements for a fiancé visa, such as having a genuine intention to marry a British citizen or settled person, intending to live together permanently in the UK, meeting the financial requirement, and meeting English language proficiency (unless exempt).

Gather the necessary documents: Collect the required supporting documents, including your valid passport, proof of your relationship and intention to marry, evidence of meeting the financial requirement, accommodation details, English language proficiency test results (if applicable), and other supporting evidence as outlined in the application guidance.

Complete the online application form: Create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration website and fill out the online application form accurately. Provide all the required information and upload the supporting documents as instructed.

Pay the application fees: Pay the relevant application fees, which can vary depending on your location and the type of service you choose (standard or priority processing). The fees can be paid online during the application process.

Book and attend a biometric appointment: Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You may also need to submit your original documents during this appointment.

Submit the application: After completing the online application, attending the biometric appointment, and ensuring that all necessary documents are included, submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation and submission receipt.

Wait for a decision: The UK Visas and Immigration will review your application and supporting documents. The processing time can vary, but it is generally several weeks. You may be contacted for an interview or additional information if required.

Collect the decision and biometric residence permit (BRP): If your application is approved, you will receive a decision letter and a vignette in your passport, allowing you to enter the UK. After arriving in the UK, you will need to collect your BRP, which is your official residence permit, within a specified time frame.

At TMC Solicitors, we specialize in immigration law and have expertise in fiancé visa applications. We can provide accurate and up-to-date advice on the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the overall application process.

At TMC Solicitors, we can help ensure that your fiancé visa application is properly prepared, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

Why choose TMC Solicitors?

Expert Advice and Guidance: At TMC Solicitors we specialize in immigration law and can provide you with accurate and up-to-date advice on the eligibility criteria required documents and overall application process for a UK Fiancé visa. We can help ensure that you understand the requirements and meet them effectively.

Document Preparation: We can assist you in gathering and organizing the necessary supporting documents ensuring that they meet the required standards and provide the best evidence of your circumstances.

Application review: We can review your completed application form and supporting documents to identify any potential issues or areas that may require further attention, minimizing the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to application delays or refusals.

Liaising with authorities: We can communicate with the UK Visas and Immigration on your behalf, addressing any queries or concerns they may have and ensuring that your application progresses smoothly.

Expert representation: If necessary, TMC Solicitors can represent you in case of appeals or challenges to any adverse decisions made on your UK Fiancé visa application.