What Is A UK Fiancé Visa?
A fiancé visa, also known as a Prospective Marriage Visa, allows individuals to enter the UK for the purpose of marrying their UK-based partner. It’s a common first step for couples planning to live together in the UK.
To apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, individuals must submit their application from outside the UK. This visa category doesn’t allow immediate settlement rights in the UK. However, after marriage in the UK, applicants can apply for an extension of their stay through the Spouse visa route while residing within the country.
Understanding the Fiancé Visa UK
When planning to marry a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, the Fiancé Visa is the initial step for couples. This visa category is designed for individuals outside the UK, aiming to enter the country and marry their partner within a six-month period.
Requirements for a Fiancé Visa Application
- Relationship Requirement: Proof of a genuine relationship with a British citizen or settled partner, intending to marry within six months of entering the UK.
- Financial Requirement: The partner in the UK must meet a minimum income threshold rate which is currently set at £18,600, however, this requirement will increase to £29,000 on April 11, 2024, and progressively increase further by January 2025. This criterion ensures the couple can support themselves without access to public funds.
- Accommodation Requirement: The partner in the UK must also demonstrate a suitable living arrangement, adhering to UK housing standards to avoid overcrowding.
- English Language Requirement: A level of English proficiency that aids integration into UK society, usually demonstrated through a recognised test.
- Tuberculosis Test: Depending on the country in which the applicant is applying form a clear TB test is required.
Applying for a Fiancé Visa involves careful preparation to meet these criteria, signifying readiness for marriage and life in the UK. Notably, this visa does not permit employment or study in the UK during its validity.
Switching From a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa
After the applicant and their, UK citizen or settled person, spouse have had their marriage in the UK, holders of the Fiancé Visa will need to apply for a Spouse Visa in order to continue their stay in the UK beyond the fiancé Visa timeframe of 6 months. This transition would grant the right to work for the applicant and starts the process towards long-term settlement in UK.
Key Aspects of the Spouse Visa Application
- Marriage Certification: A fundamental requirement is the provision of a marriage certificate, proving the union has been officially recognised within the UK.
- Financial Requirement : Continuing from the Fiancé Visa, the couple must again meet the financial threshold, ensuring they can support themselves without public funds. Given the upcoming changes to the income requirements, staying informed and prepared is vital.
For a more detailed eligibility criteria and financial requirements guide visit our UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements in 2024 page.
- Adequate Accommodation: Applicants will need to provide clear proof of suitable living arrangements, evidencing the couple has a place to reside that meets the UK’s housing standards.
- English Language Proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate a sufficient level of the English language, making it easier for their integration into UK society.
Switching From a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa Outlined
| Step | Visa Type | Validity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiancé Visa | 6 months | To Marry in the UK |
| 2 | Spouse Visa | 2.5 years | Live with their spouse in the UK |
| 3 | ILR as a Spouse | After 5 years | Settlement in the UK |
The transition to a Spouse Visa necessitates a detailed application that includes evidence of marriage and meeting various requirements like the financial threshold and adequate living arrangements. The application process may also involve immigration interviews or additional documents.
| Step | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Marriage | Marriage Certificate | Proves the legal union in the UK |
| Financial | Meet the specified income level | Ensures self-sufficiency without public aid |
| Accommodation | Suitable living conditions | Confirms adequate housing as per standards |
| English Proficiency | Sufficient level of English | Aids in integration into UK society |
If the application is granted by Home Office, the Spouse Visa will be issued for an initial duration of 2.5 years for the couple to start their new life together in the UK, with the possibility of extending for another 2.5 years. The spouse visa does directly contribute towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), unlike the Fiancé Visa. However, it is dependant on fulfilling all the conditions set out during the visa’s validity period.
To find out more about the complete route from marriage to UK citizenship, consider reading our immigration guide on Marriage to a UK Citizen.
Settlement Visas & Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) In The UK
After successfully switching from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa, couples may begin the application process towards status in the UK via Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR as a spouse). ILR is a key point in the immigration route of immigrants as it offers them the freedom to live, work, and study in the UK without the constraints associated with temporary visas.
Furthermore, ILR is usually the final stage of before full British Citizenship is granted via naturalisation
What is ILR?
ILR allows individuals to stay in the UK indefinitely, as well as work and study without any limits. It removes the limitations on the length of stay in the UK, allowing holders to travel abroad if needed without the risk of losing their status in the UK due to being out of the country for too long. Holders of ILR may also work towards naturalisation as British citizens.
Eligibility Criteria for ILR As a Spouse
- Duration on a Spouse Visa: Applicants must have spent at least five years on a Spouse Visa, demonstrating a continuous and lawful residence in the UK.
- Financial Independence: Applicants need to prove that they can support themselves and any dependents without access to public funds.
- English Language & Life in the UK Test: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to communicate efficiently in the English Language as well as knowledge of UK history and culture by passing the “English Language” & “Life in the UK” tests respectively, which area prerequisite for ILR, due to their insurance that applicants are capable to integrate into UK society.
Route to ILR Outlined
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration on Spouse Visa | 5 years of continuous, lawful residence |
| Financial Independence | Ability to support oneself without public funds |
| English Language and Life in the UK Test | Proficiency in English and knowledge of UK society |
Achieving ILR is a testament to the enduring nature of the commitment made by couples who started their journey on a Fiancé Visa. It’s not merely a bureaucratic milestone but a profound affirmation of their desire to forge a shared future within the UK.
Conclusion
The journey from a Fiancé Visa to settlement in the UK can be complex as there are many steps different steps in the process that each have their own unique regulations. However, it’s also a path that leads to the opportunity to build a life together in a new country.
For those wanting to apply for a UK Fiancé Visa our immigration specialists and Fiancé Visa experts at UKSpouseVisa can provide invaluable guidance, helping to ensure that your path to settlement in the UK is handled with the expertise you deserve.
