The UK Fiancé visa application can be made from abroad if you are engaged to marry a British citizen or persons with indefinite leave to remain. You must be seeking entry to the UK with the intention to marry within 6 months of arrival.
To apply for a Fiancé Visa must show:
- You are both over the age of 18;
- Your partner is a British citizen/holds Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK;
- You are both free to marry or register your civil partnership;
- Any previous relationships have broken down permanently;
- You have met in person;
- Your relationship is genuine;
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK;
- You intend to marry or register your civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK;
- You will be adequately maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds;
- You have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents;
- You speak and understand English to the required level.
The precise requirements vary according to your circumstances. It is always advisable to seek expert legal advice.
Fiancé visa financial requirement
To demonstrate that you can be adequately maintained without recourse to public funds, the financial requirement must be met. Your partner need to demonstrate a gross annual income of no less than:
- £18,600; and
- £3,800 for a first child (who is not British, settled or an EEA national); and
- £2,400 for each additional child (who is not British, settled or an EEA national).
Meeting the financial requirement
You can satisfy the financial requirement through a combination of:
- Salaried/non-salaried income;
- Self-employed income;
- Salary and/or dividends as a company director;
- Property rental income;
- Dividends and income from investments;
- Stocks, shares, bonds or trust funds;
- Pension income, insurance payments;
- Maintenance payments;
Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months, or less if you can show the money came from a sale of assets or investments.
The financial requirements under the Immigration Rules are complex. UKVI require specific types of documentary evidence to demonstrate you comply and that you have access to relevant funds.
How long will I have to wait for my fiancé visa?
Preparing your application well will reduce the risk of delays.
It typically takes around 3 months for UKVI to process a UK fiancé visa application.
What are the visa application fees?
The fiancé visa application fee currently charge by the Home Office is £1,523.
How long is my visa valid for?
Your visa will be valid for 6 months initially.
After you marry or register your civil partnership, you become eligible to apply to switch into the Spouse category without having to leave the UK. This will be for 2.5 year period.
Before your visa expires, you must apply for a further extension. Your visa will be valid for a further 2.5 years.
You will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years in the UK as a Spouse of a British citizen or settled person.
What if I do not get married within 6 months?
If you do not marry or register your civil partnership before your fiancé visa expires, it is possible to apply for a extension for a further 6 months. You will need to demonstrate that there was a good reason why the wedding did not take place and provide evidence that it take place within no more than 6 months.
Can I work in the UK on a fiancé visa?
Yes, you are able to work and study.
How can AIB help?
AIB have provided advice and assistance to hundreds of couples in preparing and successfully securing a UK fiancé visa.
We can advise you on prospects of success, what you will need to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules, and can prepare your application so you avoid common mistakes which can result in delays or refusals.
AiB understand the complex financial requirements of the Immigration Rules. We offer specialist advice across the full spectrum of financial circumstances increasing the chances of securing a successful outcome for your visa application.
We are approachable, responsive and proactive; taking pride in our commitment to meet the needs of our clients by providing sincere, clear, and reliable immigration advice.
Other ways we can help
We can also advise you on the following related issues:
- Property Inspection Reports
- Priority visa appointments
- Spouse Visa Extensions
- Settlement Applications
- Spouse Applications for HM Forces personnel
- Appeals Against Refusals of Spouse Applications
- Fresh Spouse Applications
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa