Moving to a new country to be with the person you love is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. If you’re planning to marry your British partner and start a new life in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK fiancé visa. This visa allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK for six months to get married or enter a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UK fiancé visa, from eligibility requirements and costs to common mistakes to avoid. If you’re looking for real-life insights and a smooth application process, this is the guide for you!
What Is a UK Fiancé Visa?
A UK fiancé visa (also known as a marriage visa) is a temporary entry visa that allows a non-UK national to enter the UK for six months to legally marry their British partner or a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settled Status, or Refugee Status.
Unlike the Spouse Visa, which grants full residency and work rights, the Fiancé Visa is strictly for engagement and marriage purposes. After marriage, you must apply for a spouse visa to remain in the UK legally.
Key Features of the UK Fiancé Visa
#1. Valid for Six Months Only
- The visa is not renewable—you must get married within six months and apply for a spouse visa to stay longer.
- If you do not get married within this period, you must leave the UK or reapply under different visa categories.
#2. No Work or Study Rights
- Unlike other visas, the fiancé visa does not allow you to:
✔ Take employment or work as a freelancer.
✔ Enroll in full-time study programs (unless they are short courses). - Exception: If you later switch to a spouse visa, you can work, study, and access public services freely.
#3. Eligibility for Dependent Children
- If you have children under 18 years old, they can apply with you as dependents.
- You must provide:
✔ Proof that you have sufficient financial means to support them.
✔ Evidence of their relationship to you (birth certificates, legal custody proof).
#4. No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Required
- Most UK visas require applicants to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS healthcare access.
- However, the fiancé visa does not require IHS fees—you only need to pay the visa application fee.
- Important: Once you switch to a spouse Visa, you must pay the IHS fee (£1,560 for 2.5 years).
Who Can Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?
To qualify, you and your partner must meet the following eligibility criteria:
#1. Genuine Relationship Requirement
- You must prove that your relationship is genuine and long-term.
- You must have met in person at least once before applying.
- You need evidence of communication, visits, and engagement/wedding plans.
#2. Financial Requirement
- Your UK partner must earn at least £18,600 per year or have sufficient savings (£62,500 if no income).
- If applying with children, the income requirement increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
#3. English Language Requirement
You must pass an English test (A1 level) from an approved test provider unless you are from an English-speaking country.
#4. Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you have suitable accommodation in the UK where you and your partner will live after marriage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Fiancé Visa
If you and your UK-based partner are planning to get married and live together in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK fiancé visa. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application process.
Step #1: Gather Your Required Documents
To avoid delays or rejection, it’s crucial to prepare all required documents in advance. Missing even one document could result in your application being refused.
Mandatory Documents Required
✔ Valid Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of application.
✔ Proof of Relationship – Provide strong evidence of your genuine relationship with your UK partner, including:
- Photos together (covering different years and events).
- Travel history (flight tickets, visas showing visits to each other).
- Communication proof (WhatsApp chats, call logs, emails).
- Engagement details (engagement photos, proposal messages).
- Intent to Marry Evidence – You must prove that you will get married within six months of arrival in the UK. Provide:
- Wedding venue booking confirmation or deposit receipts.
- Wedding invitations (if already sent).
- Letter from a UK registry office confirming marriage plans.
- Financial Proof (Sponsor’s Income Documents) – Your UK-based partner must meet the financial requirement of £18,600 per year (or savings of £62,500).
- Payslips for the last six months.
- Bank statements for the last six months.
- 🏦 Employment letter confirming job role, salary, and contract type.
✔ English Language Test Certificate – As an applicant, you must prove your English proficiency by taking an approved English test (A1 level or higher) unless you are from an exempt country.
✔ Accommodation Proof in the UK – You must provide proof of where you and your partner will live in the UK. This can include: - 🏠 Rental agreement in your partner’s name.
- 🏡 Property ownership documents (if your partner owns a house).
- 🏘 Letter from a landlord or family member confirming you can live there.
📌 Important Tip: Double-check that all documents are translated into English if they are originally in another language.
Step #2: Submit the Online Application
Once you have all the required documents, follow these steps to complete your application:
- Apply via the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) website – https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Complete the application form accurately – Any inconsistencies may result in delays or rejection.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee – You must pay the Fiancé Visa application fee online.
UK Fiancé Visa Cost
- £1,846 (~₦2.2M) if applying outside the UK.
- £1,560 (~₦1.9M) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee when switching to a Spouse Visa.
Note: The IHS fee is NOT required when applying for a fiancé visa since it is valid for only six months. You must pay the IHS fee later when applying for a spouse visa.
✔ Download and print your application form after submission.
✔ Book an appointment at a UK visa application center (TLScontact in Lagos or Abuja, Nigeria).
Step #3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application, you need to schedule and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest UK visa application centre.
What Happens at the Biometric Appointment?
- You will provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Your passport will be collected for processing.
- You may submit physical copies of supporting documents (if required).
- Some applicants may be called for an interview at the UK embassy for further assessment.
📌 Tip: Bring printed copies of your visa application form and all supporting documents to your appointment.
Step #4: Wait for Visa Processing
Once you have completed the biometric appointment, your visa application enters the processing stage.
UK Fiancé Visa Processing Time
- Standard Processing Time: 12–24 weeks (can take longer in busy seasons).
- Priority Processing: 6 weeks (£500 extra).
- Super Priority Processing: 24 hours (£956 extra).
📌 Pro Tip: Apply at least 6 months before your planned wedding date to avoid delays.
Step #5: Receive Your Visa & Travel to the UK
If your application is approved, you will receive:
✔ A visa vignette (sticker) in your passport, allowing you to enter the UK.
✔ A decision letter outlining the next steps.
📌 Important:
- You must travel to the UK within the visa validity period (usually 30 days from approval).
- Upon arrival, you must get married within six months.
- After marriage, apply for a UK Spouse Visa to remain in the UK.
What Happens After Receiving a UK Fiancé Visa?
Once your UK fiancé visa is approved, you can start preparing for your big move and marriage in the UK. But what exactly happens next? Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to do after receiving your visa.
#1. Enter the UK and Get Married Within Six Months
Once your fiancé visa is approved, you must enter the UK before the visa expires (usually within 30 days of approval). You are required to marry your UK partner within six months of arrival.
📌 Important: If you fail to get married within six months, you will be required to leave the UK or apply for an extension, which is rarely granted unless you have exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies).
#2. Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Immediately After Marriage
Once married, you need to apply for a UK Spouse Visa to remain in the UK legally.
Requirements to Apply for a Spouse Visa:
- Your marriage certificate is proof of marriage.
- Proof that you still meet the financial requirements (£18,600 per year or savings of £62,500).
- Evidence that you and your spouse intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- English language test (if not previously taken).
💰 Cost of a UK Spouse Visa
- £1,048 (~₦1.2M) for the application fee.
- £1,560 (~₦1.9M) for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (covers 2.5 years of residency).
📌 Processing Time: 2–6 months (priority options available for faster processing).
Once approved, your spouse visa will be valid for 2.5 years, after which you can renew for another 2.5 years before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
✔ Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and UK Citizenship
A UK Spouse Visa is the first step toward gaining permanent residency and eventually UK citizenship.
How to Get UK Citizenship After a Fiancé Visa?
- Live in the UK for 5 Years – You must spend at least five years in the UK on a Spouse Visa before applying for ILR.
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – After 5 years, you can apply for ILR, which gives you permanent residency.
- Apply for UK Citizenship – After holding ILR for one year, you become eligible to apply for British citizenship.
📌 Total Timeline for UK Citizenship via a Fiancé Visa
Fiancé Visa (6 months) → Spouse Visa (5 years) → ILR (1 year) → British Citizenship
Common Reasons for UK Fiancé Visa Rejections & How to Avoid Them
Even a minor mistake in your application can lead to rejection. Below are the top reasons why UK Fiancé Visa applications get refused and how to avoid them.
#1. Insufficient Proof of Relationship
The UK Home Office requires clear proof that your relationship is genuine and long-term.
- Solution: Provide multiple pieces of evidence, including:
- Travel history (flight tickets, passport stamps).
- Call logs, messages, and video chats.
- Photos together from different years.
- Evidence of engagement or past visits.
📌 Tip: The stronger your relationship history, the better your chances of approval.
#2. Not Meeting the Financial Requirement
Your UK partner must earn at least £18,600 per year (or have savings of £62,500) to sponsor you.
✔ Solution: Submit strong financial evidence, including:
- Payslips for the last 6 months.
- Bank statements showing consistent salary deposits.
- A letter from the employer confirming salary, job title, and contract type.
📌 Tip: If your partner does not meet the income requirement, they can use savings or combine incomes to qualify.
#3. Lack of Wedding Plans
Your visa may be refused if the UK Home Office does not see clear wedding plans.
✔ Solution: Provide proof of genuine wedding arrangements, such as:
- Confirmation of wedding venue booking.
- Receipts for wedding dress, invitations, or catering.
- Registry office appointment confirmation.
📌 Tip: Even if your wedding is not fully planned, having a booked date or an appointment confirmation significantly improves approval chances.
#4. Missing or Incomplete Documents
One of the most common reasons for rejection is missing paperwork.
✔ Solution: Use a Fiancé Visa Document Checklist and ensure all documents are
- Correctly filled out with accurate details.
- Translated into English (if originally in another language).
- Properly organized before submission.
📌 Tip: If you’re unsure about your documents, consider using a UK immigration lawyer or consultant.
Post-Visa: Switching to a UK Spouse Visa
Once married, you must switch to a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK. Here’s why the Spouse Visa is important:
- Work & Study Rights – Unlike the fiancé visa, a spouse visa allows you to work or study in the UK.
- Long-Term Stay – The Spouse Visa is valid for 2.5 years and can be renewed for another 2.5 years.
- Path to UK Citizenship – After 5 years on a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to British citizenship.
Spouse Visa Costs:
- £1,048 (~₦1.2M) for the application fee.
- £1,560 (~₦1.9M) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (covers 2.5 years of healthcare in the UK).
📌 Processing Time: 2–6 months (priority processing available).
Key Takeaways
- The UK Fiancé Visa allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK for six months to marry their partner.
- The visa requires proof of a genuine relationship, financial stability, and accommodation.
- Processing time ranges from 12 to 24 weeks, with priority options available.
- After marriage, applicants must switch to a UK Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.
- Common rejections occur due to insufficient evidence of relationship, financial shortfalls, and incomplete documentation.
Final Thoughts
The UK fiancé visa is a crucial step toward building a life with your partner in the UK. While the application process may seem challenging, proper preparation and documentation can greatly increase your chances of approval.
Have you applied for a UK fiancé visa before, or are you planning to? What challenges are you facing in the process?
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