Fiancé Visa Application
Dreaming of starting a new chapter with your fiancé in the UK? A fiancé visa is the first step to bringing your partner to join you, allowing you to live and build your future together.
However, applying for a fiancé visa can be daunting. The complexity of UK immigration law, and the emotional stress of being apart from your loved one, can make the process feel overwhelming. You may wonder what documents you need and how you can prove your relationship is genuine.
These challenges and concerns are common, and fear of delays or denials can cast a shadow over your plans. But, experienced immigration lawyers understand the process of fiancé visa applications and can guide you through the process and present your case in the best possible light to the Home Office.
At Lawhive, we combine the efficiency of our tech-driven platform with the expertise of a regulated law firm to provide you with support in your Fiancé Visa application. Our network of experienced lawyers is here to provide reassurance and expert guidance at every step.
Contact us for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist immigration lawyer.
What is a fiancé visa?
There is no visa specifically called a ‘Fiancé’ visa. If you want to come to the UK for more than 6 months to live with your fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner you must apply for a family visa.
Who is eligible to apply for a fiancé visa?
To apply for a family visa as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, you must:
Be 18 or over.
Be in a genuine relationship with your partner, who is either a British citizen, has settled status in the UK, or has limited leave to remain under refugee status or humanitarian protection;
Intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK;
Not be married or in a civil partnership with anyone else.
How do I apply for a fiancé visa?
You must apply online for a fiancé visa whether you’re in the UK or outside the UK.
Before you start your application you should check your eligibility and the fees involved.
If you are in the UK, you must apply for a biometric immigration document, also known as a biometric residence permit.
If you are applying outside the UK, you must provide your fingerprints and a photograph. This may involve going to a visa application centre, either in the country where you live or in an alternative location.
What documents do I need to submit with my fiancé visa application?
Key documents you’ll need to include with your fiancé visa application include:
Your current passport or other valid travel ID;
Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passport;
A copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one;
Details of any previous immigration applications you’ve made;
Details of any criminal convictions;
Your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK;
Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test;
Your partner’s details (name, date of birth, nationality, passport, right to be in the UK);
Details of your children (if applicable);
Proof of your relationship (photographs of you together, evidence of ongoing communication, affidavits from friends or family who can vouch for your relationship);
Proof of intention to marry or enter a civil partnership (provisional booking at a registry office or wedding venue or a copy of the notice of intention to marry);
Proof that you meet the financial requirements (Payslips or bank statements);
Proof of English proficiency (certificates from an approved English language test or documents proving exemption).
Preparing a comprehensive fiancé visa application requires meticulous attention to detail. At Lawhive, our expert immigration lawyers can help you gather all documents and provide support in completing forms.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.
How long can you stay on a fiancé visa?
You can stay in the UK for 6 months if you’re applying for a family visa as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner.
How long does it take to get a fiancé visa?
It usually takes about 24 weeks to get a decision on a family visa if you’re applying from outside the UK.
If you apply in the UK, it can take anywhere between 9 weeks and 12 months to get a decision depending on whether you meet the financial and English language requirements.
What are the financial requirements for a fiancé visa?
The minimum income requirement for a fiancé visa is a combined income of at least £29,000. However, this may be different if your partner is getting certain disability or carer’s benefits.
Can I work or study in the UK on a fiancé visa?
Holders of a fiancé visa are not permitted to work or study in the UK.
The fiancé visa is specifically designed to allow you to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months. During this period, your stay is intended for personal and relationship purposes rather than for engaging in economic activities.
Can I include my family members in my fiancé visa application?
You can add children to a fiancé visa application as dependants if they:
Are under 18 when you apply, or were under 18 when they were first granted leave;
Don’t live an independent life (i.e. they live at home).
What happens to a fiancé visa after marriage?
Once you are married or have entered into a civil partnership, you can apply to switch from a fiancé visa to a spousal visa.
After switching to a spouse visa, you will have the right to work and study without any restrictions in the UK. This visa is typically granted for 30 months, with the possibility of extension and eventually applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Common reasons for fiancé visa refusals
Common reasons for fiancé visa refusals include:
Failing to provide all the required documents or submitting incomplete or unclear evidence;
Submitting documents that aren’t translated;
Insufficient evidence of genuine relationship;
Inconsistencies in your application or supporting documents;
Lack of proof of financial stability;
Not meeting the English language requirement;
Mistakes or omissions in the application form.
What happens if my fiancé visa application is refused?
If your fiancé visa application is refused, contact an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you understand the reasons and advise on the best course of action.
This may include requesting an administrative if the refusal was due to an error, reapplying with additional evidence, or appealing the decision if you have the right to do so.
A lawyer will review your refusal letter and assess your case to identify the best way to address the issues raised.
Contact us today to get a quote for the services of a specialist lawyer including clear, actionable advice on whether to seek an administrative review, reapply, or appeal the decision.
Can I get married in the UK on a fiancé visa?
Yes, the primary purpose of the fiancé visa is to allow non-UK citizens to enter the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner. You must do this within the six-month validity period of the visa.
You can get married or register your civil partnership at any approved venue in the UK, including registry offices, churches, or other licensed venues.
Get expert help with your fiancé visa application
Planning to marry your fiancé in the UK and start your life together is an exciting journey, but applying for a visa can feel overwhelming, from gathering extensive documentation to proving the authenticity of your relationship.
At Lawhive, we are dedicated to making your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our innovative platform combines the convenience of technology with the expertise of a regulated law firm, providing you with high-quality legal support at a fraction of the cost of traditional firms.
Our network of experienced immigration lawyers offers personalised advice and detailed guidance on every step of the fiancé visa application process, from eligibility checks to final submission.
Your solicitor can also review your documents or, if your application is refused, help you understand the reasons and explore your options.
We offer competitive, transparent pricing, allowing you to access expert legal support without unexpected costs, making it easier to manage your immigration expenses.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and receive a no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist immigration lawyer.