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Marriage Visa

Marriage visas allow non-UK residents to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK. As long as you're not planning on staying in the UK after this, you should apply for a marriage visa.

At Lawhive, we specialise in immigration law, offering expert assistance with marriage visa applications. Our team provides comprehensive support, from initial consultation to application submission and follow-up.

Ready to start your journey? Contact Lawhive for expert legal assistance with your marriage visa application.

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Section 1: Understanding Marriage Visas

A Marriage Visitor Visa allows individuals who are not residents of the UK to enter the country for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership.

This visa is intended for those who plan to stay in the UK for a short period, specifically to complete their marriage or civil partnership ceremony, and then return to their home country. It is not intended for those who wish to live in the UK long-term.

Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Visas

To be eligible for a marriage visitor fvisa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement

  Applicants must be 18 years or older.

• Genuine Relationship

  Evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine.

• Marriage Plans

  The applicant must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival.

• Financial Stability

  Applicants must show that they can support themselves during their stay without needing public funds.

• Return Intentions

  Evidence that the applicant will leave the UK at the end of their visit is required.

• No Extended Stays

  Applicants must not plan to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK their main home.

• Adequate Accommodation

  Proof of where they will stay during their visit is needed.

• Support from Sponsor

  If the applicant is financially supported by someone else, proof of this support must be provided.

Permitted Activities and Duration of Stay

Holders of a Marriage visitor visa can:

• Get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival.

• Pass through the UK in transit to another destination.

However, they cannot:

• Access public funds or benefits.

• Bring family members (dependents) with them; each person must apply separately.

• Work or study (except for certain permitted activities related to their job or business overseas, such as attending meetings).

• Extend their visa or switch to another visa while in the UK.

The visa typically allows a stay of up to six months, which should be sufficient to complete the marriage or civil partnership and any related ceremonies.

When don't I need a marriage visitor visa?

You don't need a marriage visitor visa if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you have applied to the scheme and not got a decisions yet, or if you're an Irish citizen.

Section 2: Marriage Visa Application Process

To get a marriage visitor visa, you need to apply online before you plan to come to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria first, and that you have all the information and documents you will need to hand. This will include your passport, evidence of your relationship, proof of your financial stability and accommodation details.

The fee for the marriage visitor visa is £115, and there may be additional fees for expedited processing if needed.

As well as doing the online application, you will also need to book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). When you go to the appointment, you will need your passport.

Once this is all done, you'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

Roles and Responsibilities

Applicant

• Complete the application accurately and submit all required documents.

• Attend the biometric appointment and provide any additional information if requested by UK Visas and Immigration.

Sponsor

• Provide a letter of support if they are assisting with financial aspects.

• Offer accommodation details and any additional proof of relationship if needed.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI):

• Review the application and supporting documents.

• Conduct background checks and make a decision on the visa application.

• Communicate the decision and return any original documents submitted.

Section 3: Financial Requirements for Marriage Visas

To be eligible for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourselves during your stay in the UK.

Evidence of financial stability can include:

• Bank Statements

  Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay.

• Pay Slips

  Proof of regular income from employment or other sources.

• Sponsorship

  If a sponsor (such as a fiancé(e) or family member) is providing financial support, they must provide their bank statements and a letter confirming their support.

You also need to show that you have arranged accommodation for your stay in the UK. This can be evidenced by things like confirmed reservations at hotels or other accommodation, a letter from a host, if staying with friends, confirming accommodation arrangements along with proof of their address.

You must also prove that you can afford your return journey or onward travel after your visit by showing return tickets or money to buy them or bank statements. It will also help if you have any savings to show you are financially stable.

When all of your financial documents are comprehensive and clearly demonstrate the ability to support yourself, it reduces the risk of visa refusal due to financial concerns.

Section 4: Supporting Documentation and Evidence

To ensure a successful marriage visitor visa application, you must submit a comprehensive set of documents.

These documents include:

• Valid Passport

  The passport should be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK and have at least one blank page.

• Marriage Certificate

  If already married, include the marriage certificate; otherwise, provide proof of arrangements to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK.

• Proof of Relationship

  Evidence demonstrating a genuine relationship, such as photographs together, communication records, and a relationship history.

• Accommodation Details

  Confirmed hotel bookings or a letter from a host detailing the accommodation arrangements, including proof of their address.

• Financial Documents

  • Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds.

  • Pay slips or proof of regular income.

  • If financially supported by a sponsor, their bank statements and a letter confirming support.

• Travel Plans

  Proof of return or onward travel plans, such as booked flight tickets or financial statements showing sufficient funds to purchase tickets.

• Intent to Leave

  Documents showing ties to the home country, such as employment contracts, property ownership, or family commitments.

• Other Supporting Documents

  Any additional documents that can support the application, such as evidence of employment, business ownership, or student status.

To give yourself the best chance of a smooth application, create a checklist to make sure all required documents are included and nothing is missed. Provide clear, legible copies of all documents and remember that original documents may be required at the visa application centre.

If any documents are not in English or Welsh, provide certified translations and arrange documents in a logical order, such as grouping financial documents together, relationship evidence together.

Section 5: Common Reasons for Marriage Visa Refusals and How to Address Them

One frequent reason for refusal is insufficient financial evidence, as applicants must clearly demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially during their stay in the UK without relying on public funds.

This can be addressed by providing detailed and recent bank statements, pay slips, and, if applicable, a letter from a financial sponsor.

Another common reason for refusal is the lack of proof of a genuine relationship. It is really important to submit enough robust evidence, such as photographs, communication logs, travel itineraries, and affidavits from friends and family, to demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation also leads to many refusals. To prevent this, applicants should use a checklist to ensure all required documents are included and correctly filled out, and verify that all information provided is accurate and consistent across all documents.

Applicants must also prove their intent to leave the UK after their visit. Providing evidence of ties to their home country, such as employment contracts, property ownership, or family responsibilities, along with well-documented travel plans, including return tickets, can help demonstrate this intent.

Additionally, plans to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits are not allowed under the marriage visitor visa. Applicants should clearly state the temporary nature of their visit and provide a detailed plan showing their intent to return to their home country.

By proactively addressing these common reasons for refusals and ensuring all aspects of the application are thoroughly documented and clearly presented, applicants can significantly improve their chances of obtaining a marriage visitor visa.

Section 6: Why Legal Assistance is Beneficial

Immigration law is complicated and constantly evolving, which is where legal professionals who possess expert knowledge of current immigration regulations and procedures, can make sure that your application complies with all legal requirements. They stay updated with any changes in the law that could affect your application, providing you with accurate and timely advice.

One of the critical aspects of a successful marriage visa application is providing comprehensive and convincing supporting evidence. Legal professionals guide you in gathering all necessary documents, such as proof of relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. They help you organise and present this evidence effectively, making a compelling case to the immigration authorities.

Plus, if your application faces challenges or is refused, legal assistance becomes invaluable. Lawyers can represent you in appeal proceedings, helping to address the reasons for refusal and strengthen your case. They prepare and submit appeals, provide additional evidence, and advocate on your behalf, significantly improving your chances of overturning a negative decision.

Section 7: Lawhive's Marriage Visa Services

Lawhive begins with a detailed initial consultation to assess your eligibility for a marriage visa. Our experts evaluate your specific circumstances and advise on the best course of action, ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria.

We will assist you in completing the application forms accurately and review all supporting documents, making sure that every detail is correctly filled out and that all required documents are gathered and properly organised to strengthen your application.

Throughout the application process, we offer you continuous support and guidance, helping you through any issues that arise, providing expert advice and ensuring that your application proceeds smoothly.

Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Marriage Visa FAQs

1. What is a marriage visa? A marriage visa allows non-UK residents to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. It is intended for those who plan a short stay, specifically for their marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a marriage visa? To be eligible, applicants must be 18 or older, intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival, prove their relationship is genuine, demonstrate financial stability, and plan to leave the UK after their visit.

3. How do I apply for a marriage visa? Applicants must apply online, submit the necessary documents, and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.

4. What documents do I need to submit with my marriage visa application? Required documents include a valid passport, proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation details, and travel plans.

5. How long does the marriage visa application process take? The process typically takes about three weeks from the date of the biometric appointment. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

6. Can I apply for a marriage visa online? Yes, the application must be submitted online via the UK government’s visa application website.

7. Can I work or study in the UK on a marriage visa? No, a marriage visa does not permit work or study in the UK.

8. What happens if my marriage visa application is refused? If refused, you can either appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting information to address the reasons for refusal.

9. Can I include my children in my marriage visa application? No, each applicant, including children, must apply separately for their own visa.

10. What are the common reasons for marriage visa application refusal? Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, lack of proof of a genuine relationship, incomplete or inaccurate documentation, and failure to demonstrate intent to leave the UK after the visit.

11. Can I visit other countries while my marriage visa application is being processed? Yes, but ensure you can attend the required biometric appointment and respond to any requests from the visa application centre.

12. What should I expect during the marriage visa application process? Expect to complete the online application, gather and submit supporting documents, attend a biometric appointment, and wait for the decision, which typically takes three weeks.

13. How can a solicitor help me with my marriage visa application? Solicitors provide expert knowledge of immigration law, help complete forms accurately, guide in gathering and presenting evidence, and offer representation in case of challenges or appeals.

14. How much does it cost to apply for a marriage visa? The application fee is £115. Additional fees apply for expedited processing options.

15. Can I get married in the UK on a marriage visa? Yes, you can get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK.

16. Can I visit the UK multiple times on a marriage visa? No, the visa is typically for a single visit up to six months.

17. What should I do if my circumstances change after I have applied for a marriage visa? Inform UK Visas and Immigration immediately of any significant changes in your circumstances.

18. How can Lawhive assist me with my marriage visa application? Lawhive offers initial consultation, application assistance, document review, ongoing support, and representation in case of application challenges or appeals.

19. Can I travel to other countries with a UK marriage visa? No, a UK marriage visa does not permit travel to other countries. You would need to apply for separate visas for other countries.

20. What are the requirements for sponsoring a spouse for immigration to the UK? Sponsors must be settled in the UK, prove a genuine relationship, demonstrate financial stability to support the spouse, and provide adequate accommodation.

Contact Us for Expert Legal Assistance

Our team of experienced immigration professionals offers expert guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring your application is thorough and accurate.

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