Fiance Visa Application

Allows entry to marry a UK partner within 6 months

Partner must be British, Irish, or have settled/pre-settled status

Work and study rights available after switching to Spouse Visa

Counts towards ILR and British Citizenship after 5 years

Both partners must be 18+

Must marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months

Partner must have British citizenship, ILR, settled/pre-settled status, refugee status, or humanitarian protection

Proof of genuine relationship required

Minimum annual income of £29,000 required

Suitable accommodation must be available

Basic English language ability (A1 CEFR) required unless exempt

Minimum income: £29,000 per year

Evidence includes payslips, bank statements, employment letters, or self-employment records

Cash savings over £88,500 can meet the requirement if income is insufficient

Exemptions apply for sponsors on disability or carer benefits

Exceptional circumstances considered if refusal risks breaching human rights

Employment or self-employment income of sponsor/applicant

Rental income, pensions, or investments accepted with proper documentation

Cash savings over £88,500 acceptable

Combination of savings and income possible if thresholds met

Third-party support sometimes accepted under exceptional grounds

A1 CEFR level required for initial visa

Exemptions for over-65s, medical conditions, or certain English-speaking nationalities

Degree taught in English may satisfy the requirement if verified by UK ENIC

Certificate must be valid and from a Home Office-approved provider

Evidence: joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, children’s birth certificates, photos, communication records, travel history

Witness statements from family/friends accepted

Consistent timeline and truthful information essential

Relationship interviews may be conducted by the Home Office

Current passport and any old passports with visas

Proof of income and financial stability

Evidence of accommodation arrangements

Wedding plans confirmation (e.g., venue booking)

Relationship evidence (photos, messages, shared bills)

English language certificate (unless exempt)

Divorce certificates if previously married

Outside UK: £1,938

Inside UK: £1,321

Additional costs: English tests, translation fees, biometric enrolment

Standard processing: 2–3 months

Priority services available for faster decisions

Apply online via Home Office portal

Pay application fees in full

Upload supporting evidence

Book and attend biometrics appointment

Interview attendance if requested

Must marry within 6 months of visa grant

Switch to Spouse Visa before expiry

Work and study rights available after switching

Time counts towards ILR after 5 years on spouse route

Cannot marry biological parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, or adoptive parents/children

Half-siblings and direct step-relatives also excluded

Appeal rights depend on grounds for refusal

14 days to appeal in-country, 28 days from outside the UK

Strong legal representation improves appeal success

Average appeal timelines: 6–12 months

Fresh applications allowed if appeal rights exhausted

30-month initial grant after marriage

Eligible for extension after 2.5 years

ILR after 5 years total residence

British citizenship possible after 1 year with ILR