What is a Fiance Visa UK

The Fiance visa UK does not directly allow individuals to settle in the UK. However, once the individuals get married in the UK, they will be able to apply from within the UK to extend their stay based on the Spouse visa route. After the UK Spouse Visa, the candidates can apply for indefinite leave to remain or settle in the UK after 5 years. Go through the below article to learn more about the Fiance visa UK, eligibility criteria, application process, income requirements, documents required, fees & processing time, and restrictions.

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What is Fiance Visa UK?

Individuals who intend to relocate to the UK and begin a new life with a UK-based partner, are eligible for the UK fiance visa. The Fiance Visa allows non-EEA nationals to enter the UK to marry/enter into a civil partnership with their UK-based partner, and to start a new life there. The partner of the applicant must be either a citizen of UK or a person with settled status in the country. The validity of the fiance visa is 6 months and it is granted assuming that they will marry the partner within the validity period of the visa. The candidates must apply for another immigration permission to remain in the UK after their Fiance Visa expires. 

Eligibility Criteria for Fiance Visa UK

Check below the eligibility criteria for a Fiance visa UK:

• Both partners should be at least 18 years old. 
• The couple must get married within the 6-months of the validity period of the Fiance Visa.
• The partner must be a citizen of UK or a person with settled status in the UK.
• The individuals can settle in the UK once they are married or are in a civil partnership
• Individuals are required to prove that they have the means to financially support themselves as a couple and will not become a financial burden on the state. They must together earn an income of at least £18,600 annually.
• Individuals will have to show that they have suitable accommodation to live in with their partners and their dependents.
• Candidates belonging to a non-English-speaking country will have to take an approved IELT test to prove that they can understand and communicate in English to the level of A1 as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Also Read: What is study abroad visa? 

Application Process for Fiance Visa UK

The process to obtain a UK Fiancé Visa is conducted in an online mode on the Home Office website. The application procedure includes the following stages:

• Firstly the candidates are required to determine their eligibility for a Fiancé Visa UK
• In order to prove their eligibility the individuals must prepare the necessary documents 
• Complete the application form online correctly
• Pay the required application fees
• Arrange a biometric appointment for fingerprinting and photograph capture.
• Prepare for an interview in case any invitation is accepted

Income Requirements for Fiance Visa UK

The minimum required income to get a Fiance Visa UK is £18,600. In case the couple has any children this sum increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each child after the first one. Individuals can prove their finances by providing the following:

• Regular salary through employment
• Self-employment
• Statutory sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption pay
• Savings
• Stocks and shares
• Pension payments
• Property financial gains, such as a regular income from rent

Also Read: What is Subclass 190?

Documents Required for Fiance Visa UK

In order to get the Fiance Visa UK the candidates must submit the following mentioned documents:

• Name and date of birth
• Photocopy of old passports and visa
• Details of previous marriage or children (If any)
• Divorce Certificates (If applicable)
• Details of criminal records (If any)
• The date of birth and nationality of parents if the individuals are applying from outside the UK

English Language Requirements

Individuals from non-English speaking countries are required to fulfill the English Language requirements in order to be eligible for a Fiance visa UK. Candidates need to demonstrate their level of English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The candidates will be exempted from the English Language requirements if they:

• Hold a higher degree or qualification in English from NAIRC recognised institution
• Are over the age of 65
• Are a recognised refugee
• Living in the UK as an orphan or widow
• Victims of domestic abuse
• Have a mental or physical condition which prevents them from sitting in the exam

Application Fees and Processing Time

The application cost of a Fiance visa UK is £1,538 from abroad and £1,048 from within the UK. There is no fixed time for a decision on the Fiance visa. However, if the application has been submitted correctly as per the required standards then the candidates can expect the decision quickly. The application can be delayed if certain documents are missing. On average, the processing time for a Fiance visa UK is between 2 to 3 months after the application has been submitted.

Decision Regarding Fiance Visa UK

Once the application for Fiance Visa UK has been approved the individuals will be permitted to live in the UK for 6 months. The individuals must get married within 6 months of their Fiance Visa and abide by the conditions imposed on their immigration permission. In most of cases, the candidates will not be able to apply for a Fiance Visa extension. However, if there are exceptional circumstances that are preventing them from getting married within the initial 6-month period, then at the discretion of the Home Office, they might be granted an extension.

Restrictions for Fiance Visa UK

In order to qualify to get a Fiance Visa UK the individuals must not have:

• Adopted child
• Adoptive guardian
• Offspring
• Formerly adopted child
• Former adoptive guardian
• Grandmother or grandfather
• Grandson or granddaughter
• Biological parent
• Maternal or paternal aunt or uncle
• Brother or sister
• Daughter or son of a sibling
• Half-sibling

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is a UK Fiance visa, the application process, processing time, application fees, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!