Fiance Visa
As of April 2025, the UK Fiancé Visa allows non-EEA nationals to enter the UK for up to six months to marry their UK-based partner. After marriage, applicants must apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
The couple must intend to marry within the six-month visa period.
The UK partner must be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or have settled status.
Applicants must plan to live together in the UK post-marriage.
Applicants must meet the financial requirement of a combined annual income of at least £29,000, or have sufficient savings.
Applicants must provide evidence of suitable accommodation.
Applicants must meet the English language requirement, typically by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at A1 level.
What are the financial requirements for a Fiancé Visa?
The minimum income threshold for the Fiancé Visa is £29,000 per year. If relying on savings, applicants must have at least £88,500 in cash savings to meet the requirement. If the applicant has children, the income requirement increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
Visa Application Fees:
£1,938 for applications made from outside the UK.
£1,321 for applications made from within the UK.
Visa Duration and Transition:
The Fiancé Visa is valid for six months. After marriage, applicants must apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK. The Spouse Visa allows residence for 30 months, with the possibility of extension. After five years, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to potential British citizenship.
Appeals:
If a Fiancé Visa application is refused, applicants may appeal the decision. The appeal process can take several months, and it is advisable to seek legal assistance to strengthen the case.
Note: Visa requirements and fees are subject to change. It is recommended to consult the official UK government website or seek professional advice for the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English language requirement?
As a Fiancé Visa applicant from a non-English-speaking country, you are generally obligated to meet an English language requirement, unless you qualify for an exemption (further details below). You must demonstrate that your proficiency in English, encompassing reading, writing, listening, and speaking, is at least equivalent to level A1, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To prove your English language competency, you will need to successfully complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at a minimum level of A1 at an authorised English language testing center. Your pass certificate from this test should be included as part of the supporting evidence in your application submitted to the Home Office.
Please note that specific document requirements may vary, since not all application are the same and it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer to have your personalised immigration road-map tailored to your circumstances to determine whether you qualify for an exemption.
You will be exempt from the English language requirement if:
- You hold a degree or higher qualification taught in English at an educational institution recognised by NAIRC
- You are over 65
- You are a recognised refugee
- You are living in the UK as an orphan or widow
- You are a victim of domestic abuse
- You have a mental or physical condition which prevents you from sitting the exam
To prove your English language competency, you will need to successfully complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at a minimum level of A1 at an authorised English language testing center. Your pass certificate from this test should be included as part of the supporting evidence in your application submitted to the Home Office.
Please note that specific document requirements may vary, since not all application are the same and it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer to have your personalised immigration road-map tailored to your circumstances to determine whether you qualify for an exemption.
You will be exempt from the English language requirement if:
- You hold a degree or higher qualification taught in English at an educational institution recognised by NAIRC
- You are over 65
- You are a recognised refugee
- You are living in the UK as an orphan or widow
- You are a victim of domestic abuse
- You have a mental or physical condition which prevents you from sitting the exam
How Do I Satisfy the Genuine Relationship Requirement?
One of the key UK Fiance Visa requirements is the genuine relationship requirement. You must provide sufficient evidence to prove that you are in a genuine relationship with your UK-based partner.
UK Fiancé Visa Application Fees and Processing Time
Currently, it costs £1,846 to apply for the Fiance Visa from abroad.
There is no specific timetable for when you will receive a decision on your Fiance Visa. If your application has been completed fully and to the required standard, you can expect to receive your decision quicker.
However, if, for example, your application is missing certain key documents, this will delay the processing stage. Immigration officials may contact you to request more information if they deem it to be necessary.
On average, you can expect to receive a decision on your application between 2 and 3 months after the date it is received.
There is no specific timetable for when you will receive a decision on your Fiance Visa. If your application has been completed fully and to the required standard, you can expect to receive your decision quicker.
However, if, for example, your application is missing certain key documents, this will delay the processing stage. Immigration officials may contact you to request more information if they deem it to be necessary.
On average, you can expect to receive a decision on your application between 2 and 3 months after the date it is received.
How Do I Switch to the Spouse Visa?
One of the key advantages of the Fiancé Visa is its seamless transition to the highly sought-after Spouse Visa. Although you will need to follow the standard application process for the Spouse Visa, you won't have to depart the UK to apply for it.
Under the Spouse Visa, you can reside in the UK for a period of 30 months, and you have the option to apply for an extension when your initial Spouse Visa term concludes, as long as your circumstances remain unchanged. The Spouse Visa extension also carries a duration of 30 months.
As a Spouse Visa holder, you are eligible to work and study in the UK, and all the time spent in the UK under this visa counts towards the minimum residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
After living in the UK for 5 years under a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status, which signifies a form of permanent residence, allowing you to stay in the UK without any restrictions.
Following a year of residence in the UK under ILR, you become eligible to apply for full British citizenship. As a British citizen, you can make an application for a British passport and enjoy the full benefits and rights associated with British citizenship.
Under the Spouse Visa, you can reside in the UK for a period of 30 months, and you have the option to apply for an extension when your initial Spouse Visa term concludes, as long as your circumstances remain unchanged. The Spouse Visa extension also carries a duration of 30 months.
As a Spouse Visa holder, you are eligible to work and study in the UK, and all the time spent in the UK under this visa counts towards the minimum residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
After living in the UK for 5 years under a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status, which signifies a form of permanent residence, allowing you to stay in the UK without any restrictions.
Following a year of residence in the UK under ILR, you become eligible to apply for full British citizenship. As a British citizen, you can make an application for a British passport and enjoy the full benefits and rights associated with British citizenship.
What if my application gets refused?
To lodge a Fiancé Visa appeal, it is recommended that you follow the below steps:
- Read your refusal letter carefully to understand the reasons why your application was refused
- Identify whether you have the right to appeal the decision (this will be clearly stated in your letter)
- You must submit your appeal within 14 or 28 days (depending on whether you applied outside or inside the UK)
- Prepare your case to demonstrate why the decision should be reversed
- Attend the hearing at the First-tier Tribunal in the UK immigration courts
- Wait for a decision on your appeal
- Read your refusal letter carefully to understand the reasons why your application was refused
- Identify whether you have the right to appeal the decision (this will be clearly stated in your letter)
- You must submit your appeal within 14 or 28 days (depending on whether you applied outside or inside the UK)
- Prepare your case to demonstrate why the decision should be reversed
- Attend the hearing at the First-tier Tribunal in the UK immigration courts
- Wait for a decision on your appeal
What is the UK Fiancé Visa appeal process time?
There is no set time for visa appeals to be processed. Some may be decided within one month, while others may have to wait for over 12 months.
Approximately 50% of immigration decisions are overturned on appeal, and recent figures showed that the Home Office loses 75% of immigration appeals.
This means that there is a high chance that you will be successful if you submit a strong appeal against your initial decision.
Approximately 50% of immigration decisions are overturned on appeal, and recent figures showed that the Home Office loses 75% of immigration appeals.
This means that there is a high chance that you will be successful if you submit a strong appeal against your initial decision.
My UK Fiance Visa application was refused. What can I do?
We understand that receiving a refusal can be a distressing situation. At Push Legal Services, we are here to offer comprehensive assistance.
Your refusal letter will detail the reasons for the rejection. If you believe your application was unjustly refused, you have the option to contest the decision.
If you suspect that a genuine error occurred in your application, such as the omission of a document, you can choose to proceed with an administrative review. In this case, a different immigration official will re-evaluate your application.
In certain situations, pursuing a full legal appeal is another avenue available to you. We can provide complete support throughout the appeals process, including assistance with filling out appeal forms and offering legal representation in front of the upper tribunal.
To learn more about how we can assist you in challenging a decision by the Home Office, please explore our services. Feel free to contact us at 0333 0124 253 for further information.
Your refusal letter will detail the reasons for the rejection. If you believe your application was unjustly refused, you have the option to contest the decision.
If you suspect that a genuine error occurred in your application, such as the omission of a document, you can choose to proceed with an administrative review. In this case, a different immigration official will re-evaluate your application.
In certain situations, pursuing a full legal appeal is another avenue available to you. We can provide complete support throughout the appeals process, including assistance with filling out appeal forms and offering legal representation in front of the upper tribunal.
To learn more about how we can assist you in challenging a decision by the Home Office, please explore our services. Feel free to contact us at 0333 0124 253 for further information.