The UK Fiance Visa, also known as the Fiancée Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, or Engagement Visa, is a vital component of the family visa scheme. It grants eligible foreign nationals aged 18 and above the opportunity to come to the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership with a British citizen or a settled individual, such as someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status.
If approved, the Fiance Visa allows a six-month window from the entry date to carry out the marriage or civil partnership. Subsequently, applicants can transition to a Spouse Visa, initially valid for 33 months, extendable for an additional 30 months. Following this period, individuals become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), signifying permanent residency in the UK without being subject to immigration rules.
UK Fiance Visa Requirements: A Detailed Overview
To successfully apply for a UK Fiance Visa, meeting the following eligibility criteria and demonstrating specific aspects is crucial:
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Age and Intentions:
- Both you and your partner must be over 18.
- The intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- Your partner should be a British or Irish citizen, have settled status in the UK, or hold other specific immigration statuses.
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Living Arrangements and Financial Support:
- Plans to live together in the UK post-marriage or civil partnership.
- Financial capacity to support yourselves, evidenced by a combined income of at least £18,600.
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Accommodation and Language Proficiency:
- Adequate accommodation in the UK.
- Sufficient English language proficiency, typically demonstrated by passing an English language test at level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Key Aspects of Fiance Visa Application: Genuine Relationship and Financial Requirements
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Genuine Relationship Requirement:
- Demonstrating the authenticity of the relationship with the UK-based partner.
- Clear plans for marriage or civil partnership and living together in the UK.
- Awareness of UK Visas and Immigration’s vigilance against potential “sham” relationships.
For personalized advice on meeting the genuine relationship requirement, consultation with our immigration solicitors is recommended.
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Financial Requirements:
- A minimum combined gross annual income of £18,600 with additional amounts for dependent children.
- Acceptable sources of income include employment, self-employment, pensions, and specified allowances or benefits received in the UK.
- Savings exceeding £16,000 can contribute to meeting financial requirements, with a specific calculation outlined by the Home Office.
Understanding and satisfying these requirements is crucial for a successful Fiance Visa application.
