Fiancé Visa UK: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in the UK (2025 Update)
Planning to marry your partner in the United Kingdom? The Fiancé Visa UK is the official immigration route that allows you to enter the UK for the purpose of marriage and start your life with your British or settled partner.
This visa is ideal for couples who want to marry in the UK first and then apply for long-term residence. If you’re hoping to join your partner and begin the next chapter together, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from requirements to processing time and what happens after the wedding.
What Is the Fiancé Visa UK?
A Fiancé Visa lets a non-UK partner travel to the UK for six months to get married or enter a civil partnership. It is granted to those engaged to:
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A British citizen
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A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
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A person with Settled Status (EUSS)
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A person with Refugee or humanitarian protection
Once married, you can switch to the UK Spouse Visa without leaving the UK.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this route, you must meet the following key requirements:
✔ A Genuine Relationship
You must show:
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You are engaged to be married
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You have met in person
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Your relationship is ongoing and sincere
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You intend to marry within 6 months of arrival
✔ Minimum Income Requirement
The sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 a year (latest requirement).
Income can come from:
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Employment
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Self-employment
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Pension
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Cash savings
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Rental income
✔ English Language Ability
The applicant must demonstrate basic English (A1 level), unless exempt.
✔ Suitable Accommodation
You must have a place to live that meets UK housing standards.
✔ Intention to Marry
You must show clear evidence of wedding plans such as:
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Venue enquiries
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Booking confirmations
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Messages related to planning
Documents You Need
A strong Fiancé Visa application usually includes:
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Valid passports for both partners
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Photos and identity documents
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Evidence of ongoing communication
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Proof of meetings and travel history
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Financial documents: payslips, bank statements, tax records
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English test certificate
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Accommodation proof
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Sponsor’s immigration status
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Wedding planning evidence
A well-organised document bundle significantly increases your chances of approval.
How to Apply for a Fiancé Visa UK
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Start your application on the UK Home Office website.
Step 2: Pay the Fees
The Fiancé Visa has an application fee, but no Immigration Health Surcharge is required at this stage.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
You must provide electronic copies of all supporting evidence.
Step 4: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
Visit the nearest visa centre (VFS or TLScontact) to submit fingerprints and photos.
Step 5: Wait for the UKVI Decision
Once submitted, your case is reviewed by UK Immigration officials.
How Long Does It Take?
Average processing time:
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Outside the UK: 3 to 6 months
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Inside the UK (rare cases): Around 8–12 weeks
Priority services may be available in some regions.
What Happens After You Get Married?
Once your wedding has taken place within the 6-month visa period, you can apply for the Spouse Visa from inside the UK. This allows you to stay for 30 months, work freely, and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Why Many Applications Get Refused
Common refusal reasons include:
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Insufficient financial documents
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Weak evidence of relationship
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Incomplete paperwork
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Incorrect English test
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No clear proof of wedding plans
Professional assistance can help prevent these common errors.
Need Professional Help With a Fiancé Visa UK?
A Fiancé Visa is one of the most sensitive family immigration categories. Many couples choose expert support to avoid delays or refusals and to protect their future together.
If you want to increase your chances of a successful application, Asher & Tomar Solicitors can assist with:
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Fiancé Visa applications
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Spouse Visa switching
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Document preparation
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UK family immigration guidance
📞 020 8867 7737
📱 07877 257326
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://asherandtomar.co.uk/uk-fiance-visa-2/
