Fiancé Visa: A Guide to Bringing Your Partner to the UK
If you are planning to marry or enter a civil partnership with your fiance in the UK, you may be able to do so through the fiance visa route. This visa allows you to come to the UK for up to six months to marry or enter a civil partnership. Once you have done so, you can apply for a spousal visa to remain in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a fiance visa, you must:
- Be in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- Meet the minimum income requirement.
- Be able to communicate in English.
- Have accommodation suitable for you and your partner.
Minimum Income Requirement
The minimum income requirement for a fiance visa is the same as for a spousal visa. You must demonstrate that you have an annual income of at least £29,000 to be eligible.
There are a few ways to meet this minimum income requirement:
- Savings: You can use your savings to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your partner in the UK. To be eligible, you will need to have at least £62,500 in savings.
- Income from investments: You can use your income from investments to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your partner in the UK. To be eligible, your investment income must be at least £29,000 per year.
- Income from either partner: If you are applying for a fiance visa with your partner, you can combine your incomes to meet the minimum income requirement. However, you will need to demonstrate that your combined income is at least £29,000 per year.
Biometrics
As part of the fiance visa application process, you will need to attend a biometric appointment. At this appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Applying for Priority Processing
If you are planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 28 days of arriving in the UK, you can apply for priority processing. This will allow you to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days.
Coming to the UK and Marrying
Once you have arrived in the UK on a fiance visa, you must marry or enter a civil partnership within six months. If you do not do so, your visa will expire.
Applying for a Spousal Visa
Once you have married or entered a civil partnership, you can apply for a spousal visa. This visa will allow you to remain in the UK indefinitely.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After living in the UK for five years as a spouse, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This means that you can live and work in the UK permanently.
Seeking Legal Advice
If you are unsure about your eligibility for a fiance visa or need assistance with the application process, it is recommended to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer. They can help you understand the requirements and ensure that your application is submitted correctly.
Remember: The fiance visa process can be complex, so it is important to start planning early and gather all the necessary documents. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking legal advice when needed, you can increase your chances of a successful application and reunite with your loved ones.
