Joining your loved ones in the United Kingdom marks a major turning point. While you may wish to begin your next chapter quickly and with minimal cost or disruption, the process of applying for a Fiancé Visa can be demanding and requires careful preparation.
The term “Fiancé Visa” is widely used but it does not exist as a standalone visa category under UK immigration law. In legal terms, applicants apply for entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner under Appendix FM (Family route – partner) of the Immigration Rules. It sits within the UK’s Family Visa framework and is designed for those who plan to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
Successful applicants are granted permission to enter the UK for up to six months. During this time, they cannot work or study and must rely on private funds. The visa is intended solely to allow the marriage or civil partnership to take place in the UK. Once the ceremony has been legally registered, you may apply from inside the UK for Further Leave to Remain as a Spouse (FLR(M)), which begins the five-year route to settlement.
This comprehensive guide explains the requirements, evidence and process for obtaining a UK Fiancé Visa, including practical insights to help maximise your chances of success.
Section A: What is a Fiancé Visa?
The Fiancé Visa—formally, entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner under Appendix FM (Family route – partner)—allows a non-UK national to enter the United Kingdom solely to marry or form a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain, refugee status or settled status.
Permission is usually granted for a single period of six months, during which the holder cannot work, study or access public funds. The leave is specifically intended to allow final preparations for the marriage or civil partnership to be completed in the UK.
Once the ceremony has taken place, you can apply to switch in-country to the Spouse Visa (FLR(M)) under the Family route. This visa normally lasts for two years and six months, grants the right to work and study, and begins the five-year pathway to settlement. Before the initial spouse leave expires, a further FLR(M) extension will be required. After 60 months of lawful leave as a partner, applicants may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and later British citizenship by naturalisation.
It is important to distinguish the Fiancé Visa from other short-term routes. The Marriage Visitor Visa allows a wedding in the UK but requires the holder to leave afterwards and offers no route to settlement. The Spouse Visa is designed for couples who are already married or in a civil partnership and who intend to live together permanently.
Visa Type | Purpose | Work / Study Rights | Length of Stay |
---|---|---|---|
Fiancé Visa | To marry a British or settled partner in the UK | No work or study | Up to 6 months |
Spouse Visa | To live with a British or settled partner after marriage | Yes – work and study permitted | 2 years 6 months |
Marriage Visitor Visa | To marry but not settle in the UK | No work or study | Up to 6 months |
Section Summary: A Fiancé Visa is a sub-category within the Family Visa route for engaged couples intending to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK. It provides six months of leave without work or study rights and enables the applicant to progress to a Spouse Visa once the marriage or civil partnership has been registered.
Section B: Fiancé Visa Requirements
To qualify for entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner under Appendix FM, both partners must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Family route of the Immigration Rules. The Home Office will assess your age, relationship, intention to marry, financial position, accommodation arrangements and ability to communicate in English. Each requirement must be satisfied and evidenced before the application can succeed.
1. Relationship Requirements
Both the applicant and their sponsoring partner must be aged 18 or over and must have met in person. The couple must be free to marry or enter into a civil partnership and must intend to do so within six months of the applicant’s arrival in the UK. The relationship must be shown to be genuine and subsisting, and both parties must intend to live together permanently in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership takes place.
Evidence should demonstrate the history and authenticity of the relationship rather than the volume of material submitted. Typical examples include photographs together over time, joint travel documents, boarding passes, copies of chat or call logs, and signed statements from friends or relatives who know both partners. The evidence should be presented in chronological order to show the development of the relationship.
2. Intention to Marry or Form a Civil Partnership Within Six Months
You must prove that a lawful marriage or civil partnership will take place in the UK within six months of arrival. Evidence normally includes a booking confirmation from a licensed venue or registrar, a receipt for deposit payments, and correspondence showing the date and location of the ceremony. Informal wedding plans such as emails with suppliers, caterers or photographers may also be used to demonstrate realistic arrangements. If the marriage cannot take place within the six-month period, the applicant must leave the UK and re-apply when ready to proceed.
3. Previous Relationships
Any previous marriage, civil partnership or long-term partnership must have ended permanently before the application is made. Evidence of dissolution, such as a decree absolute, final order or death certificate, will be required where relevant. The Home Office will not consider a new relationship as genuine if there is insufficient proof that prior relationships have legally ended.
4. Financial Requirement
From 11 April 2024, the minimum annual income required to sponsor a partner under Appendix FM increased to £29,000. This applies to all new applicants entering the Family route on or after that date. The figure may be met through employment income, self-employment income, or permitted savings held by the applicant, sponsor, or jointly.
Applicants who were first granted leave under the Family route before 11 April 2024 and are applying with the same partner on the same route continue to fall under the transitional arrangements. These retain the previous £18,600 income threshold plus additional amounts for dependent children—£3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child—capped at £29,000. For all new applicants, however, the flat £29,000 threshold applies regardless of family size.
The requirement can be met in several ways:
- Employment (Category A) – The sponsor has been employed by the same employer for at least six months and can show gross annual income of £29,000 or more through six months of payslips and matching bank statements.
- Employment (Category B) – For variable or new employment under six months, income is calculated using the average of the past twelve months’ payslips and corresponding statements showing at least £29,000.
- Self-employment – The sponsor must provide the latest HMRC SA302 and tax return together with business accounts or an accountant’s letter verifying declared income at or above £29,000.
- Cash savings – Savings may meet or supplement the threshold using the Home Office formula: only savings above £16,000 count, with every £2.50 of savings offsetting £1 of income shortfall. Meeting the full £29,000 requirement by savings alone therefore demands £88,500 held for at least six consecutive months.
- Combined income and savings – Sponsors may combine both sources, applying the same calculation for any shortfall.
All financial documents must be current, complete and clearly linked to the named sponsor or applicant. Bank statements must show the account holder’s name, account number and closing balance, and must cover the exact periods relied upon. Payslips must correspond to bank deposits, and the closing date on financial evidence must be no more than 28 days before submission.
5. English Language Requirement
Unless exempt, applicants must demonstrate English speaking and listening ability at CEFR Level A1. The requirement is met by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office-approved provider, or by holding a recognised degree taught in English confirmed as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree by Ecctis. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia are exempt.
Applicants aged 65 or over or those with a permanent medical condition preventing them from meeting the standard may qualify for exemption supported by medical evidence. Test certificates are valid for two years from the date of issue, so timing must ensure validity through the decision period.
6. Accommodation Requirement
The couple must demonstrate that adequate accommodation will be available for their exclusive use without recourse to public funds. Accommodation is considered adequate if it meets the overcrowding standards under the Housing Act 1985 and is owned, rented or legally occupied by the couple. Evidence can include a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, title deeds, recent utility bills or a professional property inspection confirming room sizes and occupancy limits.
7. Tuberculosis Testing
Applicants applying from a country listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate issued by a Home Office-approved clinic. Although most short-term visa applicants are exempt, the fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner category specifically requires TB testing if the applicant has lived in a listed country for six months or more in the last six months. Certificates are valid for six months and must be submitted with the visa application.
Section Summary: To obtain a Fiancé Visa, you and your partner must meet the relationship, financial, accommodation and English language requirements under Appendix FM. You must prove an intention to marry or form a civil partnership within six months, demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, and satisfy the minimum income or savings thresholds. Each element must be supported by clear, verifiable documentary evidence to avoid delay or refusal.
Section D: Dependant Children in a Fiancé Visa Application
Children under the age of 18 may be included as dependants in a Fiancé Visa application where they form part of the immediate family unit. The Home Office will assess whether the child is eligible to accompany or join the applicant in the UK and whether adequate financial and accommodation arrangements are in place to support them without recourse to public funds.
1. Eligibility for Dependant Children
To qualify, the child must be under 18 years old on the date of application and must not be living an independent life. This means the child must not be married or in a civil partnership, must not have formed an independent family unit, and must not be living separately from their parents except for education purposes. Dependants can be the biological, adopted, or stepchildren of either the applicant or the sponsoring partner, provided both have or share parental responsibility.
Each dependant must apply at the same time as the main applicant or at a later stage once the parent has obtained permission to enter the UK. The child must intend to live permanently with the applicant and their partner in the UK once the marriage or civil partnership has taken place. The sponsor and applicant must demonstrate that suitable accommodation and maintenance will be available for the whole family unit.
2. Financial Requirement for Applicants with Children
The financial requirement for Fiancé Visa applications involving dependant children depends on when the applicant first entered the Family route.
For new applicants on or after 11 April 2024, the flat minimum income threshold of £29,000 applies regardless of the number of children included. This amount must be met entirely through permitted sources such as salaried income, self-employment income, or cash savings in accordance with Appendix FM-SE.
For transitional applicants—those who were first granted permission under the Family route before 11 April 2024 and remain on the same route with the same partner—the previous £18,600 threshold continues to apply, along with additional allowances of £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child, up to a cap of £29,000. Evidence requirements are the same as for standard applications, including payslips, bank statements, and tax returns demonstrating sufficient income or savings.
The Home Office will not approve an application if it finds that the inclusion of dependant children would require the family to rely on public funds. Sponsors should ensure that household income comfortably exceeds the applicable threshold and that supporting documents clearly evidence the financial capacity to support all dependants.
3. Accommodation for Dependants
The property where the family intends to live must be adequate for the entire household. This means it must not be overcrowded under the standards set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985 and must not contravene public health regulations. The Home Office will expect to see a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement or title deed showing ownership or permission for occupation. If the family will stay in accommodation owned by a relative or friend, a signed letter of consent from the owner should be included along with proof of ownership and, where appropriate, a housing inspection report confirming that the premises will remain uncrowded even after the dependants move in.
4. Leave and Entitlements of Dependant Children
Dependant children are granted the same period of leave as the main Fiancé Visa applicant—normally up to six months. During this period, neither the applicant nor their dependants may work or access public funds. Once the couple marry or enter into a civil partnership, the applicant and their children may apply in-country for Further Leave to Remain (FLR(M)) as dependants of a spouse or partner. At this stage, the children will also gain permission to study and, where applicable, work in accordance with the conditions attached to the new visa.
For children who reach the age of 18 while on the Fiancé Visa, the Home Office will consider whether they still form part of the family unit when assessing their eligibility for continued leave on the spouse route. Continuous residence, financial dependency and shared accommodation with the parents will all be relevant factors.
Section Summary: Dependant children can be included in a Fiancé Visa application provided they are under 18, financially supported without public funds, and adequately accommodated. For new applicants after 11 April 2024, the flat £29,000 income threshold applies, while transitional cases follow the pre-2024 formula. Dependants receive the same length of leave as the main applicant and can transition to the Spouse Visa route once the marriage or civil partnership is completed.
Section E: Common Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Fiancé Visa applications are carefully scrutinised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to ensure the relationship is genuine, financial and accommodation requirements are met, and that the applicant intends to marry within the visa period. Many refusals occur because of incomplete, inconsistent or poorly presented evidence. Understanding the most frequent pitfalls can significantly improve the likelihood of approval.
1. Insufficient Relationship Evidence
A common cause of refusal is failing to convince the caseworker that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. Single-event photographs or a few short chat screenshots rarely suffice. UKVI expects to see a clear, chronological record showing communication, visits and shared experiences over time.
Applicants should present a balanced portfolio that includes:
- Photographs together at different times and settings, ideally with family or friends present.
- Boarding passes, travel itineraries and passport stamps proving in-person meetings.
- Consistent chat or call logs showing regular contact, annotated with dates.
- Statements from friends or relatives who have met both partners, signed and dated.
Arranging the material in date order with brief captions makes it easier for the caseworker to follow the relationship timeline. Quality, variety and continuity of evidence carry more weight than sheer quantity.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Financial Documents
Another major reason for refusal is failure to provide complete financial documentation. Missing payslips, mismatched bank statements or savings statements that do not cover the required six-month period can render an application invalid. All financial evidence must comply precisely with Appendix FM-SE.
To avoid issues:
- Ensure every payslip is matched by the corresponding bank entry showing the same amount and date.
- Check that statements cover the exact months required and end no more than 28 days before submission.
- For self-employed sponsors, include the most recent SA302, tax return, and an accountant’s letter confirming net profit.
- If relying on savings, confirm that the balance remained above the threshold for at least six consecutive months, with all pages showing the account holder’s name and account number.
Even small inconsistencies—such as net versus gross income, or name variations between documents—can raise doubts. Double-check all figures and dates before uploading.
3. Inconsistent Statements or Application Details
Discrepancies between the online application, supporting documents and interview responses frequently lead to refusal. Typical inconsistencies include different dates for first meetings, conflicting salary amounts, or mismatched addresses. UKVI officers often cross-reference information across all forms, declarations and evidence.
Before submission, both partners should review the application together and verify that every detail matches the evidence provided. If a genuine error is discovered after submission, applicants can send a correction or clarification through the UKVI update service to prevent misinterpretation.
During interviews, applicants should answer honestly and naturally rather than relying on rehearsed responses. Genuine couples usually provide consistent answers based on lived experience, whereas scripted answers often appear contradictory under follow-up questioning.
4. Lack of Proof of Wedding Arrangements
UKVI must be satisfied that a legal marriage or civil partnership will occur within six months of arrival. Applications sometimes fail because evidence of firm plans is missing or incomplete. A vague statement of intent or unconfirmed booking rarely meets the requirement.
To avoid refusal, include:
- Registrar or venue booking confirmations showing the date, time and location of the ceremony.
- Receipts or invoices for deposits or payments.
- Correspondence with wedding suppliers such as photographers or caterers.
- Emails confirming guest arrangements or venue discussions demonstrating active preparation.
If the marriage cannot be held within the visa’s validity period due to unforeseen circumstances, the applicant must leave the UK and apply again once new arrangements are confirmed. UKVI will not extend a Fiancé Visa for administrative or financial delays.
5. Weak Presentation of Evidence
Presentation can make a significant difference. Poorly organised evidence or illegible scans can undermine an otherwise strong case. UKVI prefers documents to be labelled and ordered by category and date. For example, combine all payslips and statements in a single section, followed by relationship evidence, accommodation, and wedding documentation. Use concise labels such as “Payslips – Jan to Jun 2025” or “Chat Logs – 2023 to 2024”.
Applicants are encouraged to upload documents electronically in PDF format, ensuring clarity and file size within UKVI limits. Avoid duplicating or overloading with irrelevant materials, as excessive data can slow case-handling and obscure key points.
Section Summary: Most Fiancé Visa refusals result from weak relationship evidence, missing or non-compliant financial documents, inconsistent information, or poor proof of wedding plans. Meticulous preparation, accurate data entry, and clearly organised evidence are essential to meet the Home Office’s high evidential standard and reduce the risk of refusal.
Section F: Fiancé to Spouse Visa
The Fiancé Visa provides a six-month window for the applicant to enter the United Kingdom, legally marry or enter a civil partnership, and then transition onto the long-term partner route. This process is governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and requires careful timing to avoid overstaying or losing lawful status. Once the marriage or civil partnership has been registered, the next step is to apply for Further Leave to Remain as a Spouse (FLR(M)) from within the UK.
1. Switching to a Spouse Visa (FLR(M))
After the wedding or civil partnership ceremony has taken place, the applicant can submit an in-country application for Further Leave to Remain as a spouse. This must be done before the Fiancé Visa expires; late applications are treated as overstays and can result in refusal or enforcement action. The FLR(M) application is made online, with supporting evidence uploaded electronically and biometric data submitted at a UKVCAS service centre.
Applicants must again demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, adequate accommodation and compliance with the financial and English language requirements. The financial evidence must reflect current circumstances, and all documents must comply with Appendix FM-SE. For example, payslips and bank statements should be recent and cover the required period, while the marriage certificate must be issued by a UK-recognised authority.
Once the FLR(M) is granted, the applicant receives permission to live, work and study in the UK for two years and six months. This stage marks the start of the five-year route to settlement, subject to continued compliance with the Immigration Rules and maintenance of the relationship.
2. Giving Notice and Timing the Ceremony
Couples should be mindful of the UK legal requirement to give notice of marriage or civil partnership at a register office at least 29 days before the ceremony. If the case is referred to the Home Office for investigation, the notice period can be extended to 70 days. Registry offices often have waiting lists, so it is advisable to give notice as soon as possible after arrival in the UK to ensure there is sufficient time to hold the ceremony and submit the FLR(M) application before the Fiancé Visa expires.
UKVI will not extend the Fiancé Visa for reasons such as venue unavailability, financial difficulty or indecision. Applicants should plan well in advance and have all arrangements in place before travelling to the UK.
3. English Language Requirement on FLR(M)
Applicants must meet the appropriate English language level at each stage of the partner route. For the initial FLR(M) application following a Fiancé Visa, the minimum level remains CEFR A1. For the subsequent extension after 2.5 years, the level increases to CEFR A2, and for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) it rises again to CEFR B1 plus the Life in the UK Test. Applicants should ensure that test certificates are valid and issued by approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers listed by the Home Office.
4. eVisa and Immigration Status After Approval
Once granted, the Spouse Visa is recorded digitally as an eVisa linked to the applicant’s UKVI account. The eVisa shows the expiry date, conditions of stay, and the right to work and study. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out, so visa holders must ensure their passport details remain up to date within their UKVI account. When renewing a passport or changing personal details, the applicant must update the account so that the eVisa remains valid and accessible at the UK border.
5. Pathway to Settlement and British Citizenship
The Spouse Visa under the FLR(M) route is valid for 30 months (two years and six months). Before it expires, applicants must apply for a second FLR(M) extension to complete five years on the partner route. Continuous lawful residence during this period is essential; absences from the UK must not indicate that the relationship is not genuine or that the applicant is not living permanently with their partner.
After completing five years on the partner route, the applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, they must demonstrate that the relationship remains genuine, that all financial and accommodation requirements continue to be met, and that they have passed both the Life in the UK Test and the English language requirement at level B1. Applicants must provide ongoing evidence of cohabitation—such as tenancy agreements, council tax letters, utility bills and joint bank statements—covering the entire five-year period.
Once ILR has been held for at least twelve months, the applicant can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, provided they meet the residence, character and absence criteria. If married to a British citizen, the applicant may be eligible to apply for naturalisation immediately after receiving ILR, without waiting the additional twelve months.
Stage | Visa Type | Key Requirements | Duration | Next Step |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fiancé Visa | Marry or enter civil partnership within six months; no work or study permitted | 6 months | Apply for FLR(M) after marriage |
2 | Spouse Visa (FLR(M)) | Meet financial, accommodation and English language (A1) requirements | 2 years 6 months | Apply for FLR(M) extension |
3 | Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M)) | Continue to meet financial and relationship requirements; English level A2 | 2 years 6 months | Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) |
4 | Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | 5 years on partner route; Life in the UK Test; English level B1 | Indefinite | Eligible for naturalisation |
5 | British Citizenship | Good character; residency and absence limits; ILR held 12 months (unless spouse of British citizen) | Permanent | N/A |
Section Summary: The Fiancé Visa is a short-term permission that allows couples to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK and then transition to a Spouse Visa. After marriage, the applicant must apply for FLR(M) before the Fiancé Visa expires. The spouse route then provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years and ultimately to British citizenship, provided all eligibility and residence requirements continue to be met.
Section G: Need Assistance?
Navigating the UK’s Family Visa framework can be complex, especially when planning a marriage or civil partnership within a fixed timeframe. The Fiancé Visa requires detailed evidence of both the relationship and financial position, and any errors or omissions can lead to delays or refusals. Applicants should approach the process with care, ensuring that each requirement under Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE is fully addressed before submission.
For many couples, the Fiancé Visa is the first step in a long-term plan to live together permanently in the UK. Each stage of the journey—from entry clearance to the final settlement application—builds on the last. Gathering strong evidence from the outset makes later applications for FLR(M), Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventually British citizenship much easier and less stressful.
It is advisable to keep ongoing records of your shared life once in the UK, such as tenancy agreements, joint financial documents, correspondence addressed to both partners and photographs showing family activities. Maintaining clear documentation throughout your time in the UK will make future visa renewals and settlement applications significantly smoother.
If you require personalised support or assistance with document preparation, many immigration advisers and solicitors in the UK are accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or the Law Society. Only qualified and regulated professionals should be instructed to give immigration advice or handle applications on your behalf.
Section Summary: The Fiancé Visa marks the beginning of a structured route to settlement in the UK. Careful preparation, consistent documentation and timely applications will ensure compliance at every stage and help couples build a secure future together in the United Kingdom.
Section H: Fiancé Visa FAQs
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns about the Fiancé Visa, including rights, eligibility, and next steps after marriage. Understanding these points can help applicants plan their journey from engagement to settlement with clarity and confidence.
Can I work on a Fiancé Visa in the UK?
No. Fiancé Visa holders are not permitted to work or study in the UK. The visa is granted solely to allow the applicant to marry or form a civil partnership. Once you have switched to a Spouse Visa (FLR(M)) after your ceremony, you will gain the right to work and study without restriction.
How soon must we get married after I arrive in the UK?
You must marry or register your civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK. The Home Office does not extend Fiancé Visas for reasons such as delays in planning or scheduling unless there are exceptional circumstances beyond your control. Ensure your ceremony date and venue are confirmed before applying.
Can we apply for a Spouse Visa immediately after the wedding?
Yes. As soon as your marriage or civil partnership has been legally registered, you can apply from inside the UK to switch to a Spouse Visa (FLR(M)). The application must be submitted before your Fiancé Visa expires to maintain lawful status.
What happens if the wedding is postponed or cancelled?
If your wedding or civil partnership cannot take place within the six-month validity of your Fiancé Visa, you must leave the UK before your visa expires. You can then reapply for entry clearance when new arrangements have been confirmed. Remaining in the UK without valid leave may affect future applications.
Is a civil partnership treated the same as a marriage for visa purposes?
Yes. The UK Immigration Rules treat civil partnerships and marriages equally for the purposes of the Family Visa route. The same eligibility, financial, English language and accommodation requirements apply to both.
Do we need to give notice to marry before applying for the visa?
No. You are not required to give legal notice before applying for the Fiancé Visa. However, you must provide evidence of firm plans, such as a booking confirmation from a registrar or venue. Once in the UK, you must give notice in person at a register office at least 29 days before the ceremony, or up to 70 days if the case is referred to the Home Office for verification.
Can we hold a religious ceremony only?
You may have a religious celebration, but a legal marriage or civil partnership recognised under UK law must also take place within six months of arrival for your Fiancé Visa to remain valid. The religious ceremony can be combined with the legal one if conducted by an authorised officiant at a registered venue.
Do we need to live together before applying?
No. There is no legal requirement to have lived together before applying for a Fiancé Visa. However, evidence of spending time together in person—such as visits, travel records or photographs—helps demonstrate the relationship’s genuineness and continuity, which strengthens your case.
How far in advance can I apply for a Fiancé Visa?
You can apply up to six months before your intended travel date to the UK. Applications should be timed carefully to allow sufficient processing time and to ensure you can marry or enter a civil partnership within the six-month visa period once granted.
Do I need to apply from my country of nationality?
No. You may apply from any country where you are legally resident and can complete the biometric process at a visa application centre. You must provide evidence of lawful residence in the country from which you apply if it is not your country of nationality.
Section Summary: The Fiancé Visa is a transitional visa that allows you to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK before moving onto the spouse route. It grants no right to work or study and requires careful timing to ensure compliance with Home Office rules. Understanding the key obligations, rights and timelines helps prevent delays and supports a smooth transition to the next stage of your immigration journey.
Section I: Glossary
The following glossary explains key terms and abbreviations used throughout this guide. Each term reflects official usage within the UK Immigration Rules and Home Office policy guidance relating to the Family Visa and partner routes.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Fiancé Visa | A term used to describe entry clearance granted under Appendix FM as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner. It allows the holder to enter the UK for up to six months to marry or form a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person. It is part of the Family Visa framework and not a standalone category. |
Family Visa | The general visa category allowing family members of British citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. Includes routes for spouses, partners, parents, children and fiancé(e)s. |
Appendix FM | The section of the UK Immigration Rules governing applications made on the basis of family life with a British citizen or person settled in the UK, including fiancé(e)s, spouses and partners. |
Appendix FM-SE | The supplement to Appendix FM setting out specific evidence requirements for meeting the financial, accommodation and English language criteria. |
FLR(M) | Further Leave to Remain as a Spouse or Partner. This is the in-country visa application made after marriage or civil partnership for leave to remain under the Family route. |
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | Permanent residence in the UK, granted after meeting the qualifying period and requirements of the relevant immigration route. |
CEFR | Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The standard used to measure English language proficiency for visa applications (A1, A2, B1 levels). |
SELT (Secure English Language Test) | An approved English language test accepted by the Home Office, taken through an authorised provider to prove English speaking and listening ability. |
Ecctis | The UK body responsible for confirming whether overseas academic qualifications are equivalent to a UK degree and whether they were taught in English. |
Appendix T | The list of countries for which tuberculosis (TB) testing is required when applying for a UK visa. Fiancé(e) visa applicants from these countries must provide a valid TB certificate from an approved clinic. |
Genuine and Subsisting Relationship | A relationship that is real, ongoing and mutually committed, as assessed by UK Visas and Immigration under Appendix FM. |
Priority Service | An optional paid service offered by UKVI for faster visa processing, typically aiming for a decision within 30 working days for overseas applications. |
Super Priority Service | A premium service that provides next-working-day visa decisions in selected locations, subject to availability and payment of an additional fee. |
UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office division responsible for handling visa and immigration applications, including Fiancé and Spouse Visas. |
Biometric Appointment | The appointment where applicants provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as part of the application process. |
eVisa | A digital immigration status record linked to the applicant’s UKVI account, replacing physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for most visa holders. |
Section Summary: Understanding key immigration terms helps applicants interpret the Immigration Rules correctly and prepare compliant evidence. These definitions are drawn directly from the Family Visa framework under UK immigration law and the Home Office’s published guidance.
Section I: Glossary
The following glossary explains key terms and abbreviations used throughout this guide. Each term reflects official usage within the UK Immigration Rules and Home Office policy guidance relating to the Family Visa and partner routes.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Fiancé Visa | A term used to describe entry clearance granted under Appendix FM as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner. It allows the holder to enter the UK for up to six months to marry or form a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person. It is part of the Family Visa framework and not a standalone category. |
Family Visa | The general visa category allowing family members of British citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. Includes routes for spouses, partners, parents, children and fiancé(e)s. |
Appendix FM | The section of the UK Immigration Rules governing applications made on the basis of family life with a British citizen or person settled in the UK, including fiancé(e)s, spouses and partners. |
Appendix FM-SE | The supplement to Appendix FM setting out specific evidence requirements for meeting the financial, accommodation and English language criteria. |
FLR(M) | Further Leave to Remain as a Spouse or Partner. This is the in-country visa application made after marriage or civil partnership for leave to remain under the Family route. |
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | Permanent residence in the UK, granted after meeting the qualifying period and requirements of the relevant immigration route. |
CEFR | Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The standard used to measure English language proficiency for visa applications (A1, A2, B1 levels). |
SELT (Secure English Language Test) | An approved English language test accepted by the Home Office, taken through an authorised provider to prove English speaking and listening ability. |
Ecctis | The UK body responsible for confirming whether overseas academic qualifications are equivalent to a UK degree and whether they were taught in English. |
Appendix T | The list of countries for which tuberculosis (TB) testing is required when applying for a UK visa. Fiancé(e) visa applicants from these countries must provide a valid TB certificate from an approved clinic. |
Genuine and Subsisting Relationship | A relationship that is real, ongoing and mutually committed, as assessed by UK Visas and Immigration under Appendix FM. |
Priority Service | An optional paid service offered by UKVI for faster visa processing, typically aiming for a decision within 30 working days for overseas applications. |
Super Priority Service | A premium service that provides next-working-day visa decisions in selected locations, subject to availability and payment of an additional fee. |
UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office division responsible for handling visa and immigration applications, including Fiancé and Spouse Visas. |
Biometric Appointment | The appointment where applicants provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as part of the application process. |
eVisa | A digital immigration status record linked to the applicant’s UKVI account, replacing physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for most visa holders. |
Section Summary: Understanding key immigration terms helps applicants interpret the Immigration Rules correctly and prepare compliant evidence. These definitions are drawn directly from the Family Visa framework under UK immigration law and the Home Office’s published guidance.
Section J: Additional Resources
The following official and expert resources provide further information and guidance on applying for a Fiancé Visa under the UK Immigration Rules. Applicants should always consult the latest Home Office materials before submission, as immigration rules and fees are updated regularly.
Resource | Description |
---|---|
Apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa – GOV.UK | Official government guidance on eligibility, evidence and how to apply to join your partner in the UK as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner. |
Appendix FM: Family Members – GOV.UK | Sets out the legal framework and requirements for family-route visas, including the fiancé(e) and spouse categories under the UK Immigration Rules. |
Financial Requirement Policy Guidance – GOV.UK | Explains how applicants can meet the minimum income requirement through salary, self-employment or savings, and how to evidence each source correctly. |
Knowledge of English – GOV.UK | Details the English language requirements for family-visa applicants, including accepted test providers and exemption criteria. |
Tuberculosis Test for a UK Visa – GOV.UK | Lists countries requiring tuberculosis testing and the Home Office-approved clinics authorised to issue valid TB certificates. |
Fiancé Visa UK – Xpats.io | Comprehensive guidance for applicants and sponsors on the UK Fiancé Visa process, including eligibility, requirements and switching to a Spouse Visa. |
Spouse Visa UK – Xpats.io | Detailed overview of the UK Spouse Visa route following marriage or civil partnership, including extension and settlement guidance. |
Family Reunion Visa – Xpats.io | Information on Family Visa routes under UK immigration law, including pathways for partners and dependants of British or settled persons. |
Fiancé Visa UK – DavidsonMorris | Expert overview of the Fiancé Visa application process, eligibility criteria and requirements for couples planning to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK. |
Section Summary: Applicants should rely on authoritative Home Office and GOV.UK guidance, complemented by reputable legal resources such as Xpats.io and DavidsonMorris, to ensure their Fiancé Visa application is complete, accurate and compliant with UK immigration law.