How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa Step by Step?

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How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa Step by Step?

Many couples want to live together in the UK, but one partner lives in another country. The UK Fiancé Visa helps them be together. It lets a person from outside the UK come and get married to their British partner. They have six months to get married. After that, they can apply to stay longer. The rules can be confusing, but this guide explains everything clearly, step by step, so you can understand the process and avoid mistakes.

What Is the Fiancé Visa?

The UK Fiancé Visa lets someone from another country come to the UK to marry their British partner or a partner with permanent residence. It gives six months to get married. You must get married within this time. You cannot work or study while on this visa.

After the wedding, you can apply for a spouse visa to stay longer in the UK. This visa is for couples who plan to live together in the UK after they get married.

Who is Eligible for a UK Fiancé Visa?

To get a UK Fiancé Visa, you and your partner must meet some basic rules. These rules help show that your relationship is real and that you both plan to live together in the UK after marriage. The visa is only for couples who are serious about getting married and starting a life together. Below are the main conditions you must meet before you apply for this UK visa:

  • Both of you must be 18 years old or older.
  • Your partner must be a British citizen or have permanent residence in the UK.
  • You must plan to get married within six months of arriving in the UK.
  • You and your partner must have met in person at least once.
  • Your relationship must be real and serious.
  • You must plan to live together in the UK after marriage.
  • Both of you must be free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed).

UK Fiancé Visa Requirements

To apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, you must prepare and submit the right documents. These documents prove your relationship, your plans, and that you meet all the visa rules. Below are the main requirements you must follow:

Personal Documents

  • Valid passport with at least one blank page.
  • Recent passport-sized photo (if required).
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country (and other countries where you lived for over 12 months in the last 10 years).
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required based on your country).
  • Certified translations for all non-English documents.

Relationship Proof

  • Evidence you have met your partner in person.
  • Photos together over time.
  • Travel records showing visits.
  • Call logs, video chats, and messages.
  • Letters, cards, or emails.
  • Statements from friends or family confirming the relationship.

Marriage Plans

  • Proof that you plan to marry in the UK within 6 months.
  • Wedding venue booking confirmation.
  • Registry office appointment or wedding planner communication.
  • Invitation or guest list (optional but helpful).

Financial Requirements

  • Bank statements showing salary deposits
  • If using savings instead, they must show at least £62,500 saved for at least 6 months
  • Payslips for the last 6 months.
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months.
  • Letter from employer confirming job title, salary, and start date.
  • If self-employed, you need to provide tax returns, business registration, and financial records.

Accommodation

  • Proof of where you and your partner will live in the UK.
  • Rental agreement or property ownership documents.
  • A letter from the property owner if staying with someone else.
  • Proof the home is not overcrowded and meets UK housing standards.

English Language Requirement

  • Approved English language test (e.g., IELTS Life Skills A1 or Trinity College GESE Grade 2)
  • The test must be taken at a UKVI-approved center.
  • Exempt if you are from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC.

Visa Application Process

  • Completed online application form.
  • Payment of visa fee (around £1,538, varies by location and currency).
  • Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and a photo.

How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa?

Applying for the UK Fiancé Visa takes time and care. You must follow each step exactly to avoid delays or rejection. Here’s what to do to apply for this kind of UK visa:

1. Start Your Application Online

  • Go to the official UK visa website.
  • In the search bar, type “Fiancé Visa” or “Apply to join family living permanently in the UK”.
  • Choose the option that says you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.
  • Click “Apply Now” and make an account to begin your online visa application.
  • Choose your location (where you’re applying from) and follow the form step by step.
  • Answer all questions truthfully and carefully.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

  • At the end of the online form, you must pay the visa fee.
  • As of 2025, the fee is about £1,538 if applying from outside the UK (check current fee on UK visa website).
  • You can pay with a credit or debit card.
  • After paying, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application number.

3. Book Your Biometric Appointment

  • You will be asked to book a biometric appointment at a visa application center near you.
  • This is where you give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
  • The website will show a list of centers in your country. Select a location, date, and time that works for you.
  • Print your appointment confirmation and bring with you.

4. Upload or Submit Your Documents

  • Before your appointment, gather all required documents.
  • Depending on your location, you will upload documents online through a visa document portal like VFS Global or TLScontact.
  • Some visa centers may also allow you to bring your documents in person.
  • Follow the instructions given during your appointment booking.

5. Attend Your Biometric Appointment

  • Arrive at the visa center on time with your passport and any needed documents.
  • Give your fingerprints and photo.
  • Staff may scan your documents if required.

6. Wait for a Decision

  • After your appointment, the UK Home Office will start reviewing your application.
  • Processing usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, but it may be longer.
  • You will get an email or text once a decision is made.
  • If you get approved, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport that lets you enter the UK.
  • You must travel to the UK within 30 days of the date on your visa.

7. Enter the UK and Get Married

  • After entering the UK, you must get married within 6 months.
  • After you get married, you can apply for a spouse visa from inside the UK.

UK Fiancé Visa Processing Time

The UK Fiancé Visa takes some time to process. After you apply, the visa center checks your documents and details. You also need to go to an appointment to give your fingerprints and photo. Then, the UK Home Office makes a decision. How long this takes can depend on many things, like how busy they are or if they need more checks. Below is a simple list of how much time each part usually takes.

  • Completing the online application takes 1 to 2 hours.
  • Paying the visa fee takes 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Booking the biometric appointment takes 1 to 2 days.
  • Collecting all required documents takes 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Uploading or bringing documents to your appointment takes 1 to 2 days.
  • Attending the biometric appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Waiting for the visa decision takes 8 to 12 weeks after your appointment.

Free Consultations on UK Fiancé Visa

At Visa Library, we offer free help for the UK Fiancé Visa. You can talk to our visa experts who know the rules. We check your papers and show you what to do step by step. Many people get refused because of small mistakes. Our free consultation service can make things easier and avoid delays. We explain everything in simple words and stay with you until you get your visa.

Let’s Recap

The UK Fiancé Visa helps you join your partner in the UK and start your life together. You must follow all rules and send the right documents. Do not leave out important details. The process may seem hard, but with proper help, you can succeed. Visa Library supports many couples with the UK Fiancé Visa. You can book a free call and start your visa journey today.

FAQs

The UK partner must earn at least £18,600 a year before tax. If the partner cannot meet this through salary, savings above £62,500 may help.

The UK Fiancé Visa allows you to stay in the UK for six months. You must marry your partner during this time.

You can appeal or reapply with better documents. It is important to fix the issues before applying again.

The UK Fiancé Visa usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks. The time may be longer if the Home Office needs more information.

To bring your girlfriend to the UK permanently, you must be engaged. You must apply for a UK Fiancé Visa. After marriage in the UK, she can apply for a spouse visa.

Max Behroozi is a visa consultation expert who helps travelers with their visa needs. He makes the process simple and clear. Max loves to explore new places and find hidden gems. He shares his adventures in his writing. He enjoys coffee and believes great stories come from local cafes. Through his articles and consultations, Max inspires others to travel and discover the world.
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