- 05 October 2023
- Immigration
In today’s interconnected world, couples often find themselves in different countries. If you’re planning to marry a UK citizen or settle down in the UK with your fiancé, you’ll likely need to apply for a Fiancé Visa.
The Fiancé Visa, also known as the Engagement Visa, falls under the umbrella of the family visa scheme. It allows a qualified foreign individual aged 18 and above to come to the UK for the purpose of marrying or forming a civil partnership with a British citizen or with a person settled in the UK (e.g. with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status).
If all the criteria are met and a Fiancé visa is granted, this visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, during which time you should marry your partner. Following your initial stay, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, granting you 33 months in the UK. You can further extend this for another 30 months, and eventually, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you permanent residence in the UK and free from immigration restrictions.
Fiancé visa eligibility requirements
To make a successful application for a Fiancé Visa, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- You and your partner must be at least 18 years old
- You both intend to get married or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival in the UK
- Your partner is either a British or Irish citizen, has obtained settled status in the UK (e.g. through indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status), or may also hold a UK Turkish businessperson visa, UK Turkish worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
- You and your partner must be able to financially support yourselves. You will need to show you have a combined income of at least £18,600
- You must have suitable accommodation in the UK
- You have sufficient knowledge of the English language (e.g. Have passed an English language test at level a1 on the common European framework of reference for languages (CEFR) scale)
Genuine relationship requirements
In addition to the criteria above, you must be able to evidence that your relationship with your partner is genuine and subsisting, that you both plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving in the UK and that you intend to live with your partner in the UK once you are married or have entered into a civil partnership.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) closely scrutinizes potential ‘sham’ relationships where applicants falsely claim to be in eligible relationships. There isn’t a specific set of documents for proving your relationship; instead, you must provide ample evidence to establish the authenticity of your relationship with your UK-based partner.
Evidence may include:
- Bank statements reflecting joint accounts
- Documentation showcasing shared accommodation
- Birth certificates for any children born from the relationship
- Reference letters from family, friends, and professionals who can confirm the genuineness of your relationship
- Information detailing the duration of your relationship, how you met, and the frequency of your meetings.
UK Visas and Immigration closely scrutinizes potential ‘sham’ relationships where applicants falsely claim to be in eligible relationships.
Financial requirements
To qualify for a Fiancé Visa, you and your UK-based partner must meet specific financial requirements. You and your partner must have a minimum combined gross annual income of £18,600. If you have children, you’ll need an additional £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. For instance, if you have two dependent children, the minimum income requirement rises to £24,800, and for three children, it becomes £27,200.
Various sources of income can be considered for your Fiancé Visa application, including income from employment or self-employment, pensions from either the applicant or partner, maternity allowances, or bereavement benefits received by the partner in the UK, and any other income or savings specified by either of you.
You can also use savings to meet the financial requirement, provided your savings exceed £16,000. If you possess enough savings, such as £62,500, you won’t need to showcase any specific income.
The Home Office calculates this as follows:
Step 1: Take the amount of savings over £16,000 and divide it by 2.5 (representing the number of years these savings should cover).
Step 2: Deduct the result from the minimum income requirement based on your situation (i.e., £18,600 or higher if you have children).
For example, if you have £30,000 in savings:
£30,000 – £16,000 = £14,000 / 2.5 = £5,600
So, in this case, you would only need to demonstrate an annual income of £13,000 if you have savings of £30,000.
When you submit your Fiancé Visa application, you’ll be required to create and sign a declaration specifying the source of your cash savings.
Accommodation requirements
UK Fiancé Visa applicants must show they have suitable accommodation in the UK and it:
- Is owned or occupied exclusively by the applicant and their family members
- Has sufficient living space
- Meets any public health requirements
- Will be obtained without recourse to public funds
Applying for a UK Fiancé Visa can be a challenging process, but with thorough preparation, adherence to requirements, and patience, you can successfully obtain the visa and start your life together in the UK. Remember to start the application process well in advance of your intended marriage date to ensure a smooth transition and a happy beginning to your new life as a couple in the UK.
Love will know no borders provided your application is prepared with attention to the smallest detail. Our immigration lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining fiancé, spouse and unmarried partner visas for applicants wishing to come to the UK as the partner of a British citizen or person present and settled in the UK.
We can advise you on the eligibility requirements for a partner visa application and once instructed will inform you of the documents required which would demonstrate you meet the relationship, financial, English language and suitability requirements.
We understand from experience that relationship-based applications are supported by a vast amount of documentary evidence which is why we will review your documents and prepare legal representations in support of your application.
About this article
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SubjectFiancé visa UK Guide
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Author
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ExpertiseImmigration
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Published05 October 2023
Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.
About this article
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SubjectFiancé visa UK Guide
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Author
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ExpertiseImmigration
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Published05 October 2023
Immigration Fee Surcharge – October 2023
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £100 | £115 | £15 |
| Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £376 | £400 | £24 |
| Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £670 | £771 | £101 |
| Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £837 | £963 | £126 |
| Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months | £200 | £200 | £0 |
| Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 | £200 | £0 |
| Transit visa (direct airside transit) | £35 | £35 | £0 |
| Transit visit visa (landside transit) | £64 | £64 | £0 |
| Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft | £64 | £64 | £0 |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | £30 | £30 | £0 |
| Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | £154 | £154 | £0 |
| Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (outside the UK) | £388 | £388 | £0 |
| Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas | £154 | £154 | £0 |
| Other visa | £531 | £637 | £106 |
| Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants | £180 | £180 | £0 |
| Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Route to Settlement | £1538 | £1846 | £308 |
| Route to Settlement – other dependant relative | £3250 | £3250 | £0 |
| Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative | £388 | £404 | £16 |
| Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of a member of the armed forces under Appendix Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules | £2404 | £2885 | £481 |
| Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces under paragraph 13 of Appendix Armed Forces to the immigration rules | £2404 | £2885 | £481 |
| Call out/ out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) – service of consular officers | £142 | £142 | £0 |
| Receiving, preparing and forwarding documents – consular functions | £141 | £141 | £0 |
| Administrative review | £80 | £80 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants | £1036 | £1191 | £155 |
| Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1000 | £1000 | £0 |
| Start-up – main applicant and dependants | £378 | £435 | £57 |
| Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | £456 | £524 | £68 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required | £167 | £192 | £25 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Global Talent – dependants only | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependants only | £1036 | £1191 | £155 |
| Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants | £1638 | £1884 | £246 |
| Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | £94 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1235 | £1420 | £185 |
| Skilled Worker – shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £943 | £1084 | £141 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants | £247 | £284 | £37 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants | £247 | £284 | £37 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | £94 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | £94 |
| Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | £94 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | £94 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1235 | £1420 | £185 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Scale-up – main applicant and dependants | £715 | £822 | £107 |
| High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants | £715 | £822 | £107 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student – main applicant and dependants | £490 | £490 | £0 |
| Child student | £490 | £490 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa service – Settlement | £573 | £500 | -£73 |
| Priority Visa service – Non-Settlement | £250 | £500 | £250 |
| Super Priority Visa service | £956 | £1000 | £44 |
| User Pays Visa Application service | £55 | £76.50 | £21.50 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to provide any premium service relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer) | £77.40 | £77.40 | £0 |
| International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query) | £2.74 | £2.74 | £0 |
| International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute) | £0.69 | £0.69 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Priority service | £800 | £1000 | £200 |
| Expedited processing – Priority service | £500 | £500 | £0 |
| On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) (per hour per representative of the contractor providing the service) | £650 | £650 | £0 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, to a Government Department, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom | £57.33 | £57.33 | £0 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer) | £77.40 | £77.40 | £0 |
| Premium status checks and advice – Administrative Officer (per minute) | £0.80 | £0.80 | £0 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) | £0.88 | £0.88 | £0 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) | £1.10 | £1.10 | £0 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) | £0.97 | £0.97 | £0 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) | £1.23 | £1.23 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Traveller (Adult) – Yearly Subscription (per year) | £50 | £50 | £0 |
| Registered Traveller (Child) – Yearly Subscription (per year) | £24 | £24 | £0 |
| Registered Traveller – Registration of New Documents | £20 | £20 | £0 |
| Fast Track – Heathrow | £5.20 | £5.20 | £0 |
| Fast Track – Other ports of entry | £3.00 | £3.00 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants | £1292 | £1486 | £194 |
| Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1000 | £1000 | £0 |
| Start-up – main applicant and dependants | £508 | £584 | £76 |
| Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | £456 | £524 | £68 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required | £167 | £192 | £25 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Global Talent – dependants only | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Graduate Route – main applicant and dependants | £715 | £822 | £107 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only | £623 | £716 | £93 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – main applicant and dependants | £1292 | £1486 | £194 |
| Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants | £1638 | £1884 | £246 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | £108 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1423 | £1500 | £77 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £943 | £1084 | £141 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £247 | £284 | £37 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £247 | £284 | £37 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation –Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | £72 |
| T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | £108 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | £108 |
| Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement Worker, Government Authorised Exchange Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | £108 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | £108 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1423 | £1500 | £77 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | £39 |
| Scale-up – main applicant and dependants | £715 | £822 | £107 |
| High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants | £715 | £822 | £107 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student – main applicant and dependants | £363 | £490 | £127 |
| Child Student | £363 | £490 | £127 |
| Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 | £200 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants | £1000 | £1000 | £0 |
| Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention | £1048 | £1258 | £210 |
| Leave to remain– Other | £1048 | £1048 | £0 |
| Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants | £180 | £180 | £0 |
| Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid | £25 | £25 | £0 |
| Indefinite leave to remain – main applicants and dependants | £2404 | £2885 | £481 |
| Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed | £19 | £19 | £0 |
| Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed | £19 | £19 | £0 |
| Travel Document – Certificate of travel – adult | £280 | £280 | £0 |
| Travel Document – Certificate of travel – child | £141 | £141 | £0 |
| Travel Document – Convention travel document – adult | £75 | £82 | £7 |
| Travel Document – Convention travel document – child | £49 | £53 | £4 |
| Administrative Review | £80 | £80 | £0 |
| Life in the UK test | £50 | £50 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation (British citizenship) | £1250 | £1500 | £250 |
| Naturalisation British overseas territory citizens | £1000 | £1000 | £0 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – adult | £1126 | £1351 | £225 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – child | £1012 | £1214 | £202 |
| The arrangement of a citizenship ceremony (including the administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony). | £80 | £80 | £0 |
| The administration of a citizenship oath, or oath and pledge where the oath, or oath and pledge, are not administered at a citizenship ceremony or by a justice of the peace. | £5 | £5 | £0 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – adult | £901 | £901 | £0 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – child | £810 | £810 | £0 |
| Renunciation of nationality | £372 | £372 | £0 |
| Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (In the UK) | £372 | £372 | £0 |
| Nationality review | £372 | £372 | £0 |
| Status Letter (Nationality) | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Non-acquisition Letter (Nationality) | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Nationality correction to certificate | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Nationality reissued Certificate | £250 | £250 | £0 |
| Fees category | Current Fee | New Fee from 4th October 2023 | Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors | £25000 | £25000 | £0 |
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors | £8000 | £8000 | £0 |
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Student sponsors | £8000 | £8000 | £0 |
| The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor | £200 | £200 | £0 |
| Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications | £500 | £500 | £0 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor ) | £1476 | £1476 | £0 |
| Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor) | £536 | £536 | £0 |
| Student sponsor licence | £536 | £536 | £0 |
| Temporary Worker sponsor licence | £536 | £536 | £0 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1476 | £1476 | £0 |
| Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1476 | £1476 | £0 |
| Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1476 | £1476 | £0 |
| Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence | £536 | £536 | £0 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence | £940 | £940 | £0 |
| Endorsement fee for a Scale-up sponsor licence under Endorsing Body Pathway (payable to the endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1500 | £1500 | £0 |
| Student sponsor basic compliance assessment | £536 | £536 | £0 |
| Sponsor action plan | £1476 | £1476 | £0 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker | £199 | £239 | £40 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Temporary Worker including Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker route, and Scale-up route | £21 | £25 | £4 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – Over 12 Months | £199 | £239 | £40 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – Up to 12 months or less | £21 | £25 | £4 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) for student, child student | £21 | £25 | £4 |
