If you plan to marry your partner in the UK, the UK Fiance Visa lets you enter the country to get married and then apply to stay long-term. This visa is for people engaged to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
What is UK Fiance Visa?
The UK Fiance Visa allows you to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arrival.
After the marriage, you can apply for a UK Spouse Visa, which lets you live, work, and study in the UK permanently.
UK Fiance Visa requirements: What documents are needed for a fiance visa?
When applying for a UK Fiance Visa, you must provide documents that prove your identity, relationship, financial stability, and intention to marry. Missing or weak evidence is one of the main reasons for visa refusals, so it’s important to prepare a full set of papers.
Category | Documents Required |
Personal Documents | - Valid passport- Previous passports (if any)- Two passport-size photos- Birth certificate (optional)- TB test certificate (if required) |
Proof of Relationship | - Photos together (different times and places)- Chat logs, emails, or call records- Travel tickets or entry stamps- Engagement or wedding plans (venue booking, invitations, receipts)- Letters from family or friends confirming relationship |
Proof of Intention to Marry | - Wedding venue or registry booking confirmation- Emails or letters with registrar- Receipts or invoices for wedding arrangements |
Financial Documents | - 6 months of payslips- 6 months of bank statements- Employer letter (job, salary, start date)- Tax records (P60 or self-employment proof)- Savings statements (if used to meet the requirement) |
Accommodation Documents | - Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement- Letter from landlord or homeowner- Photos or description of the home- Council tax or utility bills in partner’s name |
English Language Proof | - A1 English test certificate- Degree taught in English- Passport from an English-speaking country |
Sponsor’s Status Documents | - British or Irish passport- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)- Home Office letter confirming ILR or Settled Status |
Previous Relationship Documents (if relevant) | - Divorce decree or annulment certificate- Death certificate of previous partner |
Application & Payment Receipts | - Online visa application confirmation- Visa fee payment receipt- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) receipt- Biometrics appointment confirmation |
From January 2026, migrants applying for key visa routes will need to show an A-level standard of English, also known as B2 level English under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Explore the new immigrants’ English language requirement here.
So, to apply for a UK Fiance Visa, you’ll need:
Identity and passport documents
Proof of genuine relationship
Evidence of wedding plans
Financial and accommodation proof
English test certificate
Partner’s UK status documents
Having complete and well-organised documents will make your UK Fiance Visa application much stronger and reduce the risk of refusal.
How to apply for your UK Fiance Visa
Pay the visa fee.
Book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.
Submit required documents.
Wait for the decision.
Applying with your children for UK Fiance Visa
You can include your children under 18 in your UK Fiance Visa application if they are unmarried and depend on you.
Requirements
Children must live with and rely on you or your UK partner.
Your partner must earn more to include children:
£29,000 for you
+ £3,800 for the first child
+ £2,400 for each additional child
Documents
Child’s passport and birth certificate
Proof of relationship to both parents
Consent letter from the other parent (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation and financial support
After marriage
Children get their own dependent visas.
When you switch to a Spouse Visa, they must switch too.
UK Fiance Visa processing time
The UK Fiance Visa usually takes around 2 to 3 months to process.
What you can and can’t do on your UK Fiance Visa?
You can:
Enter the UK to marry your partner
Apply for a UK Spouse Visa after the wedding
You can’t:
Work or study while on a Fiance Visa
Get public funds or benefits
How long you can stay?
The UK Fiance Visa is valid for 6 months.
During this period, you must enter the UK and get married or enter a civil partnership with your partner. The Fiance Visa cannot be extended unless there is a strong reason you couldn’t marry in time (for example, a wedding venue cancellation or illness).
After marriage: Switch to a Spouse Visa
Once married, you can switch to a UK Spouse Visa from inside the UK.
This visa lets you:
Work and study
Live together permanently
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
Time spent on a UK Fiance Visa does not count toward settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The 5-year path to settlement begins only after you switch to a Spouse Visa.
Common reasons for UK Fiance Visa refusals
Not enough proof of a genuine relationship
Missing financial documents
Incorrect or incomplete forms
Poor timing (e.g., wedding planned too close to visa expiry)
To avoid delays, check every document and make sure all details match.
The UK Fiance Visa is the first step for couples who want to marry and build a life in the UK.
By meeting the requirements and preparing your documents early, you can make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.
