If you came to the UK on a Fiance Visa, your next step after marriage is switching to a Spouse Visa. This guide explains everything you need to know about moving from a UK Fiance Visa to Spouse Visa, including requirements, process, and common mistakes to avoid.
A quick reminder of what the UK Fiance Visa is
A UK Fiance Visa allows you to come to the UK for six months to marry or enter a civil partnership with your British or settled partner. It’s meant for couples who plan to live together permanently in the UK after marriage.
Valid for 6 months
You cannot work or claim benefits
You must marry within six months of arrival
Requirements for the UK Fiance Visa
To qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, you and your partner must meet these conditions:
Both are 18 or older
You have met in person and are in a genuine relationship
You plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months
You meet the financial requirement (minimum £29,000 income from April 2024)
You meet the English language requirement (A1 level or higher)
You have suitable accommodation without relying on public funds
After arriving in the UK
Once you arrive, you must marry or form a civil partnership before your visa expires.
During this period, you cannot work, study, or claim public benefits.
3 important steps
Get married or register your civil partnership within 6 months.
Keep evidence of your relationship and wedding (photos, bills, messages).
Prepare your documents for switching to the Spouse Visa.
Switching from UK Fiance Visa to Spouse Visa
After your marriage, you can apply inside the UK to switch from a UK Fiance Visa to Spouse Visa.
You must do this before your Fiance Visa expires.
Eligibility
To switch successfully, you must:
Hold a valid UK Fiance Visa
Be legally married or in a civil partnership
Live with your partner in the UK
Meet the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements
Documents you’ll need
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Passports and biometric residence permit (if applicable)
Proof of relationship (joint bills, tenancy, messages, photos)
Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, self-employment proof)
Accommodation documents (tenancy, mortgage, or property letter)
How to switch to UK Fiance Visa to Spouse Visa
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Upload documents and book a biometric appointment
Wait for a decision (usually within a few weeks)
Once approved, you’ll receive a 30-month Spouse Visa, allowing you to work, study, and live in the UK.
After getting the Spouse Visa
Your Spouse Visa lasts for 2.5 years (30 months)
You can apply for an extension before it expires
After 5 years on the Spouse Visa route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Time spent on the Fiance Visa does not count towards ILR
Common mistakes to avoid
Not getting married within the 6-month Fiance Visa period
Waiting too long to apply for the Spouse Visa
Missing the £29,000 income rule
Sending incomplete or weak relationship evidence
Assuming you can work on a Fiance Visa (you cannot)
Switching from a UK Fiance Visa to Spouse Visa is the key step to start your life together in the UK.
Marry within six months, meet the visa rules, and apply before your Fiance Visa expires. Once approved, you’ll gain the right to live and work in the UK with your partner — and begin your path to settlement.
