Fiancé Visas

Fiancé Visas – How to Bring Your Partner to the UK to Marry and Begin Your Life Together

Planning a wedding should be a joyful experience, yet for many couples, the UK’s immigration rules can turn an exciting milestone into a stressful and uncertain process. The fiancé visa route allows non-UK nationals to come to the UK for the purpose of marrying or entering a civil partnership with a British or settled partner. Once married, the applicant can then switch to a spouse visa and begin their path toward long-term residence and, ultimately, settlement.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we help couples navigate this important process with clarity, structure and reassurance. Our team prepares strong, well-evidenced applications, guiding you through each step so your plans stay on track and you can focus on your future together.

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa allows a non-UK partner to enter the UK for six months to marry their British or settled partner. After the marriage or civil partnership takes place, the applicant must switch into the spouse visa route from within the UK to secure lawful status and the right to work.

Key features:

• Permission to enter the UK for marriage
  
• Six-month duration
  
• No right to work until switching into the spouse visa
  
• A pathway to settlement over the long term
  

This route is separate from the spouse or unmarried partner categories and is specifically intended for couples who intend to marry in the UK.

Who Can Apply for a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa can be sponsored by:

• A British citizen
  
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain
  
• A person with Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  
• A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection
  
• An Irish citizen
• A person with pre-settled status (Appendix EU)
• In limited cases, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holder
  

Age Requirement

Both the applicant and the sponsor must be aged 18 or over at the date of application.

Application Must Be Made From Outside the UK

All fiancé visa applications must be submitted from outside the UK. Switching into the fiancé route from inside the UK is only possible in exceptional circumstances, such as where the applicant cannot safely travel due to serious illness or other unavoidable reasons.

Eligibility Requirements – What You Must Show

Fiancé visas fall under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. The Home Office assesses relationship evidence, intentions to marry, financial stability, accommodation and general suitability.

Requirement to Have Met in Person

You and your partner must have met in person at least once before applying. Online-only or exclusively virtual relationships do not meet this requirement.

Any Previous Relationships Must Be Legally Ended

Any previous marriages, civil partnerships or long-term relationships for either partner must have permanently ended before applying. You may need to provide divorce decrees, annulment documents or death certificates.

1. A Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

You must show that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, with a clear intention to live together permanently after marriage. Evidence may include:

• Photos together
  
• Travel records
  
• Screenshots of communication
  
• Statements from both partners
  
• Evidence of visits
  
• Supporting letters from family or friends
  

We help present this evidence clearly and in a format that meets Home Office expectations.

2. Intention to Marry in the UK

You must show that you intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within the six-month visa period. Evidence may include:

• Provisional booking confirmations
  
• Emails with registrars
  
• Venue communications
  
• Wedding planning documents
  
• Personal statements outlining your plans
  

If you cannot make full bookings before arrival, we help you evidence intent in alternative ways.

3. Financial Requirement

The UK partner must meet the minimum financial threshold.

Current Minimum Income Threshold

The minimum gross income threshold for a partner with no dependent children is £29,000 as of early 2025. This figure is expected to rise under planned Home Office reforms, and applicants must confirm the threshold at the date of application, as staged increases are anticipated.

Higher Thresholds When Children Are Included

If you are sponsoring dependent children, the financial requirement is higher. We calculate the correct threshold and help evidence it properly.

Acceptable Income Sources

You may rely on:

• Employment income
  
• Self-employment income
  
• Non-employment income
  
• Pension income
  
• Cash savings
  
• A combination of income and savings
  

The financial requirement is one of the most technical areas of the rules. We help couples prepare fully compliant documentary evidence.

4. Accommodation Requirement

You must show that suitable accommodation is available which is:

• Adequate
• Not overcrowded
• Not in breach of public health regulations
• Lawfully occupied and free from serious health hazards
  

If the couple will live with family or friends, you must also provide written permission and evidence showing that there is sufficient space.

5. English Language Requirement

The applicant must meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level A1 unless exempt.

Exemptions include:

• Being aged 65 or over
  
• Having a physical or mental condition preventing compliance
  
• Being from a majority English-speaking country recognised by the Home Office
  

We assess the simplest route to meet this requirement based on your circumstances.

6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Requirement

Applicants applying from listed countries must provide a TB test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. We confirm whether this applies and help identify authorised testing centres.

7. Suitability Criteria

Applicants must show that they do not fall foul of the Home Office’s “suitability” requirements. This includes demonstrating:

• No serious criminal convictions
  
• No recent immigration breaches
  
• No deception or false documentation
  
• No issues that may make their presence in the UK contrary to the public good
  

We review your history to ensure no suitability issues arise during consideration.

Fiancé Visa Document Checklist

(Optional sidebar for clients)
A typical evidence bundle includes:

• Valid passport
  
• Evidence of sponsor’s UK immigration status
  
• Proof of relationship and communication
  
• Intent to marry (venue, registrar, planning evidence)
  
• Financial evidence
  
• Accommodation proof
  
• English language certificate
  
• TB test results (if required)
  
• Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
  
• Criminal record certificate (if required)
  

We structure the full pack clearly and index everything for the Home Office.

Length of the Fiancé Visa and What Happens Next

The fiancé visa is granted for six months. During this period, you must:

• Enter the UK
  
• Marry or enter a civil partnership
  
• Apply to switch to the spouse visa before the six-month visa expires
  

Failing to switch before expiry can result in overstaying and serious immigration consequences.

After switching to the spouse visa, you begin the five-year route to settlement.

Restrictions During the Fiancé Visa Period

Fiancé visa holders:

• Cannot work in the UK
• Cannot access public funds
• Cannot study unless specifically authorised by the Home Office
  

Your right to work only begins after switching into the spouse visa.

The Application Process – Step by Step

We guide you through each stage from initial planning to submission.

1. Initial Consultation and Strategy

We explore your relationship, wedding timeline, financial position, accommodation and immigration history to assess eligibility and identify risk factors.

2. Evidence Planning

We prepare a personalised evidence plan covering:

• Relationship proof
  
• Wedding arrangements
  
• Financial documentation
  
• Accommodation
  
• English language and TB requirements
  
• Suitability evidence
  

3. Drafting the Application

We complete the online application on your behalf, ensuring the information is accurate, consistent and clearly presented.

4. Uploading Documents

We prepare a properly indexed evidence bundle and upload all documents in the correct format.

5. Biometric Appointment

You must attend a visa centre overseas to provide fingerprints and photographs.

6. Decision Timeline

Typical processing times:

• Up to 24 weeks for overseas applications
  

Priority services may be available depending on location and capacity.

Common Concerns and How We Help

We support clients through issues such as:

• Difficulty evidencing intention to marry: We help build strong statements and supporting documentation.
• Meeting the evolving financial threshold: We calculate the most effective route and provide full document guidance.
• Cross-border challenges: We assist with documentation from multiple jurisdictions or limited in-person meetings.
• Previous refusals: We analyse refusal letters, identify weaknesses and rebuild a stronger, clearer application.
• Suitability-based refusals: Where refusals arise from suitability or relationship concerns, we provide strategic advice and prepare a robust follow-up application.

Switching Into the Fiancé Route From Another Visa

Switching into the fiancé route from inside the UK is not usually permitted, and applications must normally be made from abroad.

Exceptional Circumstances

In rare cases, switching may be allowed where the applicant cannot return overseas due to:

• Serious illness
  
• Disability
  
• Other unavoidable, exceptional circumstances
  

We advise on whether exceptional circumstances apply and help prepare the strongest case.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

• Clear guidance for a high-stakes application: Fiancé visas carry personal and emotional importance. Our team supports couples with clarity, reassurance and practical solutions.
• High-quality evidence preparation: We produce thorough, well-indexed bundles that reduce Home Office delays and improve success rates.
• A supportive, friendly and accessible team: We communicate proactively and explain complex rules in straightforward language.
• Transparent and fair pricing: Our fees are clear, competitive and structured to deliver excellent value.
• Help beyond the fiancé visa: We support you through the spouse visa, extensions and settlement, ensuring continuity across your immigration journey.

Speak to Our Immigration Team Today

A fiancé visa is the first step towards building your future together in the UK. Whether you are planning ahead, facing time pressures or need help with a previous refusal, our team provides clear, supportive and effective guidance from start to finish.

Contact The Jonathan Lea Network today to speak with our immigration team and begin your fiancé visa application with complete confidence.

We offer a no-cost, no-obligation 20-minute introductory call as a starting point or, in some cases, if you would just like some initial advice and guidance, we will instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment (charged from £250 plus VAT to £350 plus VAT* depending on the complexity of the issues and seniority of the fee earner).

Please email wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net providing us with any relevant information ensuring that any call we have is as productive as possible or call us on 01444 708640. After this call, we can then email you a scope of work, fee estimate (or fixed fee quote if possible), and confirmation of any other points or information mentioned on the call.

Photo by Rachel McDermott on Unsplash