UK Fiance Visa 2025 – Complete Application Guide

Thinking about tying the knot in the UK? The UK Fiance Visa 2025 – Complete Application Guide is here to help you and your partner start your lives together. This visa lets non-UK nationals who are engaged to a British citizen or someone with settled status come to the UK to marry within six months. Once married, you can switch to a spouse visa so you can stay together long term.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about eligibility, documents, fees, the application process, and how to avoid common mistakes that can delay your plans.

What Is a UK Fiance Visa?

The UK Fiance Visa gives engaged partners permission to enter the UK so they can get married within six months of arrival. It’s designed for couples who plan to build their future together in the UK. Once you’re married, you can apply for a spouse visa without leaving the country. This step is crucial because it helps you move closer to permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

This visa doesn’t allow you to work in the UK. Its purpose is purely to give you time to organise your wedding and settle your relationship plans.

Who Can Apply for a UK Fiance Visa?

You can apply if you are:

• A non-UK national aged 18 or over. 
• Engaged to marry a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence. 
• Both you and your partner are legally free to marry. 
• Both of you genuinely plan to marry within six months of your arrival. 
• You and your partner intend to live together in the UK permanently after marriage.

If you or your partner don’t meet these requirements, your visa application is likely to be refused.

Requirements for a UK Fiance Visa (2025)

Relationship Requirements

You must show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Evidence could include photos together, travel tickets, chat logs, call records, and written statements explaining your relationship’s history.

You’ll also need proof of your wedding plans, such as a venue booking, receipt for a wedding dress or rings, or a letter from the registrar confirming your notice of marriage.

Financial Requirements

You or your UK-based partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year (as of 11 April 2024). This is a combined gross annual income from acceptable sources.

If you plan to bring dependent children, the income requirement will increase. The exact additional amounts for children under the new rules are yet to be confirmed in full guidance; however, you should plan for a higher threshold per child. Always check the latest Home Office updates before applying.

If you can’t meet the full income threshold through salary or self-employment, you may use cash savings to help meet the requirement. For example:

Using cash savings: If you have £88,500 or more held in your name or your partner’s for at least six months, this can fully replace the income requirement, meaning you won’t need to show any salary income.

How savings are calculated:

• Only savings over £16,000 count towards the financial requirement.
• The amount above £16,000 is divided by 2.5 (because spouse visas cover 2.5 years) to work out the income equivalent.
• This equivalent amount is then subtracted from the required £29,000, reducing the income you need to prove.

For example:

£90,000 in savings → £90,000 – £16,000 = £74,000 → £74,000 ÷ 2.5 = £29,600 → income requirement is met in full.

Remember, your savings must be in cash form (bank account, savings account) and held for at least six months before applying.

Accommodation Requirement

You must show you have suitable accommodation in the UK where you can live together after marriage without relying on public funds. This can be a rented flat, a house you or your partner own, or staying with family (with their written permission).

English Language Requirement

To prove you can communicate in English, you need to pass an approved English test at A1 level or above, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country or hold a degree taught in English.

UK Fiance Visa Application Process

• Complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website for a Fiance Visa.
• Pay the visa application fee. Unlike spouse visas, the immigration health surcharge (IHS) is not always required for a Fiance Visa, but check the latest guidance. 
• Book and attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre in your country. 
• Gather your supporting documents and upload them as instructed. 
• Wait for UKVI to process your application and make a decision.

Documents Needed

• Your current and valid passport. 
• Your partner’s passport or proof of British citizenship or settled status. 
• Evidence of your genuine relationship (photos, correspondence, travel itineraries). 
• Proof of plans to marry in the UK (venue booking, letters from the registrar).
• Proof of income (payslips, employment letters, tax returns) or savings statements. 
• Proof of accommodation in the UK. 
• English language certificate, if required.

Make sure documents are accurate, up to date, and professionally translated into English if needed.

Fees and Processing Times (2025)

The application fee for a UK Fiance Visa is expected to remain around £1,938 outside the UK, but always check the Home Office website for the most recent rates.

The typical processing time is between 2 to 3 months, depending on your country of application and whether you use priority services. Fast-track options may reduce waiting times for an extra fee.

What Happens After Marriage?

Once you’ve married your partner in the UK, you can apply from within the country to switch to a spouse visa.

A spouse visa is usually valid for 30 months (2.5 years) and allows you to live, work, and study in the UK. After spending five years on a spouse visa, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, giving you permanent residence.

Applying to switch to a spouse visa soon after marriage helps avoid overstaying your Fiance Visa, which cannot be extended in most cases.

Common Reasons for Fiance Visa Refusal

Unfortunately, many Fiance Visa applications are refused due to errors that could have been avoided with proper preparation. The most common reasons include:

• Inadequate financial evidence: missing payslips or bank statements. 
• Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship: failing to include photos, call records, or statements. 
• Incomplete documentation: missing required forms or documents. 
• Not meeting English language or accommodation requirements: lacking a valid English certificate or proof of housing.

Taking time to prepare a complete and well supported application is the best way to avoid delays and refusals.

FAQs – UK Fiance Visa 2025

How long does a UK Fiance Visa last?

A Fiance Visa is typically valid for six months. This gives you enough time to enter the UK, finalise wedding arrangements, and get married.

Can I work in the UK on a Fiance Visa?

No, the Fiance Visa does not allow you to work. You’ll need to switch to a spouse visa after marriage before you can take up employment in the UK.

Can I extend my Fiance Visa?

Fiance Visas are designed for marriage within six months of arrival, so extensions are rare and only granted in exceptional circumstances. If you’re unable to marry within six months due to serious reasons, seek advice immediately.

The UK Fiance Visa 2025 Complete Application Guide gives you and your partner a clear path to starting your life together in the UK. While the application can feel overwhelming, knowing what to expect and preparing your documents carefully will make the process smoother and improve your chances of success.

Remember, the visa is designed to help genuine couples marry and build a future in the UK. It’s important to show clear evidence of your relationship, your wedding plans, and your ability to meet financial and accommodation requirements.

If you want peace of mind that your application is strong and avoids common pitfalls, solicitors in Manchester are here to help. Call us today on: Manchester Office 0161 464 4140 or Book a free online consultation.