Planning to join your partner in the UK through marriage or civil partnership? The UK offers several visa routes that allow partners and spouses to reunite and live together in the country. Two of the most common visa options are the Fiancé Visa UK and the Spouse Visa UK. Each visa has distinct requirements, conditions, and eligibility criteria, depending on whether you plan to marry or are already married.
This guide will walk you through the key differences between the Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa, the eligibility requirements for each, and the steps involved in applying.
What is the Fiancé Visa UK?
The Fiance Visa UK allows an engaged partner of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to enter the country for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. This visa gives couples the opportunity to be together and marry within six months of entering the UK.
Key Requirements for the Fiancé Visa UK:
Relationship Proof: You must prove that your relationship is genuine, and you intend to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
Financial Requirement: The sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year or have enough savings to support the fiancé.
English Language: The applicant must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test or providing proof of an acceptable English qualification.
Accommodation: You need to show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK where you can live together without requiring public funds.
Fiancé Visa Duration and Extension
The Fiancé Visa is initially granted for six months. During this period, the couple must marry or enter a civil partnership. Once married, the applicant can apply to switch to the Spouse Visa UK, which allows a longer stay and ultimately leads to settlement.
What is the Spouse Visa UK?
The Spouse Visa UK is intended for partners who are already married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. This visa allows the spouse to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years, with the option to extend and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Key Requirements for the Spouse Visa UK:
Marriage or Civil Partnership: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who has settled in the UK.
Genuine Relationship: You need to provide evidence of your ongoing and genuine relationship, including proof of shared financial responsibilities, communication, and living arrangements.
Financial Requirement: Similar to the Fiancé Visa, the sponsoring partner must earn at least £18,600 annually or have enough savings to meet the financial requirements.
English Language: The spouse applying for the visa must demonstrate proficiency in English by passing an approved language test or providing proof of education in English.
Accommodation and Support: You need to show that you and your spouse have adequate accommodation and can financially support yourselves without needing public funds.
Spouse Visa Duration and Extension
The Spouse Visa is granted for an initial period of 30 months (2.5 years). After this period, you can apply for an extension of another 30 months. After completing five years on the Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which can lead to British citizenship.
Key Differences Between the Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa UK
Marriage Status:
The Fiancé Visa is for couples who are engaged and planning to marry in the UK.
The Spouse Visa is for couples who are already married or in a civil partnership.
Permission to Work:
Fiancé Visa holders cannot work while in the UK on this visa. You are only allowed to work after switching to a Spouse Visa once you are married.
Spouse Visa holders are allowed to work in the UK as soon as their visa is granted.
Duration of Stay:
The Fiancé Visa is valid for six months, within which the marriage must take place.
The Spouse Visa is initially valid for 2.5 years and can be extended.
Switching to Spouse Visa:
Once you marry on a Fiancé Visa, you will need to apply to switch to the Spouse Visa to stay in the UK for the long term.
If you already hold a Spouse Visa, no switching is needed unless you plan to extend or apply for ILR.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
The Fiancé Visa does not count toward the five years needed to apply for ILR. Only the time spent on the Spouse Visa contributes.
For the Spouse Visa, your five-year path to settlement begins when you receive the visa.
Application Process for the Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa
The application process for both visas involves submitting detailed documentation to prove your relationship, financial status, and intent to marry or your existing marriage. Here’s a brief overview of the application steps for each:
Fiancé Visa UK:
Prepare Documents: Gather documents proving your relationship, financial stability, accommodation, and English language skills.
Submit Application: Apply online through the UK government’s visa portal.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: You will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center.
Wait for a Decision: The processing time can take up to 12 weeks.
Enter the UK: Once approved, you can enter the UK to marry within six months.
Spouse Visa UK:
Prepare Documents: Provide marriage certificates, evidence of a genuine relationship, proof of income, and accommodation.
Submit Application: Complete the online application for a Spouse Visa.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: Attend the appointment and provide your biometric details.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary but can take up to 12 weeks.
Live and Work in the UK: After receiving your Spouse Visa, you can live and work in the UK.
Conclusion
Both the spouse visa uk provide a pathway for couples to live together in the UK. The key difference lies in the timing of your marriage or civil partnership. If you are engaged and planning to marry soon, the Fiancé Visa is your best option. If you are already married or in a civil partnership, the Spouse Visa allows you to settle, work, and live in the UK for the long term.