Fiancé(e) Visa — marry in the UK within 6 months
Clear eligibility checks, precise financial requirement guidance, and a decision-ready application. We’ll also plan your switch to the Spouse/Civil Partner visa after the ceremony.
At-a-glance
Stay: 6 months No work permitted No IHS (6-month visa) Financial requirement £29,000 English level A1
After your marriage / civil partnership in the UK, apply to switch to a Spouse or Civil Partner visa before your 6-month leave expires.
Who can apply
- You and your partner are both aged 18 or over and free to marry or enter a civil partnership.
- Your partner is British or Irish, has settled status, or holds another qualifying immigration status.
- You intend to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months and live together permanently afterwards.
- You have adequate accommodation and meet the financial and English language requirements.
All fiancé(e) visa applications are made from outside the UK. After your ceremony, you can switch to the Spouse or Civil Partner visa before your 6-month leave expires.
English language requirement
- Entry clearance: CEFR A1 speaking & listening (approved SELT test) or equivalent qualification.
- Higher levels (A2/B1) are also acceptable if achieved.
- Exemptions apply for certain ages, medical conditions, or recognised English-taught degrees.
We’ll confirm your test provider, booking process, and any available exemptions during your consultation.
Financial Requirement
Most fiancé(e) visa applicants must meet the minimum income requirement (MIR) of £29,000 per year. This can be met through employment, self-employment, other income, or savings — or a combination of these. Children do not increase the required figure for new applications made on or after 11 April 2024. Sponsors on certain specified benefits are assessed under the adequate maintenance test instead.
- Employment: Provide payslips and matching bank statements (usually 6 months) with an employer letter.
- Self-employment: Provide SA302/tax year overviews, accounts, and business bank statements for the required financial year(s).
- Other income: Pensions, rental income, or dividends can count with the correct supporting evidence.
- Cash savings: Can meet or “top-up” income using £16,000 + 2.5 × shortfall. Fully savings-based route typically needs £88,500.
We’ll confirm your category, calculate exact figures, and list every required document under Appendix FM-SE to make your case decision-ready.
Home Office Fees & Health Surcharge (IHS)
The figures below are the latest guide amounts. They can change — we’ll confirm the exact totals before filing.
| What | Amount (guide) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fiancé(e) visa (outside the UK) | £1,938 | Per applicant. 6-month visa to marry or form a civil partnership. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Not payable | No IHS for a 6-month fiancé(e) visa. IHS is paid when switching to Spouse/Civil Partner. |
| Priority service | +£500 | Faster decision target where offered (availability varies by VAC). |
| Super Priority service | +£1,000 | Next-working-day target where available (not guaranteed). |
Documents you’ll need
- Passports and recent photos (for both partners).
- Evidence that both parties are free to marry or form a civil partnership (e.g. divorce decree if applicable).
- Proof of genuine relationship — messages, travel, visits, joint commitments, or shared plans.
- Proof of wedding plans in the UK — booking confirmations or marriage notice where available.
- Proof of adequate accommodation in the UK (tenancy agreement, title deeds, or permission letter).
We’ll organise your supporting documents into a clean, Home Office–ready bundle.
Financial & English evidence
- Employment evidence — payslips, matching bank statements, and employer letter.
- Self-employment — SA302s, accounts, and business bank statements for the relevant tax year.
- Other income or savings — pensions, rental income, or savings statements (6+ months).
- Approved English test certificate at CEFR A1, or exemption/degree evidence.
We’ll confirm your financial category and the exact documents required under Appendix FM-SE.
Important conditions
- No work permitted while on a Fiancé(e) visa.
- The visa is granted for 6 months — you must marry or form your civil partnership within that period.
- After marriage, apply to switch to the Spouse or Civil Partner visa before your Fiancé(e) visa expires.
- The switch marks the start of your 5-year route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- Ensure your wedding and application timelines allow enough time to book your UKVCAS appointment.
Decision times
Home Office processing times vary by country, season, and case complexity. Below are the most common turnaround times for Fiancé(e) visa applications.
Outside the UK (standard service)
About 12 weeks from biometric appointment to decision for straightforward cases.
Priority service (optional)
~30 working days target in some countries — faster, but not guaranteed.
Super Priority (where available)
Next working day target once biometrics are submitted, subject to capacity.
- We’ll help you choose the right appointment and service level for your wedding timeline.
- Delays may occur if the Home Office requests further information or additional checks.
Plan your Fiancé(e) Visa with confidence
We’ll confirm your eligibility, calculate the financial requirement precisely, and prepare a clear, decision-ready document bundle for submission.