Fiancé(e) Visa UK (Priority Service For A Decision Within 30 Working Days)
Applying for a fiancé visa to the UK is a straightforward process when guided by Aden & Co Solicitors. This visa allows you to marry your UK fiancé and is essential for those engaged to a British citizen, is present and settled in the UK, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), has pre-settled status as an EU national, is a refugee or holds humanitarian protection, or holds a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa.
Eligibility and Application Process
A fiancé visa application must be made from outside the UK. The application must comply with the requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. You can expedite your application by opting for the Priority Service, which aims to deliver a decision within 30 working days.
Upon successful entry clearance, you will receive a 6-month UK visa to marry your fiancé After your marriage, you can apply to switch from a fiancé visa to a spouse visa from within the UK.
Free Immigration Advice for Fiancé Visa UK
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of family visa solicitors offers complimentary online immigration advice for your fiancé visa application. Reach out to us with your questions or book an appointment for in-depth consultation regarding your fiancé visa entry clearance.
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Expert Fiancé Visa Lawyers in the UK
Our distinguished team of fiancé visa lawyers in London specializes in processing fiancé visa entry clearance applications. We offer fast-track services to expedite decisions on your application. With a proven track record of assisting thousands of clients through the Priority Service, our team delivers prompt, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration services.
Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for efficient, friendly, and expert support with your fiancé visa application, ensuring a seamless path to your future in the UK.
“Aden & Co Solicitors are renowned experts in UK immigration law, offering top-tier visa and immigration services. Our team of highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal support. The excellence of our services is reflected in our outstanding reputation, with 99% of our clients rating us 5 stars on Google Reviews. Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for unparalleled expertise and a proven track record in achieving successful outcomes for our clients.”
How Much Does a Fiancé(e) Visa UK Cost?
When applying for a fiancé(e) visa from outside the UK, the associated costs are outlined as follows:
Fixed Fees for Your Entry Clearance Application
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our fixed fee for processing your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application ranges between £1,000 and £1,500 (VAT not applicable). The specific fee will depend on the complexity of your case and the volume of work required. An initial payment of 50% is due upon commencement of our services, with the remaining balance payable once your application is fully prepared and ready for submission.
UKVI Fees for Your Entry Clearance Application
In addition to our professional fee, you will need to pay the Home Office UKVI fee for your fiancé(e) visa application, which is £1,846. For expedited processing, you can opt for the Priority Service, which incurs an additional fee of £500, ensuring a decision within 30 working days.
How to Apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance
Follow these steps to apply for a fiancé(e) visa:
- Complete the online application form for a fiancé(e) visa on the UKVI website.
- Submit the completed form online and pay the application fee. Note that there is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application.
- Book an appointment at the UK visa application centre to provide your biometrics and submit your passport.
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF format before attending your biometrics appointment.
- Attend your biometrics appointment and await a decision on your application. Decisions typically take 30 working days if using Priority Service, or 60 working days with the standard service.
Requirements for a Fiancé(e) Visa UK
To qualify for a fiancé(e) visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Application: Submit a valid fiancé(e) visa application in accordance with Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
- Relationship Requirement: To meet the relationship requirement, you must be engaged to a person who is either a British citizen, is present and settled in the UK, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), has pre-settled status as an EU national, is a refugee or holds humanitarian protection, or holds a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa. Additionally, your relationship must be genuine and ongoing
- Age Requirement: Both you and your UK fiancé must be 18 or older.
- Intention to Marry: The applicant must seek entry to the UK as a fiancé(e) with the specific purpose of registering their marriage to their UK fiancé. Additionally, they must clearly demonstrate their intention to marry the UK fiancé upon arrival in the UK
- Suitability Requirement: Meet the suitability criteria set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
- Financial Requirement:
- The applicant’s fiancé must show that he/she has a gross annual income of at least £29,000. The income can be from employment, self-employment or other lawful source of income.
- The financial requirement can also be met if the applicant or his/her fiancé or both of them jointly have savings of £88,500 which must have been in held in their bank account for at least 6 months before the date of the application.
- In cases where the applicant has children, there will no longer be an additional income requirement.
- Some applicants are exempt from meeting the financial requirement of £29,000 or above if the applicant’s fiancé is receiving disability living allowance or severe disablement allowance or industrial injury disablement benefit or attendance allowance or carer’s allowance. In this case, the applicant still needs to provide evidence with his/her fiancé visa application that his/her fiancé is able to maintain and accommodate himself/herself, the applicant and any dependants adequately in the UK without any additional recourse to public funds.
- Accommodation Requirement: The applicant must provide evidence confirming that there will be sufficient accommodation available for themselves and any other family members living in the same household, regardless of whether they are included in the visa application. This accommodation must be owned or exclusively occupied by the family and must be adequate for their needs without relying on public funds.
- English Language Requirement:
- The applicant also needs to meet an English Language Requirement, This can be shown by providing evidence to show that the applicant is a national of a majority English speaking country or has passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages with a provider approved by the Home Office or that the applicant has an academic qualification recognised by UK NARIC as equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD degree in the UK and that the degree was taught in English.
- The applicant does not need to meet the English Language Requirement if at the at the date of application the applicant is aged 65 or over or has a disability (physical or mental) which prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement orthere are exceptional circumstances which prevent the applicant from being able to meet the requirement before coming to the UK.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate: Provide a TB test certificate if required under Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.
Additionally, the applicant and their fiancémust:
- Not be within a prohibited degree of relationship
- Have met in person
- Demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing
- Have permanently resolved any previous relationships, unless they fall under paragraph 278(i) of the Immigration Rules
- Intend to marry and live together permanently in the UK
New Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Per Year from 11 April 2024?
Effective from 11 April 2024, significant changes have been introduced to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules regarding the financial requirement for fiancé(e) visas. The updated financial threshold mandates a gross annual income of £29,000 for applicants submitting their first application on the partner route on or after this date. This requirement remains at £29,000 gross per annum, even if dependent children are applying alongside the lead applicant.
To meet the financial criteria for a fiancé(e) visa, the applicant’s UK fiancé must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. If the fiancé income falls short of this amount, they may supplement their earnings with savings. Specifically, the savings required must be £16,000 plus an additional amount equivalent to 2.5 times the shortfall between the fiancé gross annual income and £29,000.
It is important to note that the applicant’s own salaried income from overseas does not contribute to satisfying the financial requirement. However, any savings, rental income, or pension income (if applicable) of the applicant can be considered to meet the financial threshold, in addition to the UK fiancé income.
Various Sources to Meet the Financial Requirement?
To meet the financial requirement for a fiancé(e) visa, the applicant and their UK fiancé can fulfill the income threshold through one or more of the following methods:
- Income from Employment (Categories A and B): This includes gross income from salaried or non-salaried employment of the fiancé and/or the applicant, if they are legally permitted to work in the UK. Category A applies to income from stable employment over a 6-month period, while Category B relates to income from less stable or recent employment.
- Non-Employment Income (Category C): This encompasses income derived from sources such as property rentals or dividends from investments.
- Cash Savings (Category D): The fiancé and/or applicant’s cash savings, exceeding £16,000, held for at least 6 months and under their control, can be used. These savings must be documented to show they are readily available for use.
- Pensions (Category E): This includes state pensions (UK or foreign), occupational pensions, or private pensions of either the applicant or the UK fiancé.
- Self-Employment Income (Categories F and G): For self-employed individuals or company directors, income from self-employment or from being a director/employee of a specified UK company can be considered. Category F pertains to the financial year of self-employment or directorship, while Category G is relevant if relying on income from multiple financial years.
By leveraging these categories, applicants can demonstrate their ability to meet the financial requirement, ensuring compliance with the immigration rules.
Exemptions from the Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Per Year?
If the applicant’s fiancé is receiving certain UK benefits or allowances, they can meet the financial requirement for a fiancé(e) visa by providing evidence of “adequate maintenance” rather than the standard income threshold of £29,000. The relevant benefits and allowances include:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
In cases where these benefits or allowances are received on behalf of a child, the applicant can also qualify by demonstrating “adequate maintenance.”
To substantiate eligibility, the applicant must provide evidence that the fiancé is receiving one of these specified benefits or allowances, as detailed in Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules. This documentation replaces the need to meet the £29,000 income threshold by showing that the fiancé financial situation satisfies the “adequate maintenance” requirement.
Formula for Calculating Adequate Maintenance
To determine whether you meet the adequate maintenance requirement for a fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application, the Home Office UKVI uses the following formula:
A – B ≥ C
Where:
- A represents your net income (after deductions for income tax and National Insurance contributions).
- B denotes housing costs, including rent and Council Tax.
- C is the amount of Income Support that a comparable British family of the same size would be eligible to receive.
Adequate Accommodation Requirement for Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
To qualify for a fiancé(e) visa, you must demonstrate that adequate accommodation will be available without recourse to public funds. The accommodation must be suitable for your family, including other family members not included in the application but residing in the same household. The accommodation will not be deemed adequate if:
- It is, or will be, overcrowded.
- It does not comply with public health regulations.
English Language Requirement for Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
You must provide evidence to meet one of the following English language requirements:
- Nationality: You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
- Language Test: You have passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of CEFR Level A1, conducted by an approved Home Office provider.
- Academic Qualification: You hold an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, taught in English, as recognized by UK NARIC.
- Exemptions: You are exempt if, at the time of application:
- You are aged 65 or over.
- You have a disability that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
- Exceptional circumstances impede you from meeting the requirement before entry to the UK.
Switching from a Fiancé(e) Visa to a Spouse Visa from Inside the UK?
If you are in the UK on a fiancé(e) visa, you can switch to a spouse visa after registering your marriage. The application to switch must be made online using the FLR (M) form before your fiancé(e) visa expires. Aden & Co Solicitors offer a Super Priority Service for this switch, allowing you to receive a decision within 24 hours of your biometrics appointment.
Re-Applying for a Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance After Refusal?
If your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application is refused by the Home Office UKVI, you have the option to reapply for the visa shortly after the refusal decision. This is possible if you choose not to challenge the refusal through an appeal or if you believe that the Home Office UKVI’s decision was correct. A new application can be submitted to address the concerns highlighted by the decision-maker in the refusal notice, potentially improving the chances of approval on reconsideration.
Appealing a Refusal of Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance?
If you believe your refusal was unjust or incorrect, you can appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) within 28 days of the decision. Our specialist immigration appeal lawyers at Aden & Co Solicitors can represent you in challenging the refusal.
How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist with Your Fiancé(e) Visa
Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers specialized immigration advice and legal representation for your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application, all provided on a fixed-fee basis. This fixed fee encompasses every aspect of the work required for your application, from initial consultation to the final decision by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO). Our comprehensive service includes:
- Advice on Requirements: Guidance on meeting the necessary requirements for a successful fiancé(e) visa application.
- Document Preparation: We will prepare a detailed list of documents needed and assess them to ensure compliance with Immigration Rules.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will accurately complete your application form.
- Priority Service Submission: We offer Priority Service submission to expedite decision-making on your application.
- Biometrics Appointment Booking: We handle the booking of your biometrics appointment.
- Cover Letter Preparation: We will draft a comprehensive cover letter to support your application.
- Document Upload: Upload all supporting documents before the biometrics appointment.
- Follow-Up Work: We manage all follow-up tasks until a decision is reached.
Why Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for Your Fiancé(e) Visa Application?
There are several compelling reasons to choose Aden & Co Solicitors in London for handling your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application. Here are the key advantages:
- High-Quality Legal Services: Our expert team provides top-tier legal services for fiancé(e) visa applications, as evidenced by our 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our clients.
- Remote Services: Our team of expert fiancé visa solicitors and lawyers at Aden & Co Solicitors is equipped to provide you with top-notch spouse visa advice and legal representation, all from the comfort of your home. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we manage your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application remotely, eliminating the need for in-office visits.
While we are delighted to welcome clients to our London office should they prefer, our remote services are designed to save you valuable time and travel expenses. This modern approach ensures you receive comprehensive support and efficient processing without the hassle of commuting. Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for convenient, expert assistance in your fiancé(e) visa application journey.
- Open 7 Days a Week: Our team is available seven days a week for dedicated support.
- Qualified Specialists Immigration Solicitors: All casework is handled by fully qualified and experienced fiancé(e) visa solicitors.
- Fast Track Service: We utilize fast track processes to expedite your application, including Priority Visa Service where possible.
- Free Online Advice: Receive one-off free immigration advice through our website enquiry form.
- Fixed Fees with Payment Plan: At Aden & Co Solicitors, our fiancé(e) visa solicitors and lawyers offer competitive and transparent fixed fees for handling your fiancé(e) visa entry clearance application. We understand the financial commitment involved, which is why we provide an option to pay our fixed fee in two manageable instalments.
You will pay half of the agreed fee at the commencement of our services, covering the initial stages of your application process. The remaining half is due once we have thoroughly prepared your fiancé(e) visa application and it is ready for submission to the Home Office UKVI. This structured payment plan ensures that you receive expert legal assistance while managing your budget effectively.
For expert assistance with your fiancé(e) visa application, contact Aden & Co Solicitors today. Our experienced team is committed to providing efficient and effective support tailored to your needs.
Our Additional Immigration Services?
At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a broad spectrum of immigration services to cater to various needs. Our services include:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Fiancé(e) Visa UK
Here are some commonly asked questions about the fiancé(e) visa UK application:
What is a Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
A Fiancé(e) Visa UK allows individuals to enter the UK with the intention of marrying a sponsor who is either a British Citizen, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, a refugee, or a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holder.
Can I Apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa UK Using Priority Service?
Yes, you can opt for Priority Service to expedite your fiancé(e) visa application, aiming for a decision within 30 working days.
How Can I Challenge the Refusal of My Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance Application?
If your fiancé(e) visa application is refused, you have the right to appeal. You must file an appeal within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision from the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO).
Will I Be Allowed to Work in the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
No, a fiancé(e) visa does not grant work rights. You will be eligible to work only after successfully switching to a spouse visa following your marriage registration in the UK.
What Defines a Sponsor for a Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
In the context of a fiancé(e) visa application, the ‘sponsor’ is the individual the applicant plans to marry upon entry into the UK.
What is the Age Requirement for a Fiancé(e) Visa?
Both the applicant and the UK sponsor must be at least 18 years old. If the applicant is close to turning 18, the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) may issue the visa, valid from the applicant’s 18th birthday.
What Evidence is Needed to Prove 'Intention to Live Together'?
To meet the requirement of intending to live permanently together, both parties must demonstrate a clear and committed plan to reside together in the UK immediately following the outcome of the application, or as soon as circumstances allow. This intention must be substantiated by mutual evidence that they will establish their home together in the UK.
In the landmark High Court case from November 1996, Keen J elucidated:
“The concept of intention is undoubtedly complex. However, it is possible to have a genuine intention even if the fulfillment of that intention is contingent upon or could be impeded by external factors.”
Keen J further clarified that the requirement to demonstrate an intention to live together permanently can be satisfied if the British citizen or legally resident partner insists on remaining in the UK. Therefore, a conditional intention—where the couple intends to live together subject to certain circumstances—can be sufficient to meet the ‘intention to live together permanently’ criterion under the Immigration Rules.
Is There a Requirement to Have Met in Person?
Under the Immigration Rules for fiancé(e) visas, both the applicant and their UK sponsor are required to have met in person. Failure to meet this requirement can lead to the refusal of the fiancé(e) visa application by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO).
In the significant case of Abdulmajid Esmail Jaffer, the Tribunal clarified that the term ‘to have met’ entails more than a mere visual encounter. They determined that a simple face-to-face meeting followed by subsequent communication via telephone or written correspondence is not sufficient to meet the rule. The critical assessment is whether the face-to-face meeting led to genuine mutual acquaintance.
Relationships that have only developed through online interactions do not fulfill the ‘to have met’ requirement unless they include a personal, face-to-face meeting between the couple. To support this, applicants should provide evidence of their in-person meetings, such as travel records and relevant email exchanges.
What Evidence is Required to Prove Freedom to Marry?
For single adults, the Registrar typically accepts a declaration from the parties confirming that they are free to marry. Consequently, the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) may also accept a similar verbal statement from the applicant, supplemented by any relevant correspondence from the individual they intend to marry. This acceptance is contingent upon there being no substantial reasons to suspect that either party is currently married, in a civil partnership, or has previously been in one and is concealing this information.
If the ECO has concerns regarding the applicant’s intention to marry, they may request further evidence to prove freedom to marry before granting entry clearance. Such evidence may include:
- For widowed individuals: a death certificate of the late spouse.
- For divorced individuals: a divorce certificate.
- For surviving civil partners: a death certificate of the deceased civil partner.
- For dissolved civil partnerships: a dissolution certificate.
When is the Fiancé(e) Visa UK Fee Paid?
The fiancé(e) visa UK fee is payable to the Home Office UKVI at the time of the online application submission.
Do I Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for a Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
No, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not required for a fiancé(e) visa UK application.
Will I Lose the Home Office UKVI Fee if My Fiancé(e) Visa Application is Refused?
Yes, the fiancé(e) visa fee is non-refundable if the application is refused, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and legal assistance.
What are Mandatory Grounds for Refusal of a Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance?
An entry clearance application for a fiancé(e) visa in the UK will be mandatorily refused if any of the following criteria apply:
- Public Good Exclusion: The Secretary of State has directed that the applicant’s exclusion from the UK is deemed necessary for the public good.
- Deportation Order: The applicant is currently subject to a deportation order.
- Criminal Convictions: The applicant’s exclusion is considered conducive to the public good due to their criminal record, specifically:
- Conviction for an offence with a prison sentence of 4 years or more.
- Conviction for an offence with a prison sentence between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have elapsed since the end of the sentence.
- Conviction for an offence with a prison sentence of less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years have elapsed since the end of the sentence.
- Unfavorable Conduct: The applicant’s conduct, character, associations, or other reasons render their presence undesirable, even if their convictions do not fit the criteria specified above.
- Failure to Comply: The applicant has failed to comply with reasonable requirements, such as:
- Attending an interview
- Providing requested information
- Submitting physical data
- Undergoing a medical examination or providing a medical report
- Medical Reasons: It is deemed undesirable to grant entry clearance due to medical reasons.
- Previous Removal or Departure: The applicant was removed or left the UK as a condition of a caution under Section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 within the past 5 years.
- Risk from Parent or Partner: The Secretary of State believes that the applicant’s parent or parent’s partner poses a risk to the applicant. This includes:
- Convictions related to offences against children
- Being a registered sex offender who has failed to comply with notification requirements
- Non-compliance with a sexual risk order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
These factors will result in a mandatory refusal of the fiancé(e) visa application.
What are Discretionary Grounds for Refusal of a Fiancé(e) Visa Entry Clearance?
An entry clearance application for a fiancé(e) visa in the UK may be refused on discretionary suitability grounds if any of the following conditions are met:
- False Information or Misrepresentation: The applicant has submitted false information, representations, or documents in relation to their application. This includes any false information provided to obtain documents used to support the application.
- Failure to Disclose Material Facts: The applicant has failed to disclose material facts relevant to their application.
- Undertaking for Maintenance and Accommodation: If a maintenance and accommodation undertaking was requested under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules or otherwise, and the applicant has not provided it.
- Criminal Convictions: The exclusion of the applicant from the UK is deemed conducive to the public good if:
- Within the 12 months prior to the application’s decision, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted to an offence resulting in a non-custodial sentence or other out-of-court disposal recorded on their criminal record.
- The Secretary of State believes that the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm, or the applicant is a persistent offender showing a particular disregard for the law.
- Unpaid Litigation Costs: The applicant may be refused if they have failed to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.
- Unpaid NHS Charges: The applicant may be refused if one or more relevant NHS bodies have notified the Secretary of State that the applicant has failed to pay charges in accordance with NHS regulations for overseas visitors, and the outstanding charges amount to £500 or more.
These grounds are assessed at the discretion of the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) and can influence the decision on the fiancé(e) visa application.
For expert guidance and support on your fiancé(e) visa application or any related immigration matter, contact Aden & Co Solicitors today. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet your needs.