Fiancé(e) Visa
UK Fiancé(e) Visa – Join Your Partner in the UK and Start Your Future Together
At Lexify Solicitors, we support couples from all over the world in building their lives together in the UK. The UK Fiancé(e) Visa is designed for engaged partners of British citizens or settled persons who wish to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK.
Whether you’re planning your wedding or preparing to start the visa process, our specialist immigration solicitors provide clear, compassionate, and expert support every step of the way.
What Is a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?
The UK Fiancé(e) Visa (also referred to as the Proposed Civil Partner Visa) is part of the UK’s family visa route. It allows foreign nationals to enter the UK for up to 6 months with the intention of marrying or forming a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled partner.
After you get married, you can apply to switch to a UK Spouse Visa, starting your path toward long-term residence and eventual British citizenship.
Important Changes in 2024–2025: New Income Requirement
As of 11 April 2024, the UK Government raised the minimum income requirement for Fiancé(e) Visa sponsorship to £29,000 per year. Further increases are expected in future phases.
It’s important to assess your eligibility under the new financial rules. We offer a free initial assessment to help you understand how these changes affect your application.
Who Can Apply for a UK Fiancé(e) Visa?
To be eligible for a Fiancé(e) Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You and your partner are both aged 18 or over
- Your partner is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), EU Settled Status, or has refugee/humanitarian protection
- You are engaged to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK after marriage
- You meet the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements
- You can prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing
- You have met each other in person (this is a strict requirement)
Required Documents and Evidence
Each case is assessed individually, but typical evidence includes:
- Passport and biometric information
- Proof of relationship
- Evidence of intent to marry
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (for applicants from certain countries)
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Evidence of meeting the financial and English language requirements
We help clients build comprehensive application packs that meet Home Office standards and withstand scrutiny.
Financial Requirement – Updated Income Rules and Accepted Evidence
What You Need to Show
As of 11 April 2024, the sponsoring partner must show a minimum annual income of £29,000.
You can meet this through:
- Employment or self-employment income (UK-based)
- Pension income
- Maternity or paternity pay
- Rental income or dividends
- Savings over £88,500 (held for at least 6 months)
- Combining income and savings in specific scenarios
Our team will help calculate your eligibility and guide you in gathering the correct financial evidence, such as payslips, bank statements, tax documents, or savings account statements.
Exemptions
If the UK sponsor receives certain benefits (like Disability Living Allowance or Carer’s Allowance), a lower income threshold may apply. We’ll assess if you qualify for a financial exemption and advise on alternative requirements.
Accommodation Requirement – Where Will You Live?
You must show that you and your partner will have adequate accommodation in the UK upon your arrival. This means:
- The property must be owned or rented by you, your partner, or a close relative
- It must provide exclusive space (e.g. your own room) without overcrowding
- The home must comply with the UK’s public health standards
What You’ll Need to Provide
- Tenancy agreement, mortgage or ownership documents
- Property inspection report (optional but recommended)
- Letters from landlords or family (if living in shared housing)
- Confirmation of rent payments (if renting privately)
We assist you in gathering the right documentation and will flag potential issues before submission.
English Language Requirement – Demonstrating Language Skills
Unless exempt, you must prove your English speaking and understanding by:
- Passing an approved A1 level English test under the CEFR framework; or
- Holding a UK degree, or overseas degree taught in English (validated by Ecctis); or
- Being from a majority English-speaking country such as the USA, Australia, Canada, or Jamaica
Exemptions may apply if:
- You are aged 65 or over
- You have a long-term physical or mental condition preventing language learning or testing
- Exceptional circumstances apply (e.g. conflict zone, carer for a dependent)
We can help identify the right route and guide you through booking the proper test or applying for an exemption.
In-Person Meeting Requirement – Why Face-to-Face Contact Matters
Unlike some other visas, Fiancé(e) Visa applicants must prove that they’ve met their partner in person. This can’t be a one-time encounter, you’ll need evidence of a real, ongoing relationship that’s been nurtured face-to-face.
We will help you prepare a compelling portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the strength and sincerity of your relationship.
Genuine Relationship Requirement – Convincing the Home Office
To qualify for a Fiancé(e) Visa, your relationship must be authentic, not solely for immigration purposes. You’ll need to demonstrate:
- The history and development of your relationship
- Clear plans for your wedding and future together
- Daily communication, emotional support, and shared life goals
- Cohabitation plans and intentions after marriage
How Long Does the Fiancé(e) Visa Last?
The Fiancé(e) Visa is valid for 6 months. During this time, you must:
- Enter the UK
- Get married or enter into a civil partnership
Once married, you can switch to a Spouse Visa, which is valid for 2.5 years and can be extended later.
This is your first step toward long-term UK residence, including Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
UK Fiancé(e) Visa Processing Times
Standard processing typically takes 2 to 3 months (up to 12 weeks) from outside the UK.
Application Type | Estimated Timeframe |
Standard Service | 8–12 weeks |
Priority Service | 30 working days (where available) |
Super Priority Service | ❌ Not available for this route from outside the UK |
Delays may occur depending on:
- Application complexity
- Time of year (peak seasons)
- Volume of applications in your region
We help prevent delays by submitting complete, high-quality applications from day one.
What If My Fiancé(e) Visa Is Refused?
If your application is refused, don’t panic. Common reasons for refusals include:
- Insufficient financial documentation
- Gaps in relationship evidence
- Incomplete or inconsistent information
- Issues with immigration history or health
We provide legal advice on:
- Appealing a decision to the First-tier Tribunal (must be done within 28 days)
- Judicial review if the refusal was legally flawed
- Reapplying with improved evidence and a stronger approach
Our immigration solicitors will assess your refusal letter, identify the exact issues, and give you honest, strategic guidance on the most effective next step.
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors?
- Proven success with complex Fiancé(e) Visa applications
- Solicitor-led service with tailored, case-specific advice
- Global support, no matter where you’re based
- Full application management, from forms to final submission
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Free initial assessment to understand your options
We’ve helped clients from dozens of countries reunite with their loved ones and start their lives together in the UK. We’d be honoured to help you too.
Begin Your Fiancé(e) Visa Application Today
Getting engaged is a huge life moment, we’re here to make sure the visa process doesn’t stand in your way.
Contact Lexify Solicitors now for expert legal support and a free, no-obligation assessment. Let’s start planning your new life in the UK
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.