A UK Fiancé Visa allows an engaged partner to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months. It is often the first step before switching into a spouse or civil partner route after the ceremony.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
A UK Fiancé Visa is part of the family route for a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner who plans to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK. The application fee is £2,064, permission is for 6 months, and the usual outside-UK decision time is 12 weeks.
£2,064
Outside-UK fee
6 months
Initial permission
12 weeks
Typical decision
What is a Fiancé Visa?
The Fiancé Visa is for a person outside the UK who is engaged to a British or Irish citizen, settled person or another qualifying partner in the UK. The couple must intend to marry or form a civil partnership within 6 months of arrival.
This route is different from a spouse visa because the applicant is not yet married or in a civil partnership. GOV.UK states that fiancé applicants cannot work or study during the engagement period.
After the marriage or civil partnership, the applicant normally applies from inside the UK to extend as a spouse or civil partner, where work and study rights can apply if granted.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Fiancé Visa.
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Qualifying UK Partner
The UK-based partner must have qualifying immigration status, such as British or Irish citizenship, settlement, certain protection status or qualifying limited permission. Both partners must be 18 or over.
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Marriage Within 6 Months
The couple must show they plan to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arrival. Any previous marriage or civil partnership must have legally ended.
£
Financial and English Requirements
The family route usually requires a £29,000 minimum income threshold and English language evidence. Transitional or alternative rules may apply in specific cases.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Fiancé Visa.
✓ You Can
- Enter the UK to marry or form a civil partnership within 6 months.
- Switch after the ceremony into the spouse or civil partner route.
- Prepare for a 5-year partner route once spouse permission is granted.
- Rely on suitable third-party funding evidence only where allowed by the rules.
✗ You Cannot
- Work or study during the engagement period before switching.
- Claim public funds while on the route.
- Count fiancé permission towards settlement on the 5-year partner route.
- Stay beyond 6 months without making the correct next application.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £2,064 outside UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Not payable at fiancé stage |
| Minimum income | Usually £29,000/year |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Child dependant | Fee applies per child |
How to Apply for a Fiancé Visa
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Eligibility
Check the sponsor status, relationship evidence, intention to marry and financial requirement before applying.
Prepare Evidence
Gather identity, relationship, wedding plans, accommodation, income and English language documents.
Apply from Outside the UK
Submit the online family visa application as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.
Attend Biometrics
Provide fingerprints, photograph and supporting documents through the visa application centre process.
Receive Your Decision
Outside-UK fiancé visa applications are usually decided within 12 weeks.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Fiancé Visa from employers and applicants.
What is a Fiancé Visa UK?
A Fiancé Visa allows a proposed spouse or civil partner to enter the UK for 6 months to marry or enter a civil partnership. After the ceremony, the applicant usually applies to extend into the spouse or civil partner route.
How much does a UK Fiancé Visa cost?
The 2026 Home Office fee for a Route to Settlement application outside the UK is £2,064. Priority services, if available, cost extra.
How long is a Fiancé Visa granted for?
A Fiancé Visa is granted for 6 months. The applicant is expected to marry or enter a civil partnership during that period and then apply for the next family visa stage.
Can I work on a UK Fiancé Visa?
No. GOV.UK states that fiancé, fiancée and proposed civil partner applicants cannot work or study during their engagement period.
Do fiancé applicants pay the IHS?
The 6-month fiancé stage does not usually carry the same IHS position as a longer spouse visa. The IHS is normally relevant when applying for the later spouse or partner permission.
What income do I need for a Fiancé Visa?
The usual minimum income requirement for a partner application is £29,000 a year. Different rules may apply where the sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits or where transitional rules apply.
Can I switch from Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa in the UK?
Yes, after marrying or entering a civil partnership, the applicant can normally apply from inside the UK to extend as a spouse or civil partner.
Does Fiancé Visa time count towards ILR?
No. GOV.UK says time spent in the UK as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner does not count towards the 5-year partner settlement route.
How long does a Fiancé Visa decision take?
Family partner applications made outside the UK usually take 12 weeks under the published service standard.
Can I apply for a Fiancé Visa from inside the UK?
The fiancé route is normally for applicants applying from outside the UK. Switching from visitor status is usually restricted, so the correct application location matters.
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