UK Fiancé Visa vs. UK Spouse Visa: Understanding the Differences
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for couples seeking to live together or get married. If you and your partner are planning to join each other in the UK, you may have come across two common visa options: the UK Fiancé Visa and the UK Spouse Visa.
While both visas serve the purpose of reuniting couples, they have distinct characteristics, eligibility criteria, and application processes. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between the UK Fiancé Visa and the UK Spouse Visa to help you choose the one that suits your situation best.
If you need help with your visa application, schedule a FREE consultation with us here.
UK Fiancé Visa
The UK Fiancé Visa, also known as the UK Prospective Marriage Visa, is designed for individuals who intend to marry their British or settled partner in the UK. This visa allows you to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married within six months of your arrival. After marriage, you can then switch to a UK Spouse Visa if you wish to remain in the country.
Key Features of the UK Fiancé Visa:
Purpose: The primary purpose of this visa is to allow you to come to the UK to get married.
Duration: The UK Fiancé Visa is valid for six months and cannot be extended. You must marry your partner during this time.
Eligibility: To qualify, you and your British or settled partner must meet specific financial and relationship requirements. You must also prove that you intend to marry within the visa's validity period.
Work: Initially, you cannot work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa, but you can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa after marriage, which allows you to work.
UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa, on the other hand, is for individuals who are already married or in a civil partnership with a British or settled person and wish to live with their spouse in the UK. It is a route to settle in the UK with your partner.
Key Features of the UK Spouse Visa:
Purpose: The primary purpose of this visa is to reunite spouses or civil partners in the UK.
Duration: The initial Spouse Visa is granted for 30 months, and you can apply for an extension for another 30 months. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.
Eligibility: To be eligible for a Spouse Visa, you must meet stringent financial, accommodation, and relationship requirements. You need to prove that your marriage or civil partnership is genuine and subsisting.
Work: Unlike the Fiancé Visa, the Spouse Visa allows you to work in the UK immediately upon arrival.
Choosing the Right Visa
The choice between a UK Fiancé Visa and a UK Spouse Visa depends on your specific circumstances:
If you are already married or in a civil partnership, the UK Spouse Visa is the appropriate route to join your partner in the UK.
If you plan to marry your British or settled partner in the UK within six months, the UK Fiancé Visa is the initial visa to consider.
After marriage on a Fiancé Visa, you can switch to a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK with your partner.
In either case, it's crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria, gather the required documentation, and ensure you meet the financial requirements before applying for your chosen visa.
The UK Fiancé Visa and UK Spouse Visa are both valuable pathways to reunite with your partner in the United Kingdom. Understanding the differences between these visas is essential for making the right choice based on your relationship status and plans.
Whether you're planning to marry in the UK or are already married, the UK immigration system offers options to keep couples together and build a life in the UK.
If you need help with your visa application, schedule a FREE consultation with us here.
