UK Marriage Visa: When to Choose This Visa Type
The UK marriage visa is an essential route for foreign nationals who want to join their British or settled partner in the United Kingdom. This visa allows eligible individuals to live with their partner in the UK if they are a British citizen or settled person, such as someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status. However, understanding which specific visa type suits your circumstances is crucial, as the term “marriage visa” can refer to several different categories.
Understanding Your Options
The term “marriage visa” encompasses three main routes: the Spouse Visa for those already married, the Fiancé Visa for couples planning to marry in the UK, and the Marriage Visitor Visa for those who only want to marry in the UK without settling there.
The Spouse Visa is the most common choice and is designed for individuals who are already married to a British citizen or someone with settled status. This visa allows the holder to live, work and study in the UK without restrictions, and provides a pathway to settlement after five years. You should choose this route if you’re already legally married and intend to make the UK your permanent home with your partner.
The Fiancé Visa is appropriate if you’re not yet married but are engaged to a UK citizen or settled person. This visa allows entry to the UK for six months with the purpose of marrying or entering into a civil partnership, though it does not grant the right to work. After marrying within the six-month period, you must switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK to continue living there.
The Marriage Visitor Visa differs significantly from the other two options. This visa is intended only for couples who want to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK but have no plans to settle there, allowing a stay of up to six months but not permitting work, study or switching to another visa category. If you later decide to live in the UK, you must leave and apply for a Spouse Visa from overseas.
Key Eligibility Considerations
When deciding which visa to pursue, you’ll need to assess whether you meet the fundamental requirements. Both partners must be aged 18 or over, the marriage must be legally recognized in the UK, and you must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and subsisting with the intention to live permanently together.
Financial requirements are particularly important. The current financial requirement for Spouse and Fiancé visas is £29,000 per annum, increased from the previous £18,600 threshold. This ensures couples can support themselves without relying on public funds. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR A1 level or higher from an approved test center.
The Spouse Visa is initially granted for 30 months and can be extended for another 30 months, with eligibility for indefinite leave to remain after five years. This makes it the appropriate choice for couples committed to building a permanent life together in the UK. Understanding these distinctions will help you select the correct visa pathway for your specific circumstances and relationship goals.