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UK Fiancé Visa — Requirements, Fees & How to Apply in 2026

Complete guide to the UK fiancé(e) visa. Learn about requirements, fees (£1,846), processing times, and how to apply to join your partner in the UK to get married.

Overview

The UK fiancé(e) visa allows you to travel to the UK to marry your British or settled partner. It is a short-term visa valid for 6 months, during which time you must get married or enter a civil partnership. Once married, you then switch to a spouse visa to continue living in the UK.

This route is designed for couples who have not yet married but have a genuine relationship and clear plans to do so in the UK. It falls under the family visa route and shares many of the same requirements as the spouse visa, including the financial threshold and English language test.

Key differences from the spouse visa

The fiancé visa and spouse visa are closely related, but there are important differences to understand before you apply.

No IHS payment

Because the fiancé visa is only valid for 6 months, you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, you will need to pay the IHS when you switch to a spouse visa after your wedding.

No right to work

Unlike the spouse visa, the fiancé visa does not allow you to work in the UK. You cannot take employment, do freelance work, or start a business until you have successfully switched to a spouse visa. Plan your finances accordingly — you will need enough savings to support yourself during this period.

6-month time limit

You must marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK. If you fail to do so, you will need to leave the UK when your visa expires. There is no option to extend a fiancé visa.

Financial requirement

The financial requirement is £29,000 per year, identical to the spouse visa. Your UK-based partner (sponsor) must demonstrate they meet this threshold through:

  • Employment income — payslips and an employer letter covering at least 6 months
  • Self-employment — tax returns and accounts for the last full financial year
  • Cash savings — savings above £16,000 held for at least 6 months
  • Combination — multiple sources can be combined to meet the threshold

Only your partner’s income counts towards the requirement at the initial application stage. Your own income or savings from abroad cannot be included.

English language requirement

You must pass an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 (basic level). This is the same requirement as the initial spouse visa application. You are exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English.

After your wedding

Once married, you need to apply to switch to a spouse visa before your fiancé visa expires. The switch application (further leave to remain as a partner) costs £1,048 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. At this point, you will receive a 2.5-year spouse visa and gain the right to work.

Your time on the fiancé visa does not count towards the 5-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. The 5-year clock starts from the date your spouse visa is granted.

Tips for a strong application

  • Book your ceremony early — having a confirmed date and venue strengthens your application significantly
  • Document your relationship thoroughly — include photos from visits, screenshots of regular communication, and evidence of trips together
  • Meet the financial requirement clearly — provide more evidence than you think is necessary, especially bank statements covering 6+ months
  • Apply with plenty of time — standard processing takes 12 weeks, so apply well before your planned wedding date

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    Confirm you and your partner meet the financial, relationship, and English language requirements. Make sure your partner can sponsor you and that you plan to marry within 6 months.

  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    Collect all required evidence including financial documents, relationship proof, English language test certificate, TB test results, and evidence of your wedding plans.

  3. 3

    Apply online

    Complete the online application form on the gov.uk website. You'll need to create an account and pay the application fee (£1,846).

  4. 4

    Pay the fees

    Pay the application fee of £1,846. Unlike the spouse visa, you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as the fiancé visa is only valid for 6 months. Priority processing is available for an additional £1,000.

  5. 5

    Attend your biometrics appointment

    Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

  6. 6

    Submit supporting documents

    Upload or submit all supporting documents through the online portal or at your biometrics appointment.

  7. 7

    Wait for a decision

    Standard processing takes around 12 weeks. Priority processing delivers a decision within 5 working days. Do not make travel plans until you receive your visa.

  8. 8

    Enter the UK and marry within 6 months

    Once approved, travel to the UK and marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months. After your ceremony, apply to switch to a spouse visa to continue living in the UK.

Fees

Fee type Amount
Application fee £1,846
Priority processing £1,000
Total £2,846

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be aged 18 or over
  • Your partner must be a British citizen or have settled status (indefinite leave to remain)
  • You must intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK
  • You must have met your partner in person
  • Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting
  • You must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year
  • You must intend to live together permanently in the UK after marriage
  • You must meet the English language requirement (minimum CEFR level A1)

Required Documents

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
  • Proof of English language ability (test certificate or exempt nationality)
  • Evidence your wedding venue or registry office is booked (or a letter confirming plans)
  • Photos of you and your partner together
  • Communication evidence (messages, call logs, video call history)
  • Evidence of any previous immigration applications
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applying from certain countries)
  • Two passport-sized photographs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UK fiancé visa cost in 2026?
The UK fiancé visa application fee is £1,846. Unlike the spouse visa, there is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) because the visa is only valid for 6 months. Priority processing is available for an additional £1,000, bringing the potential total to £2,846.
Can I work on a fiancé visa in the UK?
No, the fiancé visa does not permit you to work in the UK. You must wait until you have married and switched to a spouse visa before you can take up employment. This is an important financial consideration when planning your move.
What happens after I marry on a fiancé visa?
After you marry or enter a civil partnership, you must apply to switch to a spouse visa (called 'leave to remain as a partner'). This costs £1,048 plus the IHS. You need to apply before your 6-month fiancé visa expires.
How long does the fiancé visa take to process?
Standard processing for the fiancé visa takes around 12 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority processing (£1,000 extra) can deliver a decision in around 5 working days. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of your application.
Do I need to have a wedding date booked before applying?
You don't need a confirmed wedding date, but you should have evidence of your plans to marry within 6 months. This could include a venue booking, correspondence with a registry office, or a detailed plan. The stronger your evidence, the better your application.
What is the minimum income requirement for a fiancé visa?
The minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year, the same as the spouse visa. Your UK-based partner must demonstrate they earn at least this amount through employment, self-employment, cash savings, or a combination of sources.