This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the UK fiancé visa (also known as the engagement visa or Proposed Civil Partner visa) in 2026. The fiancé visa allows you to enter the UK to marry your British or settled partner within 6 months, after which you switch to a spouse visa to continue living in the UK. This guide explains the requirements, documents needed, application process, fees, and how to successfully transition from fiancé visa to spouse visa.
UK Fiancé Visa Overview 2026
The fiancé visa UK (officially called the "Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner visa") is designed for people who want to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. Unlike the UK spouse visa, the fiancé visa is granted for 6 months and does not permit employment. After marrying in the UK, you must apply to switch to a spouse visa to continue your stay.
Fiancé Visa UK Requirements 2026
To qualify for a UK fiancé visa, you must: be at least 18, have met your partner in person, intend to marry within 6 months, have a UK sponsor earning at least £29,000 per year (or equivalent savings), meet the English language requirement (A1 level), and have adequate accommodation. Both partners must be free to marry.
The fiancé visa requirements are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. You must meet all of these criteria:
What is the Proposed Civil Partner Visa?
The Proposed Civil Partner visa is identical to the fiancé visa but is for couples planning to form a civil partnership rather than marry. The requirements, fees, and application process are exactly the same. Civil partnerships are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in the UK.
Fiancé Visa UK Documents Required
A successful UK fiancé visa application requires comprehensive documentation proving your relationship is genuine, you meet the financial requirements, and you intend to marry within 6 months. All supporting documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.
- Valid passport: With at least one blank page
- Relationship evidence: Photos, communication records, travel tickets, statements from family
- Financial documents: 6 months payslips, bank statements, employment letter
- Accommodation evidence: Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from host
- English language certificate: A1 SELT test result or exemption evidence
- Proof of marriage intention: Venue booking, notice of marriage appointment, wedding plans
- TB test certificate: If applying from a listed country
Proof of Genuine Relationship
The Home Office needs to be satisfied your relationship is genuine. Evidence should cover the history and development of your relationship:
- Photographs: Together at different times, events, with family members
- Communication records: Phone bills, message screenshots, video call logs
- Travel evidence: Flight bookings, hotel receipts, passport stamps from visits
- Third-party statements: Letters from family and friends confirming the relationship
- Financial connections: Joint purchases, money transfers, gifts
How to Apply for a UK Fiancé Visa
Apply online at gov.uk, pay the £1,846 visa fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge, book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) in your country, submit your documents, and wait for a decision (typically 3-6 weeks). You must apply from outside the UK—you cannot switch to a fiancé visa from within the UK.
The UK fiancé visa application process involves completing the online visa application form and attending an appointment to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Complete the online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee (£1,846) and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 3: Book your biometrics appointment at a VAC
- Step 4: Attend appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3-6 weeks standard processing)
- Step 6: Collect passport with visa vignette or receive digital confirmation
Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa: The Transition
After marrying in the UK on a fiancé visa, you must apply to switch to a spouse visa using form FLR(M) before your 6-month fiancé visa expires. The spouse visa application costs £1,048 (in-country) plus IHS. Once approved, you can work in the UK and begin your 5-year route to settlement (ILR).
The fiancé visa is only valid for 6 months. Within this period, you must marry or form a civil partnership with your sponsor and then apply to switch to a spouse visa. This is done using form FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain - Marriage/Civil Partnership).
Requirements for Switching to Spouse Visa
- Marriage certificate: Valid UK marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Continued financial requirement: Sponsor must still meet £29,000 income threshold
- Genuine relationship: Evidence your relationship continues
- Accommodation: Adequate housing for the couple
- Application timing: Apply before your fiancé visa expires
Fiancé Visa Fees and Processing Time
The UK visa fees for fiancé visas include the application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. For current fees, always verify on the official gov.uk fee table.
UK Fiancé Visa Processing Time
Standard fiancé visa processing takes approximately 3-6 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service aims for 5 working days, and Super Priority aims for the next working day. Processing times vary by country and may be longer during peak periods or if additional checks are required.
For detailed information about UK visa processing times, check our dedicated guide. If your application takes longer than expected, see our guide on handling UK visa delays.
- UK sponsor must earn minimum £29,000 per year (2026 requirement)
- Fiancé visa costs £1,846 + £1,035 IHS = £2,881 total
- Valid for 6 months—must marry and switch to spouse visa within this period
- Cannot work on a fiancé visa—employment permitted only after spouse visa granted
- Time on fiancé visa does not count towards ILR
For the most up-to-date information on UK family visa requirements, visit the official gov.uk family visa page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UK fiancé visa?
A UK fiancé visa (also called engagement visa or Proposed Civil Partner visa) allows non-UK nationals to enter the UK to marry or form a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. The visa is valid for 6 months, during which you must marry and then apply to switch to a spouse visa. You cannot work on a fiancé visa.
What are the fiancé visa UK requirements in 2026?
The main requirements are: both partners aged 18+, genuine relationship (must have met in person), intention to marry within 6 months, UK sponsor earning minimum £29,000/year, English language at A1 level, and adequate accommodation. Your sponsor must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK.
How much does a UK fiancé visa cost?
The fiancé visa application fee is £1,846 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for 6 months, totaling £2,881. Optional priority processing costs an additional £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 for Super Priority (next working day). You'll also need to budget for the spouse visa switch (£1,048) after marriage.
Can I work on a UK fiancé visa?
No, you cannot work on a UK fiancé visa. The fiancé visa only permits you to enter the UK to get married—it does not include work rights. You can only start working after you marry and successfully switch to a spouse visa. Studying is also restricted on a fiancé visa.
How long does fiancé visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority aims for the next working day. Processing times vary by country and may be longer during peak periods or if additional security checks are required.
How do I switch from fiancé visa to spouse visa?
After marrying in the UK, apply for Further Leave to Remain using form FLR(M) before your fiancé visa expires. You'll need your marriage certificate, evidence you still meet the financial and relationship requirements, and pay the £1,048 application fee plus IHS. Apply from within the UK—you don't need to return to your home country.
Can I extend my UK fiancé visa?
Fiancé visa extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness or unforeseen events that prevented the marriage from taking place. You must provide strong evidence explaining why the marriage was delayed and demonstrate it will occur during the extension period. Extensions are not granted simply because you haven't married yet.
Does time on a fiancé visa count towards ILR?
No, time spent on a fiancé visa does not count towards the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Your 60-month (5-year) continuous residence requirement only begins when your spouse visa is granted. This means the total time from entry to ILR eligibility will be approximately 5.5 years.