Visas

Marriage

Marriage Visa

Spouses of UK citizens or permanent residents (mainly those with indefinite leave to remain) may come to the UK under marriage visa category and are able to work as soon as a visa is granted.

If you have been together for less than 4 years you are granted a marriage visa for a probationary period of 2 years. If still married and living together at the end of 2 years, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) may be applied for. However, If you have been together for 4 years or more outside the UK you will be granted ILR without having to live in the UK for 2 years.

The UK citizen or permanent resident must have actually met their non-UK spouse and must intend to live together permanently in order to obtain a spouse visa. Sufficient funds to cover the combined living expenses and those of any dependants without claiming public funds must be shown.

Spouses / civil partners seeking to come to the UK on the basis of marriage to a UK national should apply for entry clearance before entering the UK. Applicants possessing a visa valid for six months or less in the UK cannot change status to a spouse visa.

Children of the marriage who are under 18 years old are allowed entry to the UK as dependants, and can make their application at the same time as the main applicant.

Fiancé(e) of a UK citizen/permanent resident or EU citizen

The requirements for immigration to UK as a Fiancé(e) are very similar to the rules for married couples. You may wish to consider very carefully whether it is best to marry first and then apply for entry as this will avoid the necessity of making a fiancé(e) application and then a second application to remain as a spouse. However, please note that it is no longer possible for most visitors to change status to a spouse visa.

Unless you are engaged to an EU Citizen with a 5-year residence permit you must apply for entry from outside the UK. You may be granted entry to the UK for a period of 6 months during which time you must marry your fiancé in the UK. You will not be permitted to work in the UK on the fiancé(e) visa and it must be shown that sufficient funds and accommodation in the UK without requiring public funds before and after the marriage is had.

You must have met your future spouse and intend to live together permanently with him or her once married. Overseas fiancé(e) must be at least 16 years and the sponsor in the UK at least 18. Children of the overseas fiancé(e) under 18 years old can only enter the UK as dependants if it can be shown that serious problems would arise if not allowed entry.