UK Fiancé(e) Visa (Settlement Pathway)

Fiancé(e) – Partner of a UK Citizen

Allows your foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United Kingdom to marry you within 6 months and then apply for settlement.

6–12 weeks

Average standard processing time (2026)

6 months

Must marry after arrival in the UK

In-Person Meeting

Required before filing (exceptions rare)

Leads to Settlement

Via Further Leave to Remain (FLR)

What is the UK Fiancé(e) Visa?

The Fiancé(e) visa is a settlement visa designed for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a UK citizen. It allows the fiancé(e) to travel to the United Kingdom specifically to marry the UK citizen sponsor within 6 months of arrival. After the marriage, the couple can apply for Further Leave to Remain to obtain lawful settlement.

Important: The Fiancé(e) visa is a settlement-intent visa. The applicant must have a genuine intention to marry and live permanently in the United Kingdom. It is not intended for temporary visits.

Key Eligibility Requirements

You (the sponsor) must be a UK citizen (or a person with settled status).
Both parties must be legally free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed).
You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person at least once before applying (limited exceptions for cultural or extreme hardship reasons).
You must have a bona fide intention to marry within 6 months of your fiancé(e)’s arrival in the UK.
The relationship must be genuine and not solely for obtaining immigration benefits.

Step-by-Step Process (2026)

UK Citizen Submits Application to UKVI

Fiancé(e) visa application. Include proof of relationship, in-person meeting, and intent to marry.

UKVI Processing & Biometrics Appointment

Current median processing: ~6–12 weeks.

Visa Decision at UK Embassy/Consulate

Fiancé(e) completes biometrics, pays fees, attends medical exam if required, and provides documents.

Enter the UK on Fiancé(e) Visa

Valid for single entry. Must marry within 6 months.

Marriage + Further Leave to Remain (FLR)

File for settlement. Conditional 2.5-year leave if married less than 5 years.

After Arrival: Important Rules

Must get married within 6 months — no extensions.
Fiancé(e) visa holder cannot work until they receive Further Leave to Remain after filing the FLR application (can take several months).
Fiancé(e) visa holder cannot leave the UK and return without valid permission while settlement is pending.
Children of the applicant (under 18 and unmarried) can accompany as dependents.

Fiancé(e) vs Spouse Visa – Quick Comparison

Feature	Fiancé(e) Visa	Spouse Visa
Must be married before applying	No	Yes
Time to enter UK	Usually faster	Slightly longer
Work & Travel rights upon entry	Limited (apply after arrival)	Immediate
Total cost	Higher (two processes)	Usually lower

Official Resources & Next Steps

Always verify the latest information on official websites:

Start Now →

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with the UK government. Visa rules and processing times can change. Always consult official sources and consider consulting an immigration solicitor for your specific case.

GOV.UK