The UK Marriage Visa allows you to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of your arrival.
What is a marriage visa in the UK?
The Marriage Visa, also known as the Spouse Visa, allows foreign nationals to enter the UK and live with their British partner or a partner who has permanent residency in the UK. Alternatively, if you are not yet married but plan to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK before settling here, the fiancé visa is a more suitable option.
It is important to note that the UK wedding visa is different from the wedding visitor visa; The Marriage Visitor visa is a short-term option that allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK for up to 6 months to get married but then live in another country.
UK Marriage Visa Requirements
Visa eligibility requirements vary slightly between the Spouse Visa, Fiance Visa, and Wedding Visitor Visa, as explained below. In all cases, you must be at least 18 years old and in an authentic relationship with your partner.
Spouse Visa Requirements
Spouse visa applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your UK-based partner must be a British or Irish citizen, or a person who has acquired the right to live here permanently (i.e., holds ILR or EU settled status)
- In a marriage, civil partnership or long-term relationship with your UK-based partner: Those who are not married or in a civil partnership must have lived together for at least 2 years before applying for a spouse visa.
- Minimum income requirement: have a joint income of at least £18,600 per annum
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language (at least at level A1 of the CEFR scale)
Requirements for the proposed boyfriend, girlfriend or civil partner visa
Applicants for the proposed boyfriend, girlfriend or civil partner visa must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your UK-based partner must be a British or Irish citizen or a person who has acquired the right to live here permanently (i.e. has ILR or EU established status)
- You must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership with your UK-based partner within 6 months of arriving in the UK
- Minimum income requirement: have a joint income of at least £18,600 per annum
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language (at least at level A1 of the CEFR scale)
Wedding Visitor Visa Requirements
Wedding visitor visa applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be able to register, marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK
- Intention to leave the UK before the end of the 6 month period
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself and to pay for return or onward travel
Can you extend your marriage visa?
You may be able to extend your UK marriage visa depending on the type of visa you have.
As a spouse visa holder, you can apply for a spouse visa extension, which allows you to stay for an additional 30 months. If you are on a fiancé visa, you can switch to a spouse visa once you get married, allowing you to stay for up to 30 months (and this can be further extended as explained above). In both cases, you must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.
If you are a marriage visa holder, the maximum amount of leave you will be granted is limited to 6 months. This means that you will not be able to extend your stay as a marriage visa holder any further.
Marriage visa with ILR
After 5 years on a marriage visa/spouse visa, you will be eligible to apply to settle permanently in the UK and acquire British citizenship 12 months later. To successfully submit an ILR application as a marriage visa holder, you will need to demonstrate to the Home Office that:
- Have lived in the UK on a spouse visa continuously for at least 5 years
- You still have an authentic relationship with your partner
- Continue to meet the minimum income requirement (£18,600 per annum)
- Meets the English language requirements at CEFR level B1
- Have passed the UK life test
How to apply for a wedding visa?
The procedure for applying for a marriage visa is as follows:
1.Start the online application process
The application process begins online on the official UK government website. The form can be saved and completed later once started. If you have saved your application, you can log in again. You can apply by following this link.
2.Book an appointment with the nearest Visa Application Center
In addition to the online application, you will need to book an appointment at the nearest visa application centre. Make sure to book an appointment months in advance because, depending on your country, the visa application center may be located in another country.
Collect the required documents
It is important to gather the required documents before attending your visa appointment because, depending on your circumstances, you will need to submit additional documents. The list of documents is as follows:
- An application form, duly completed and signed.
- Your current valid passport or any other travel document.
- Proof that you intend to get married in the UK. You can send a booking confirmation or email between you and the venue.
- Details of the marriage or civil partnership.
- Proof that you have paid part of the wedding or civil partnership expenses.
- Details of where you plan to stay in the UK.
- Provide evidence of your future plans for the relationship, such as where you plan to live permanently.
- Proof of financial means. You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
- Proof that you can get married or form a civil partnership if you have done so before. You can provide a decree absolute or a death certificate of a previous partner.
Note: Depending on your situation, you may need to submit additional documents and translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Attend your visa appointment
At your appointment, fingerprints will be taken and a photograph will be taken. You must also submit the required documents and the visa application center may retain your passport while processing your application.
5. Complete the fee payment
The application fee for a marriage visa is £95. You will receive refunds if your application is still being processed.
Wait for a decision
After submitting your documents, proving your identity and applying online, you usually receive a decision within 3 weeks. If the Home Office is busy processing applications, this time period may be extended.
How long can I stay in the UK on a marriage visa?
The validity of a marriage visa is six months in any twelve month period. You cannot apply for an extension or other visa during your stay in the UK. You must return to your home country after six months of stay.
When you return home, you can apply for the visa that best suits your situation, for example a UK spouse visa if you want to join your spouse in the UK permanently.
How much does a UK wedding visa cost?
A marriage visa costs £95. Refunds will only be available if your request has not been processed.
How long does it take to get a UK wedding visa?
You can usually get a decision on your application within 3 weeks of submitting your application online, proving your identity and submitting your documents. You can extend this time period to six or seven weeks, depending on how busy the Home Office is processing applications.
Can I bring dependents on a marriage visa to the UK?
- No you can not. Other family members must apply for their own tourist visa to enter the UK.
- In case both you and your partner need to apply for a marriage visa, your partner applies for their own visa and pays the fee. If your child needs a visa, he or she will need to apply as a standard visitor.
- If your partner and child are unable to apply on their own, you can apply on their behalf. However, they must attend their visa appointment.
Is it possible to switch to a marriage visa?
It is not possible to switch to a marriage visa in the UK. You will need to return to your country to apply for a marriage visa.
What can and can’t you do with a wedding visa?
With a wedding visa, you can:
- Get married or enter into a civil partnership within six months in the UK at an approved venue.
- Pass through the UK to another country.
With a marriage visa, you cannot:
- Access public funds.
- Bring in family members or dependents. They must apply for their visas separately.
- You live in the UK for an extended period of time.
- Extend your marriage visa or switch to a different one.
- Work.
- Study.