Family Members - Fiancés

The United Kingdom immigration rules allow applicants to come here in order to get married to someone who is resident. If you want your marriage to take place here, and intend to remain and settle here afterwards, you will need to apply for entry clearance for this purpose before you travel. It is not possible to make this sort of application while you are in the United Kingdom on some other basis.

The general tests you must meet are similar to those for all family members, and the most important of them are that you can show there will be adequate maintenance and accommodation for both of you. You will not be allowed to claim any welfare benefits, and must have suitable housing, even if you are not intending to live together before the marriage takes place.

When your application is approved you should be given six months entry, and will be expected to marry in that time. The Home Office will not want to extend the time you have as a fiancé beyond six months, unless there is a very good reason for it. You will not be allowed to work until you have applied for and been given permission to stay as a spouse, after your marriage.

Everyone who is subject to immigration control needs to have permission to get married in the UK before the marriage ceremony can be carried out (except those who marry in the Church of England). If you come here with a visa as a fiancé this will serve as your permission, and you do not need to show any other permission to a Register Office when you arrange for your marriage.

At Lawrence Lupin Solicitors you can be assured we will give you accurate and reliable advice on any aspect of these rules.

If you would like to take advantage of our expert immigration, asylum, or nationality law advice, then contact us now. Lawrence Lupin Solicitors 020 8733 7200