UK Spouse Visa vs. UK Fiancé Visa – A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Right Decision

You could find yourself weighing whether to apply for a UK Spouse Visa or a UK Fiancé Visa when thinking about migrating to the United Kingdom to live with your spouse. Though they let you be with your loved one, each visa has different advantages and restrictions. To guide your choice, let’s examine the advantages and drawbacks of every visa kind.

Describe a UK Spouse Visa.

A UK Spouse Visa lets non-UK residents married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone established in the UK live, work, and study here. Usually lasting thirty months, this visa allows you to seek an extension and finally settle permanently.

A UK Fiancé Visa- Definition

Couples hoping to be married or form a civil partnership in the UK are intended users of the UK Fiancé Visa. The pair had to tie the knot within the six months for which this visa was valid. You may change to a UK Spouse Visa to keep residing in the UK after the marriage.

Key Differences Between the UK Spouse Visa and UK Fiancé Visa:

How does the UK Spouse Visa differ from the fiancé visa? 

You have to already be married and therefore not engaged like a Fiance as you wish to get married in the UK. 

The two also vary somewhat in a few other important ways. 

While the spouse visa allows you permission to remain for 30 months,  the fiancé visa only lasts six months. 

Although you won’t have to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) for the fiancé visa, this cost will be required upon application for your spouse’s visa. 

Whereas you are free to work without restrictions on a spouse visa, you cannot work in the UK on a fiancé visa.

Which Visa Is Right For You?

If you are already in a civil partnership or marriage and want to relocate to the UK in the long term, choose the UK Spouse Visa. Along with stability, employment privileges, and a clear road to permanent status, this visa gives

Choose the UK Fiancé Visa if you are not yet married but want to get married in the UK. If you want to celebrate your union in the UK but keep in mind the limited time and extra expenses of subsequently transferring to a UK Spouse Visa, this is a great choice.

Why would you choose a fiancé visa over a spouse visa? 

Like any visa, your situation, goals, and which one would be ideal for you will always determine which one you need. 

Should you already be married, the clear path is via the spouse/partner visa. If you are single, you have two options depending on your circumstances. If you have been cohabiting for two years, you might be eligible for a Unmarried partner visa without being married. You may want to look at a fiancé visa if you want to get married or into a civil partnership in the UK. 

Looking at this, however, should you be able to be married in your own country, the spouse visa may still be the superior choice. This will enable you to apply for your spouse’s visa, therefore avoiding any time spent in the UK that would not count towards ILR. 

Conclusion:

There are special advantages and drawbacks to the UK Spouse Visa and the UK Fiancé Visa as well. Your decision will rely on your future goals, present relationship state, and financial circumstances. See an immigration specialist like My Legal Services if you’re unsure to assist you in the application procedure and deciding on the best path to join your UK spouse.

Whichever visa you decide on, a successful application depends mostly on your being well-prepared with appropriate papers and knowing the criteria. The UK is a lovely chance for couples to start their life together. Be sure the visa you pick fits your situation.