Who is this visa for?

Those intending to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK must apply for and obtain a Marriage Visitor Visa if they are not British/Irish, and do not otherwise have immigration permission to live in the UK. You cannot use a Standard Visitor Visa for this purpose. This applies to both visa nationals, and non-visa nationals.

If you attempt to give notice of your intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership without a valid visa, the Home Office will be notified, consequently allowing them a maximum of 70 days to determine if you are eligible to marry or form a civil partnership within the country.

How long can I remain in the UK on a marriage visitor visa?

On a marriage visitor visa, individuals are typically granted entry clearance for a maximum of 6 months. You will be expected to leave the UK before your visa expires, and make another entry clearance application if you intend to return to the UK.

If your fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner resides in the UK, and your objective is to continue residing in the UK following your marriage or civil partnership, you may wish to consider applying under the family route instead, provided you meet the suitability and eligibility criteria.

What are the key requirements for a marriage visitor visa?

To apply for a UK marriage visitor visa, you must;

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• You must have pre-existing wedding plans in place, such as an appointment to give notice of your intention to marry at a local register’s office, or confirmation of a wedding venue.
• Be free to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
• Be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner.
• Have an intention to visit the UK for no more than 6 months and also intend to leave prior to the expiration of the visa.
• Be able to financially maintain and accommodate yourself.
• Be able to afford the cost of your return or onward journey.

What are the restrictions for a marriage visitor visa?

• You cannot work or study.
• You cannot live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits.
• You cannot apply for public funds.
• You cannot switch into another immigration route, unless making an application outside of the Immigration Rules or making a Human Rights based application.

How do you pass the ‘genuine visitor’ test?

• You must prove you’re able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip.
• You must prove you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit.
• You need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK.
• You should also demonstrate your ties to your home country, such as providing a copy of your lease agreement or home ownership document, employment or pension income, and other assets you may have.