What Happens After You Get Married on a UK Fiancé Visa?

Getting married in the UK on a fiancé visa is a significant milestone, but it is not the final step if you wish to stay and build your life together in the UK.The fiancé visa is granted for six months, with the expectation that you will marry your partner during this time and meet the UK fiancé visa requirements. However, marriage alone does not extend your right to remain in the UK.

After your ceremony, you must apply for a UK spouse visa to continue living in the country lawfully. This next stage comes with its own set of requirements and deadlines. In this article, we explain what happens after the wedding, how to switch to a spouse visa, and what you need to stay in the UK without interruption.

Switching from The UK Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa UK

Once a couple is legally married in the UK under the terms of a fiancé visa, the next necessary step is to apply for a spouse visa. The fiancé visa is issued for a limited period of six months, during which the marriage must take place. However, it does not grant ongoing permission to remain in the country. You must secure a UK Spouse visa to remain in the UK.

The application for a spouse visa can be completed from within the country and should ideally be submitted promptly after the marriage has taken place. Delays can lead to significant immigration consequences, including being regarded as an overstayer. 

If your request is approved, you will be issued a spouse visa with a duration of 2.5 years. This can be extended for a further 2.5 years. Once you have spent five uninterrupted years in the UK under this route, you may qualify to seek indefinite leave to remain, provided all applicable conditions are satisfied.

Read also: Healthcare Access for Fiancé Visa Holders in the UK

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Failing to submit a spouse visa application before your fiancé visa expires can have significant repercussions. You risk being classed as an overstayer, which may harm your immigration history and affect future visa prospects. In certain circumstances, it could even lead to enforced departure from the UK.

If your marriage could not take place within the original six-month period due to valid reasons, such as illness, unforeseen disruptions, or administrative delays, it may be possible to apply for a one-time extension of up to six months.

Clear evidence of the reason for the delay and confirmation of a new wedding date will be required. It is highly advisable to obtain expert guidance to minimise the risk of additional immigration complications.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

Before applying for a UK spouse visa, certain eligibility requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration must be met. These include: 

Relationship Requirement

You must prove that your marriage or civil partnership is authentic and that you intend to live together in the UK permanently. This usually involves providing your marriage certificate and evidence of your ongoing relationship, such as joint bills, communication records, or photographs together in the UK.

Financial Requirement

The sponsoring partner must meet the minimum income threshold, currently set at £29,000 per year (as of April 2024). If income alone cannot meet this threshold, certain savings may be used instead, provided they meet the rules. 

Accommodation Requirement

You and your partner must have adequate housing in the United Kingdom. This means your accommodation must meet UK housing standards by being secure, suitable for living, and not excessively occupied.

English Language Requirement

You are required to prove your proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved by passing a recognised English language exam, possessing a degree awarded in English, or holding citizenship from a country where English is the predominant language.

In many cases, this requirement will have already been met as part of the fiancé visa application. If the same evidence remains valid, it can usually be reused when applying for a spouse visa.

Other Requirements

You may also need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you are from a country where this is required, and you must not fall under any of the general grounds for refusal, such as a criminal record or previous immigration breaches.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa

Applying for a UK spouse visa after marriage involves several steps, and accuracy is crucial at every stage. This is done from within the UK using the FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain) form. 

Here is how the process typically works:

Step 1: Prepare Supporting Documents

All required documents must be gathered before applying. These typically include:

• Marriage certificate
• Passports and biometric residence permits
• Proof of income or savings to meet the financial requirement
• Evidence of suitable accommodation
• Proof of English language ability
• Documents showing the ongoing relationship (e.g. joint bills, communication records)

Each document must meet specific Home Office requirements in terms of format and content. Any missing or inconsistent documentation may lead to refusal.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

The FLR(M) application form must be completed online. It requires comprehensive information about your background, including personal details, your relationship, financial circumstances, and immigration history. All responses must be honest and accurate.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fees

The standard fee for a spouse visa application made inside the UK is £1,321, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is currently £1,035 per year, paid upfront for 2.5 years. Applicants may also opt for the priority service, which incurs an additional cost but accelerates the decision-making process.

Step 4: Schedule a Biometric Appointment

After submitting the online form and paying the fees, applicants must book an appointment at a UKVCAS service centre. At this appointment, biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) is collected, and any physical documents can be submitted if required.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing times are typically up to 8 weeks, though delays can occur. Once approved, an eVisa will be issued, confirming the grant of leave under the spouse route.

It is crucial to apply in a timely manner and with the correct documentation to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals. A refusal could require a new application or appeal, both of which involve additional costs and time.

Must read: Planning Your UK Wedding While on a Fiancé Visa: What to Consider

Rights Granted on a UK Spouse Visa

Once the switch from a fiancé visa to a spouse visa is approved, the applicant gains a range of rights that were not available under the fiancé route. These include: 

• Permission to work: Spouse visa holders are permitted to work in any job or profession without restriction. Unlike the fiancé visa, no additional approval is required for a job or self-employment.
• Right to study: The visa also permits full-time or part-time study at any recognised institution in the UK, including universities and training colleges.
• Access to NHS care: The IHS payment, as part of the application, entitles the visa holder to access NHS services.
• Freedom to travel: The spouse visa allows travel in and out of the UK during its validity, making it easier to visit family or travel for work or personal reasons.

Get Expert Advice on Your Spouse Visa Application

At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, our immigration team has decades of experience handling complex UK visa matters. If you have recently married on a fiancé visa and need support with your spouse visa application, we are here to help. We provide clear, practical guidance and ensure every detail is covered.

Contact us today to book a consultation and take the next step towards securing your future in the UK.

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