The Marriage Visitor visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership. It is valid for up to 6 months and is suitable for those who intend to leave the UK after their wedding or civil partnership ceremony.
UK Visas can assist individuals with the application process for a Marriage Visitor visa. The agency can guide the eligibility criteria, the required documents, and the application process. Additionally, UK Visas can help individuals prepare for their visa interview and ensure that they are fully prepared to travel to the UK.
It is important to note that the Marriage Visitor visa is not suitable for those who intend to stay in the UK for an extended period or settle in the UK permanently. Individuals who wish to do so will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a family visa. UK Visas can also assist with these types of visa applications.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Marriage Visitor visa, applicants must meet certain criteria. This section will outline the three main requirements that must be met to be considered eligible for the visa: Financial Requirements, Relationship Status, and Purpose of Visit.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially during their stay in the UK. This can be done by providing evidence of savings, income, or financial support from a third party. The amount of money required will depend on the length of the visit and the individual circumstances of the applicant.
Relationship Status
Applicants must be planning to visit the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a UK resident or someone who is settled in the UK. They must also be able to provide evidence that they have met their partner in person and that they intend to live together permanently after the marriage or civil partnership.
Purpose of Visit
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their visit to the UK is solely to get married or enter into a civil partnership. They must not intend to stay in the UK for an extended period or to work or study while they are in the country.
Overall, meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for obtaining a Marriage Visitor visa. UK Visas is confident in its ability to assist applicants in meeting these requirements and successfully obtaining their visa.
Application Process
Required Documents
To apply for a Marriage Visitor visa, applicants need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of their intention to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK, such as a letter of invitation from the UK registrar or venue
- Evidence of their ability to support themselves during their stay in the UK, such as bank statements or payslips
- Evidence of their intention to leave the UK after their visit, such as return flight tickets
- Evidence of their relationship with their partner, such as photographs, emails, or letters
In addition, applicants may need to provide other documents depending on their individual circumstances.
Visa Application Form
To apply for a Marriage Visitor visa, applicants need to complete an online application form. The form requires applicants to provide personal and travel information, as well as details about their marriage or civil partnership plans in the UK.
Applicants will also need to pay a fee for their visa application, which varies depending on the length of their stay in the UK.
Appointment and Biometrics
After submitting their visa application, applicants will need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
Applicants should bring their passport and a printed copy of their application form to the appointment. They may also need to provide additional documents or information if requested by the visa application centre.
Overall, the application process for a Marriage Visitor visa can be straightforward if applicants provide all the necessary documents and information. UK Visas can assist applicants in preparing their applications and ensuring that they meet all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
When applying for a Marriage Visitor visa, there is a fee of £95. This fee must be paid online when applying. It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
The processing time for a Marriage Visitor visa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Generally, the Home Office aims to process most visitor visa applications within 3 weeks. However, it is recommended that applicants apply well in advance of their intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays.
It is important to ensure that all required documents are submitted with the application to avoid any delays in processing time. Applicants should also ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting their application to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.
Overall, UK Visas is confident in their ability to assist applicants with the Marriage Visitor visa process and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure a successful outcome.
After Arrival in the UK
Marriage Registration
Once a couple has arrived in the UK on a Marriage Visitor visa, they must register their marriage or civil partnership within the six-month validity period of the visa. To register, they must give notice at a local register office and wait for the notice period to expire before the ceremony can take place.
It is important to note that a Marriage Visitor visa does not allow for settlement in the UK. If the couple wishes to remain in the UK after the marriage, they must apply for a different visa or visa extension.
Visa Extension Options
If the couple wishes to stay in the UK for longer than the validity period of their Marriage Visitor visa, they must apply for a visa extension. They may be eligible for a Family visa, Spouse visa, or other visa category that allows for settlement in the UK.
It is important to apply for the extension before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying and potential legal consequences. The couple must also meet the eligibility requirements for the chosen visa category.
Legal Obligations
After the marriage or civil partnership is registered, the couple must comply with all legal obligations related to their immigration status in the UK. This includes regular reporting to the Home Office, maintaining valid visas or visa extensions, and complying with any restrictions or conditions placed on their stay in the UK.
It is important to note that failure to comply with these obligations can result in serious consequences, including deportation and a ban on re-entering the UK.
UK Visas recommends that couples seek professional advice and assistance to ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to their Marriage Visitor visa and subsequent immigration status in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for obtaining a Marriage Visitor visa in the UK?
To obtain a Marriage Visitor visa in the UK, the applicant must provide evidence of their intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of their arrival. They must also show that they plan to leave the UK at the end of their visit and have enough money to support themselves without working or accessing public funds.
How long does it typically take to process a UK Marriage Visitor visa application?
The processing time for a UK Marriage Visitor visa application varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances, but it typically takes between two and 12 weeks. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for their application to be processed.
Can I switch from a Marriage Visitor visa to a Spouse visa while in the UK?
No, it is not possible to switch from a Marriage Visitor visa to a Spouse visa while in the UK. Applicants must return to their home country and apply for a Spouse visa from there.
What are the current fees associated with applying for a Marriage Visitor visa for the UK?
The current fee for a Marriage Visitor visa for the UK is £95 for a six-month visa, £361 for a two-year visa, and £655 for a five-year visa. Additional fees may apply for other services, such as priority processing or biometric enrolment.
How does a Marriage Visitor visa differ from a fiancé(e) visa in the UK?
A Marriage Visitor visa is intended for individuals who plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK and then leave the country. A fiancé(e) visa, on the other hand, is intended for individuals who plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK and then remain in the country with their partner.
What specific documents are required when applying for a UK Marriage Visitor visa?
Applicants for a UK Marriage Visitor visa must provide a valid passport or travel document, evidence of their intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, evidence of their financial means to support themselves during their stay, and evidence of their plans to leave the UK at the end of their visit. Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.
