To get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, you need to apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa.
For any questions regarding visiting the UK, marriage visitor visas, civil partnerships, or other legal matters, feel free to reach out to one of our legal experts. Call us at 02033939272 or contact our immigration experts online for assistance.
The UK Marriage Visit Visa, a specific type of Standard Visitor Visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK to marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice of their plans to do so.
This visa is typically issued for a maximum duration of six months. However, it is important to understand that it does not allow you to remain or settle in the UK beyond its validity period.
You might not need a UK Marriage Visitor Visa if:
For more information about Marriage Visitor or Civil Partnership Visitor visas, contact your dedicated solicitor at 02033939272.
A UK Visa for getting married allows you to:
Transit through the UK on your journey to another country.
Keep in mind that you are unable to:
You must fulfill the following marriage visitor visa UK requirements:
It is important to inform a designated registry office of your intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership at least 28 days prior to the ceremony.
English language proficiency is not required when applying for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa. However, an understanding of the language can make the application process smoother and less challenging, as there are specific guidelines and factors to consider.
If English is not your first language, our bilingual team can assist you by providing advice and information in your preferred language.
While this visa doesn’t have strict rules on employment or access to public funds, you must be able to cover your travel, maintenance, and accommodation expenses for the duration of your stay.
Your funds should be held in a legitimate bank account. If a third party with a genuine personal or professional connection to you offers support and complies with immigration regulations, they may assist with your expenses.
To ensure that your financial plans meet UK Visa requirements, our expert team can review them and guide you through the necessary steps.
Call 02033939272 now to learn about the financial requirements for a UK marriage visitor visa.
The following documents are needed for the UK marriage visitor visa application:
Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. Note that you might also be required to submit other documents not on this list, based on your circumstance.
To secure a UK Marriage Visitor Visa, follow these steps:
Make sure to allow plenty of time for these steps to ensure a smooth process.
If you plan to visit the UK for marriage, securing a Marriage Visitor Visa is a must. The application process begins online, and it is essential to submit your application before travelling to the UK.
Before starting your online application, ensure you carefully review the required documents. As part of the application, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at a visa application centre for identity verification, which includes the collection of biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph.
Please note that the visa application centre may not be located in your home country, so make sure to plan accordingly to attend your appointment on time. During the processing period, the centre may retain your passport and documents.
To make the process smoother, you can save your application form and return to complete it later, giving you flexibility to manage your application more efficiently.
To get married or form a civil partnership in the UK, you will need to pay a fee of £115 for a Marriage Visitor visa.
Please be aware that refunds are only available for applications that have not yet been processed.
The usual processing time for your online application, once you’ve completed identity verification and uploaded supporting documents, is around three weeks. However, processing times may vary due to delays from the Home Office. Keep in mind that you must have made arrangements with a UK registrar’s office at least 28 days before your planned visit.
For the most current information on visa decision waiting times, visit the UK government’s official page on visa processing times.
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified of the visa decision via email, letter, or online access to your immigration status. If your application is approved, a vignette (visa sticker) will be placed in your passport, showing your visa details, including the type of visa, its start and end dates, and any conditions attached.
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter or email explaining the reason for the refusal. The notification will also outline your rights to request an administrative review or appeal the immigration decision if you believe it was unjust.
For assistance with visa appeals or any further inquiries, please contact our Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors at 02033939272 or reach out online.
To marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, it’s essential to apply for the correct visa. The UK Marriage Visitor Visa is specifically for those who intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK but does not allow for a long-term stay.
In contrast, the UK Fiancé Visa allows individuals to enter the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, with the option to apply for a Spouse Visa afterward to stay in the country. Applicants can apply for a partner visa before their initial fiancé visa expires.
Both visa types require evidence that the relationship is genuine, which can include bank statements and proof of previous relationships. This documentation must be submitted at a visa application centre.
To avoid complications, it’s crucial to ensure the visa application is valid. Couples must also register their marriage or civil partnership at a local registry office.
For guidance on which visa to apply for, consider consulting with professionals. Our immigration lawyers can assist you in determining the most suitable visa route, whether it’s the Marriage Visitor Visa, Fiancé Visa, or Spouse Visa.
The Marriage Visitor visa serves as a valuable option for those specifically travelling to the UK for marriage or civil partnership. Despite its utility, navigating the process of obtaining this visa, like any UK visa, can be challenging. Many applicants face difficulties, resulting in unsuccessful attempts each year.
If you’re considering a Marriage Visitor visa application, Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors is here to assist. We aim to provide you with a seamless experience by managing the complexities of the process, ensuring your eligibility is clearly established, and enhancing your likelihood of a successful outcome.
As seasoned legal advisers specialising in UK immigration law, we offer comprehensive support for your Marriage Visitor visa application. Our services include:
For a smoother and more assured experience throughout your visa application journey, consider partnering with Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors. We are committed to facilitating your journey to the UK for marriage or civil partnership, making the process as straightforward as possible.
No, the Standard Visitor Visa explicitly prohibits the intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership while in the UK. To proceed with your marriage plans, you must apply for a dedicated Marriage Visitor Visa.
Typically, the decision on a Marriage Visitor Visa application takes approximately 3 weeks. However, applicants are advised to verify the current processing times with their local application Centre for the most accurate information.
The current fee for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK is £115.
Generally, interviews are not required for most applicants. However, in certain cases, the visa application centre may request an interview if they need additional information regarding the marriage or civil partnership plans.
No, you must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. A standard visitor visa does not permit marriage or civil partnership.
Only marriages or civil partnerships can be formed in the UK with a Marriage Visitor visa. It prevents long-term residence or settlement in the UK.
In the meantime, after getting married or entering into a civil partnership, individuals with Fiancé visas are permitted to reside and settle in the UK. To achieve this, they must apply for a spouse visa before the expiration of their original Fiancé visa.
