British Marriage Visa: Application Guidelines

A British marriage visa is needed when a non-UK citizen or non-EEA citizen wants to enter the UK as a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK. In this article, we will discuss the application guidelines for a British marriage visa.

Eligibility for a British Marriage Visa

To apply for a British marriage visa, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK.
• You must have met your partner and have been in a genuine relationship for at least 2 years.
• You must have a good knowledge of English.
• You must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

Application Process for a British Marriage Visa

The application process for a British marriage visa includes the following steps:

Step 1: Gather and Submit Documents

You will need to submit the following documents along with your visa application:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate or civil partnership registration certificate)
• Proof of adequate funds for your living expenses
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Documents supporting your immigration history

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee

You must pay the application fee when submitting the application. The current fee for a British Marriage visa is £1,523.

Step 3: Biometric Enrollment

After paying the application fee, you are required to enroll your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center.

Step 4: Attend an Interview

You may be required to attend an interview as part of your visa application process.

Processing Time for a British Marriage Visa

The processing time for a British marriage visa can range from 2 to 12 weeks. However, it can take longer depending on individual circumstances.

FAQs

What is the financial requirement for a British Marriage visa?

You must have enough income and/or savings to support yourself without recourse to public funds. You will need to earn a minimum of £18,600 per year if you have no dependents. If you have dependent children, you will need to earn an additional £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.

Can I apply for a British Marriage visa if I am not married?

Yes, you can apply for a British Marriage visa if you are in a civil partnership or if you are living with your partner for at least 2 years in a relationship similar to marriage.

What is the English language requirement for a British Marriage visa?

You must pass an English language test for speaking and listening at a minimum level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Can I work in the UK on a British Marriage visa?

Yes, you can work in the UK on a British Marriage visa.

Can I switch to a British Marriage visa from another immigration category?

Yes, you can switch to a British Marriage visa if you are already in the UK in a different visa category.

Conclusion

Applying for a British Marriage visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By carefully following the guidelines and providing all required documents, you can increase your chances of a successful application. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with an immigration attorney or the UK government’s website for further information.