Quick answer (read this first)

Marriage visa UK decisions are simple: pick the route that matches your intent.

• If you want to marry in the UK and go home afterward — use a Marriage Visitor visa (up to 6 months). You cannot switch to settle from inside the UK.

• If you plan to marry in the UK and then stay — apply for a Fiancé(e) visa (6 months), marry and switch to a Spouse visa without leaving the UK.

• If you’re already married or in a civil partnership — apply for a Spouse visa (partner visa UK) as your route to settlement.

If you want the checklist now: ExpatsUK offers downloadable nationality‑specific checklists, sample letters and templates you can use to build a tidy application.

Which marriage visa UK do you need?

Think intent, not emotion. The visa is about what you plan to do after the wedding.

• Planning to leave after the wedding → Marriage visitor visa UK.

• Engaged, will marry in the UK, and intend to live in the UK → Fiancé(e) visa UK.

• Already married or civil partnered → Spouse visa UK (also called partner visa UK).

Quick exceptions and gotchas

• You cannot switch from a standard visitor visa or a marriage visitor visa to a spouse inside the UK. Don’t try it.

• Sponsors usually must be British, Irish, or have settled status. Some exceptions exist (refugee status, Turkish worker, certain humanitarian cases). Check GOV.UK for edge cases.

• If your sponsor is on a short‑term work visa, they may not be eligible to sponsor you. Verify their immigration status first.

The 9‑step no‑nonsense plan (at‑a‑glance)

1. Choose the right route.

1. Confirm sponsor eligibility.

1. Check the financial (MIR) and savings options.

1. Satisfy the English and health (TB) rules.

1. Assemble the documents — complete checklist.

1. Complete the online form, pay fees and IHS.

1. Book biometrics, appointment and plan ceremony timing.

1. Track, respond to requests, prepare for decision.

1. If refused — read the letter, review options, reapply or seek review.

Step 1 — Choose the right route (visitor vs fiancé vs spouse)

There’s no clever hack here. The rules are clear. Pick the correct route and build your case around it.

Marriage Visitor visa UK

Purpose: get married in the UK and leave afterwards.

Duration: up to 6 months.

Limits: cannot extend and cannot switch to any other visa inside the UK.

Use it when the plan is temporary — a UK wedding but not UK life.

Fiancé(e) visa UK

Purpose: come to the UK to marry and then switch to a Spouse visa without leaving.

Duration: 6 months to enter, marry and apply to switch.

Key point: after marriage you apply for a Spouse visa from inside the UK. That’s the whole point of the fiancé route.

Sponsor rules are stricter than visitor. They must meet the income/settlement requirements.

Spouse visa UK

Purpose: already married or civil partnered and intending to live in the UK.

Duration: initial grant usually 30–33 months (then extend, then ILR application).

Rights: work, study and access services. Route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if you meet the timeline and conditions.

Quick checklist: which box do you tick?

• If you won’t settle, choose Marriage Visitor.

• If you will settle and will marry in the UK, choose Fiancé(e).

• If you’re already married/partnered, choose Spouse.

Step 2 — Sponsor eligibility: who can sponsor you

The sponsor is the UK‑based partner. Their immigration status drives eligibility.

Who qualifies

• British citizen.

• Irish citizen.

• Person with settled status: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU schemes.

Edge cases and exceptions

There are exceptions for people with refugee or humanitarian protection status, Turkish worker schemes, and some other categories. These are specific and need a GOV.UK check.

If your sponsor has pre‑settled status only, they can sometimes sponsor, but the rules differ. Don’t assume.

Practical checks

• Confirm the sponsor’s passport, ILR card, or digital status before you apply.

• If their right to be in the UK is temporary or newly changed (e.g., new job, leave to remain ending), gather evidence showing continuity.

• Age and legal capacity matter. Both partners must be 18+. If not, get specialist advice.

Step 3 — Money — the minimum income requirement (MIR) and savings

Money is one of the most common failure points. Get this right before you assemble the rest.

The headline

The MIR for spouse/partner applications is £29,000 per year gross for most new applications (check GOV.UK for live confirmation).

How you can meet it

• Salary. Payslips for the last 6 months, employer letter, P60 for the last tax year.

• Self‑employment. SA302 tax calculations, accountant letters, business bank statements.

• Cash savings. Held for at least 6 months. Used to plug a shortfall or meet requirement entirely.

• Other permitted income. Pensions, rental income, dividends — each with corroborating paperwork.

Savings calculation – the formula

If income falls short you can use cash savings. The formula used by Home Office is: cash savings must be at least £16,000 plus 2.5 times the shortfall.

Example 1 — Salary shortfall:

• Sponsor salary: £20,000.

• Shortfall versus MIR: £9,000.

• Savings needed: £16,000 + (2.5 × £9,000) = £16,000 + £22,500 = £38,500.

Example 2 — No qualifying income, savings only:

• MIR £29,000. Shortfall = £29,000.

• Savings needed: £16,000 + (2.5 × £29,000) = £16,000 + £72,500 = £88,500.

That £88,500 figure you’ve seen is the correct ballpark when using savings alone. It’s expensive in cash, but it’s an option.

Evidence checklist for financials

• Payslips: last 6 months (or documented pay periods for newly employed sponsors).

• P60: last tax year.

• Employer letter: job title, salary, start date, hours, future start date if relevant.

• Bank statements: last 6 months showing deposits and savings history.

• Self‑employment: SA302s, tax calculations, business accounts.

• Savings: six months of bank statements proving sustained balances, proof of source of funds.

Short advice: don’t try to patch missing income at the last minute. The Home Office looks for stability and a clear money trail.

Step 4 — English and health requirements

Two tests. One for language. One for TB if you come from certain countries.

English

For the initial spouse/partner application you normally need CEFR level A1. Extensions require A2, and later ILR generally requires B1.

Use a Home Office approved SELT provider. Common ones: IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert ESOL SELT, Trinity College SELTs. Book the right test and the right level.

Exemptions include holding a degree taught in English (with verification), or nationality from a majority English‑speaking country. Check the GOV.UK list for the up‑to‑date exemptions.

TB test

If you’ve lived in a country on the Home Office TB list for six months or more in the 6 months before applying, you need an approved TB certificate. The GOV.UK list shows which countries and which clinics are approved.

TB certificates are valid for six months from issue. Book early; slots at clinics can be limited.

Step 5 — The complete documents checklist

Documents are your evidence. Organize them. Label them. Make the case. The relationship evidence is central.

Identity and status

• Applicant passport and previous passports (if available).

• Sponsor passport and proof of settled status (ILR, settled status screenshot or card).

• Birth certificates where helpful.

Relationship evidence (the central bucket)

The Home Office wants to see a genuine, subsisting relationship. Give them a story that matches the facts.

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate, if already married.

• If you’re marrying: booking confirmations, ceremony invitations, venue contract.

• Photos together over time, ideally dated and captioned.

• Travel records and tickets demonstrating visits to each other.

• Messages and call logs that show ongoing contact (summary screenshots with a short index are helpful).

• Joint financial documents: joint bank accounts, joint tenancy agreements, joint bills.

• Supporting letters from family or friends (signed, dated and briefly stating how they know you).

• A short relationship timeline: how you met, key dates, periods of cohabitation or visits. Keep it concise and factual.

Sponsor documents

• Payslips, P60, employer letter and bank statements showing salary deposits.

• Self‑employment evidence: SA302s, accounts, HMRC letters.

• Proof of accommodation: tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, council tax bill, utility bills.

• National Insurance number records where relevant.

Civil documents

• If previously married: decree absolute or death certificate of former spouse.

• Birth certificates for dependents, if applying for children.

Translations and format

• Any document not in English or Welsh needs a certified translation with the translator’s contact, certification and date.

• Keep copies and originals organized. Bring originals to appointments if asked.

Application logistics

• Passport photos in the correct format.

• SELT certificate reference number.

• TB certificate if required.

• Biometric appointment letter.

How to assemble files

Name files clearly. Use a short cover letter that lists what you’re sending and in what order. That makes life easier for the caseworker and for you.

Suggested order: identity, relationship evidence (timeline first), financial evidence, accommodation, translations, additional supporting documents. Make a one‑page index and put it first.

Step 6 — Complete the application, pay fees and IHS

The online flow is straightforward but pay attention to details. Mistakes cost time.

The plain process

• Start the right online form on GOV.UK.

• Complete every field truthfully. Upload your evidence in the order you promised in the index.

• Pay the application fee, biometric fee and, if applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Book your biometric appointment and attend on time.

• Save and screenshot every confirmation page and payment receipt.

Costs at a glance (examples — verify live)

Route	Application fee (outside UK)	IHS (per year)	Priority options
Marriage Visitor (6 months)	~£127	N/A	Priority usually available (extra fee)
Fiancé(e) visa (outside UK)	£1,938	Not required (short stay)	Priority ~£500; super priority ~£1,000 (where offered)
Spouse visa (outside UK)	£1,938	£1,035 per year (adult)	Priority ~£500; super priority varies

Always check GOV.UK for the current fees and the exact cost for your application length and location.

How to choose priority

Only pay for priority if you need a fast decision and accept the risk that it may still be delayed. Priority is useful if you have non‑refundable bookings or time‑sensitive plans, but it won’t fix a weak application.

Step 7 — Biometrics, appointment and wedding timing

Book biometrics quickly. They can be the bottleneck.

Fiancé(e) timing

Fiancé(e) visas give 6 months to marry. Time your application so you’re not a week away from expiry when a decision arrives.

Plan the ceremony date after allowing for processing variability. Aim for breathing room.

Visitor/marriage visitor timing

If you use a Marriage Visitor visa, remember you cannot switch to a Spouse later without leaving the UK. If the plan might change, apply for a fiancé(e) instead.

What to take to your appointment

• Original documents (passports, marriage documents, sponsor documents).

• Receipts and confirmation emails for the online submission.

• Proof of identity and photographs in the correct format.

Step 8 — After you apply: what to expect and how to respond

Expect a wait. Expect a possible request for more evidence. Be ready to reply quickly.

Typical response windows

• Outside UK: standard up to ~12 weeks. Priority services faster.

• Inside UK: standard up to ~8 weeks; super priority may be same‑day in some centres.

If asked for more evidence

Answer fully and promptly. Don’t send a half‑answer or a single document if the request asks for a set.

Common short requests: employer confirmation, original bank statements, certified translations. Satisfy them clearly.

If approved

Outside UK: you’ll typically receive a vignette in your passport for entry, and a BRP to collect within a short window after arrival.

Inside UK: you usually get a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing your leave and work rights.

Spouse and partner visas generally permit work and study. The IHS activates NHS access for the visa period.

Step 9 — If refused: read the refusal, then act

Refusal letters tell you why. Read them word for word.

Options after refusal

• Administrative review — only in limited, specified cases.

• Reapply with corrected and stronger evidence (most common option).

• Judicial review — rare, expensive and only for procedural errors or unlawful decision‑making.

Repair checklist

• Fix the precise reason given in the refusal letter.

• Add stronger relationship proof (timelines, more corroborating evidence).

• Correct and resubmit the exact financial documents required.

• Ensure translations meet Home Office certification standards.

How ExpatsUK can help: peer document review, practical templates (sponsor letter, relationship timeline, cover letter) and nationality‑specific checklists to avoid common mistakes. See The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the UK as an Expat for broader relocation planning and checklists.

Costs, processing times and budget planning

Estimate total cost as: application fee + IHS (where applicable) + tests (SELT, TB) + translations + wedding costs + any priority fees + potential legal help.

Item	Spouse (outside UK)	Fiancé(e)	Marriage Visitor
Application fee	£1,938	£1,938	~£127
IHS (30 months typical)	~£2,587.50	Not required	N/A
SELT	~£150–£200	Depends on exemptions	Depends on exemptions
TB test	~£50–£200 (country dependent)	As required	As required
Priority processing	~£500 (where available)	~£500	Varies
Translations	Variable (per page)	Variable	Variable

Processing times vary by centre and season. Typical outside‑UK standard: up to 12 weeks. Inside UK standard: up to 8 weeks. Priority services reduce time but cost more. Always check GOV.UK for current times. For more on timing and what to expect, see How long does the visa application process take?.

Common refusal reasons and exact fixes

• Insufficient relationship evidence → add a clear relationship timeline, dated photos, travel records and independent corroboration.

• Failing MIR → provide correct payslips/P60s, or use savings and provide 6 months of bank statements showing sustained balances.

• Wrong visa choice (visitor vs fiancé) → reapply on the correct route with the right supporting evidence.

• Weak or no translations → secure certified translations with translator contact details and a signed statement of accuracy.

• Incomplete sponsor documents → add employer letter, NI evidence, and confirm housing proofs like tenancy or mortgage statements.

Two short real‑world fixes

Case A: They applied on a Marriage Visitor visa and stayed. Refused. Fix: reapply on a Fiancé(e) or Spouse route from outside with full MIR evidence.

Case B: Sponsor had irregular payslips and the income wasn’t clear. Refused. Fix: gather P60, employer letter, and three months of clear bank deposits, or use savings and supply 6 months of statements.

FAQs (quick answers)

Can I marry in the UK on a visitor visa and stay?

No. If you enter as a visitor you cannot switch to a Spouse visa while in the UK. If you plan to marry and stay, apply for a Fiancé(e) visa instead.

Can I switch inside the UK from a Marriage Visitor?

No. You cannot switch from a Marriage Visitor to a Settlement route inside the UK. If you need a deeper explanation of switching rules and the possible routes, see How do I switch visas once I’m in the UK?

Do US/Australian/Canadian citizens need an English test?

Often they are exempt because their nationalities are on the majority English‑speaking list. But do check GOV.UK — nationality exemptions can change.

What if my sponsor’s job changes during processing?

Document it. Provide a letter from the employer showing the change, updated payslips if available, and any new contracts. Transparency matters.

When does IHS start being charged?

IHS is paid at application when it applies. For fiancé visas you usually don’t pay IHS because the leave is under six months. For spouse visas you pay IHS for the length of leave requested (charged per year).

Templates and downloads (practical tools)

Use templates to be concise. ExpatsUK provides:

• Sample sponsor letter template.

• Relationship timeline template.

• Employer letter template.

• Document index template for uploads.

• One‑page “Before you click submit” checklist.

Download these from ExpatsUK and use the community for a quick sanity check of your document order. For short practical tips about settling and paperwork order, also see Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to the UK.

Country notes (short)

• US citizens: usually exempt from the SELT requirement. TB rules depend on where you’ve lived recently. Check GOV.UK for the TB list.

• Australian citizens: typically exempt from SELT. Watch timing for TB and biometrics.

• German citizens: not automatically exempt from SELT unless you have a degree taught in English. Gather relationship evidence carefully; visas for EU nationals are treated the same as others after Brexit.

If you’re also considering study options for the partner or planning to switch via study routes, see Apply for UK Student Visa: 2026 Step‑by‑Step Guide.

Closing — simple next steps

Two‑minute checklist to act now:

1. Pick your route (Visitor / Fiancé(e) / Spouse).

1. Open the ExpatsUK checklist and fill the relationship timeline template.

1. Book any SELT and TB tests you need.

1. Ask the sponsor for an employment letter and 6 months of bank statements.

One clear application, done well, beats many half‑made ones. Keep it simple. Show the evidence. Tell the truth. That’s the shortest route to approval. For broader moving preparation and next steps, read The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the UK as an Expat.

Appendix — key links and sources

• Fiancé(e) and Marriage Visitor guidance — GOV.UK

• Spouse and partner visa guidance — GOV.UK

• TB test country list — GOV.UK

• Eligibility and evidence — GOV.UK

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — GOV.UK

Source notes: fees, MIR and processing times cited in this guide reflect official guidance and public notices current as of early 2026. Fees and timelines change; always verify the live GOV.UK pages before you submit.