What is a British fiancé visa?

As a British citizen, you can sponsor your Thai partner for a UK fiancé(e) visa, which allows them to enter the UK and marry you. After arrival, you have six months to get married. Your partner can then extend their stay by applying for a UK spousal visa, which can lead to permanent residency.

If you envision a future with your Thai partner in your home country, then read on to learn more about the UK fiancé visa, the benefits for your partner, and the ways you can support them as they take their first steps into a new life with you in the United Kingdom.

Advantages of a British fiancé visa

A British fiancé(e) visa allows your partner to enter the country easily and legally. Since this visa marks the beginning of indefinite residence in the UK, it offers your partner several attractive benefits, such as:

  • By getting married while on a fiancé(e) visa, your partner will receive a British spousal visa, which can extend their stay by 2 years and 9 months.
  • While the fiancé(e) visa restricts employment, after switching to a spouse visa they can work without restrictions.
  • Completing a fiancé(e) visa application is relatively quick and offers your partner a fast and easy way to live with you in the UK.
  • This visa offers your partner a straightforward way to obtain permanent residency in Great Britain, thus giving them the opportunity to settle there indefinitely in the future.

    • Please note that the primary purpose of this visa is marriage. Therefore, if you do not marry within the allotted 6 months, your partner's visa will be cancelled and their privileges revoked.

    Requirements for a British fiancé(e) visa and required documents

    So how can your partner apply for a UK fiancé(e) visa while still in Thailand? And what requirements must you meet to sponsor them? Before applying for a UK fiancé(e) visa, you and your partner must meet the following requirements:

  • To be a sponsor, you must either be a British citizen or a permanent resident of Great Britain.
  • You and your fiancé(e) must be at least 18 years old.
  • You and your partner must have the legal freedom to marry in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
  • You must have met your fiancé(e) in person beforehand.
  • There are certain minimum financial requirements that you must meet in order to be able to support them financially.*
  • You will need a flat and address in the UK that is in a suitable condition so that your partner can live there comfortably.
  • Your partner must pass an English test at A1 level or higher (if they are taking the CEFR).
  • Your partner must undergo a medical examination to be tested for tuberculosis.

    • To meet the financial requirements, you need a total income of at least £29,000. This income can come from sources such as employment, pensions, maternity benefits, or survivor's benefits. If you do not reach this amount, a minimum savings balance of £88,500 is sufficient, provided you maintain this balance for at least six months after your partner submits the application.

    Required documents

    Now that we've discussed the admission requirements, let's look at which documents you and your fiancé(e) need to submit with the application. It's important to have all the necessary documents ready so that your partner doesn't encounter any problems with the application that could lead to delays or even rejection. Before submitting the application, you and your partner will need the following:

  • A fully completed and signed application form in accordance with Annex FM
  • Valid Thai passport (from your partner)
  • Two passport photos of your partner
  • Documents that prove your ability to financially support your fiancé(e) (e.g. a bank statement)
  • An English language certificate from your partner
  • Proof of your residence in the United Kingdom
  • Evidence of the family relationship (e.g. letters from family members and joint invoices)
  • Results of your partner's tuberculosis test

    • Your partner must also provide biometric data after submitting the application. If you or your partner were previously married but divorced, a divorce certificate is also required.

    How to apply for a British fiancé visa

    Once you and your partner have gathered all the necessary documents, you can proceed to the next step. To apply for a UK fiancé(e) visa, you and your Thai partner will jointly complete the online application form on the UK government website. Once the application has been received, it will be processed by the UK Visa Application Service (VFS) in Bangkok, where your partner's biometric data will be evaluated.

    Your fiancé(e) will be asked to schedule an in-person appointment. This might seem a little daunting at first, but it's not. Your partner can easily book the appointment and create an account online on the VFS UK website. On the day of the appointment, VFS will ask a few simple questions, take fingerprints, and have a quick photo taken.

    Once this step is complete, your partner's application will be forwarded to the UK Immigration Service (UKVI). UKVI will assign an officer to review the application to ensure everything is in order. If the application is deemed acceptable, the visa will be affixed to your partner's passport, and the application will be returned to the UK Visas and Foreign Service Office (VFS) in Thailand. Your fiancé(e) can then simply schedule an appointment to collect the passport in person or have it delivered to their home by courier.

    Professional support in applying for your partner's job

    If you would like to learn more about this visa, please visit the UK fiancé(e) visa information page on our website. For professional support and to ensure your partner obtains the visa quickly and successfully, contact Siam Legal today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced UK visa advisors will help you and your partner begin the next chapter of your lives in the UK smoothly and without worries about immigration issues or delays.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How much does Siam Legal's visa service for Great Britain cost?

    For 49,755 Baht plus VAT, you and your fiancé(e) can use our visa services. Please note, however, that visa fees, English test fees, tuberculosis test fees, the Immigrant Health Services (IHS) surcharge, and VFS fees are not included.

    How long does it take to apply for a British fiancé(e) visa?

    The processing time for your partner's application is approximately 24 weeks on average. However, if he or she opts for the priority service, the visa can be issued after just 7 days.

    What should my partner do after receiving the visa?

    Once your partner has a UK fiancé(e) visa, they must travel to the UK within six months. Upon arrival, they must marry you and register their marriage within this timeframe. Make sure your wedding plans are finalized, because if the marriage doesn't take place within the validity period of your partner's visa, they will need to apply for a new visa if they wish to stay in the UK with you longer.

    After marriage, your partner can apply for a spouse visa for the UK, which allows them to stay in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years and 9 months. If you are still together when the visa expires, your spouse can extend their stay for a further 2 years and 6 months by renewing the spouse visa (also known as a "Leave to Remain" visa).

    Can my fiancé apply for permanent residency with this visa?

    No, a fiancé(e) visa does not entitle your partner to permanent residency. However, it can be a good starting point if your partner later intends to obtain permanent residency. After marriage, application for a spousal visa, and its renewal, he/she can then apply for permanent residency.

    Can my fiancé bring children with him on the visa?

    Yes, a major advantage of the visa is that your partner can bring their children. If your fiancé has children aged 18 or older, they will need to apply for their own visa if they wish to accompany them to the UK. However, if your fiancé has a child over 18 who requires the support of a parent due to a mental or physical disability, that child can apply for the UK Adult Dependent Visa.

    As a sponsor, you can also invite your Thai partner's children to the UK. The cost is £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

    What happens if my fiancé's proposal is rejected?

    If your partner's application was rejected, they should contact the Siam Legal visa team as soon as possible. Our team will provide comprehensive support to your partner throughout the reapplication process, giving them another chance to obtain a fiancé(e) visa.

    Contact us

    Contact our UK visa services team directly by scanning the WhatsApp QR code. We're happy to help with any questions you may have about your visa and support you throughout the entire application process.

    You can also contact us using the form below. Please fill out the form completely and send it to us.

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