UK Marriage Visitor Visa: Eligibility And Requirements

The UK marriage visitor visa permits you to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of your arrival.

Who Has to Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?

Foreign nationals must apply for a marriage visitor visa before traveling to the United Kingdom to marry, register a civil partnership, or provide notice of their intention to do so. You do not have to apply for a marriage visitor visa if:

• You have a settled or pre-settled status with the EU Settlement Scheme.
• You have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme, but the decision is pending.
• You are an Irish citizen.
• You plan to stay or settle in the UK after you are married or have registered a civil partnership.
• You qualify for British Citizenship.

Who Is Eligible for a Marriage Visitor Visa?

You are eligible for a marriage visitor visa if:

• You are 18 or older.
• You can give notice of marriage, to marry, or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
• You are in a genuine relationship.
• You will be visiting the UK for less than 6 months.
• You will leave the UK after your visit.
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or make the UK your main home.
• You are able to support yourself during your trip.
• You are able to pay for your return or onward journey.
• You have proof of any other activities you want to do in the UK.

How to Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?

The application process for a marriage visitor visa is as follows:

• Start the Application Process Online

The application process begins online, on the UK government’s official website. Once you’ve begun filling out the form, you can save it and finish it later. If you saved your application, you can sign in again. You can apply through this website.

• Book an Appointment With the Nearest Visa Application Center

In addition to the online application, you will need to schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application center. Make sure to arrange an appointment months in advance because, depending on your country, the visa application facility may be in another country.

• Gather the Required Documents

It is critical to acquire the necessary paperwork before attending the visa appointment, since you may be required to provide additional documents depending on your situation. The list of documents is as follows.

• An application form, duly completed and signed.
• Your current valid passport or any other travel document.
• Proof that you are planning to get married in the UK. You can submit a booking confirmation or emails between you and the venue.
• Details of the marriage or civil partnership.
• Proof that you have paid some of the marriage or civil partnership costs.
• Details on where you plan to stay in the UK.
• Provide evidence of your future plans for the relationship, such as where you intend to live permanently.
• Proof of financial means. You have to prove that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay.
• Proof you can marry or form a civil partnership if you have done it before. You can provide a decree absolute or a death certificate of a previous partner.

Note: Depending on your situation, you may be required to submit extra documents as well as translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.

• Attend the Visa Appointment

At the appointment, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. You must also submit the relevant documentation, and the visa application center may store your passport while your application is processed.

• Complete the Fee Payment

The application fee for a marriage visitor visa is £95. You will get refunds if your application is still in process.

• Wait for a Decision

After you submit your documents, verify your identity, and apply online, you should receive a decision within three weeks. If the Home Office is swamped with applications, this amount of time may be extended.

• How Long Can I Stay in the UK With a Marriage Visitor Visa?

A married guest visa is valid for six months out of twelve. During your stay in the United Kingdom, you will be unable to seek for an extension or another visa. You must return to your home nation after six months of stay

When you return home, you can apply for the visa that is best suited to your situation, such as a UK spouse visa if you want to live permanently with your spouse in the UK.

• How Much Does a UK Marriage Visitor Visa Cost?

Marriage visitor visas cost £95. Refunds are only offered if your application has not been processed.

• How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Marriage Visitor Visa?

You should receive a decision on your application within three weeks of applying online, proving your identity, and submitting your documentation. This amount of time can be extended to six or seven weeks, depending on how busy the Home Office is with application processing.

• Can I Bring Dependents With a UK Marriage Visitor Visa?

No, you can’t. Other family members must apply for their own visiting visas to enter the United Kingdom.

When both you and your partner need to apply for a marriage guest visa, the partner applies for his own and pays the price. If your child needs a visa, they must apply as a typical visitor.

If your spouse and child are unable to apply for themselves, you may apply on their behalf. However, they must attend the visa appointment.

• Is It Possible to Switch to a Marriage Visitor Visa?

In the United Kingdom, you cannot switch to a marriage visiting visa. To apply for a marriage visitor visa, you must first return to your home country.

• What You Can and Cannot Do With a Marriage Visitor Visa?

With a marriage visitor visa, you can:

• Marry or enter a civil partnership within six months in the UK at a licensed venue.
• Pass through the UK to another country.

With a marriage visitor visa, you cannot:

• Access public funds.
• Bring in family members or dependents. They must apply for their own visas separately.
• Live in the UK for a prolonged period of time.
• Extend your marriage visitor visa or switch to a different one.
• Work.
• Study.