The UK Marriage Visitor visa is for overseas nationals who wish to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. The Marriage Visitor visa is different from the fiancé/fiancée visa under the family visa category that is for overseas nationals who wish to get married to a person who is settled in the UK (i.e. a British citizen or a person who has ILR) and then remain here after the ceremony. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for a Marriage Visitor visa, including who needs to apply, what you can and cannot do, who does not need to apply, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
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What is a Marriage Visitor visa?
A Marriage Visitor visa is a temporary visa that enables overseas nationals to come to the UK for up to 6 months to get married or form a civil partnership but not stay or settle here. With a Marriage Visitor visa, you can marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival. You can also pass through the UK in transit to another country.
A Marriage Visitor visa will also allow you to:
- Travel within the UK
- Take part in permitted activities for your work or business overseas (e.g. attend a meeting)
- Take part in an educational exchange visit (but not a course of study)
- Recreational study for up to 30 days (i.e. study that is just for leisure purposes and will not lead to a formal qualification), and
- Volunteer with a registered charity for up to 30 days
It is important to understand the restrictions of the Marriage Visitor visa. You will not be able to claim any form of public funds or benefits, live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits, extend your visa, switch to another type of visa, do paid work, or complete a course of study (that is not covered under the permitted activities).
You can bring your family members with you (e.g. your partner and children), but they must apply for and be granted their own Visitor visa (assuming they need a Visitor visa) to do so.
Do I need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa?
You will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you live in another country and wish to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK but do not plan to live here afterwards. You will also need to apply for and receive your Marriage Visitor visa before you can come to the UK to give notice of your marriage or civil partnership here. Giving notice is required before you get married or register a civil partnership. To give notice, you will need to sign a legal statement at a registry office in the UK formally stating that you intend to get married or form a civil partnership. This must be done at least 29 days before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony.
You will not need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you:
- Intend to come to the UK to convert your civil partnership into a marriage
- Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Have applied to the EUSS (submitted before 1 July 2021) and are waiting for a decision
- Are an Irish citizen, or you
- Qualify for British Citizenship or dual Citizenship – in this case, you might apply for British Citizenship.
Am I eligible for a Marriage Visitor visa?
To apply for a Marriage Visitor visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years
- Be free to give notice of marriage, to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
- Be in a genuine relationship with the partner who you will marry in the UK
- Intend to visit the UK for no more than 6 months and leave at the end of your stay
- Not plan to use your Marriage Visitor visa to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or make the UK your main home
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your time in the UK, or the support of another person
- Be able to fund your return or onward journey, or the support of another person
- Have proof of any other activities you plan to do in the UK that is permitted with a Visitor visa
To prove that you meet the requirements of the Marriage Visitor visa, you can provide evidence such as plans for your marriage or civil partnership, venue booking, and payments made. If you were previously married or in a civil partnership, you will need to provide evidence that this has formally ended (e.g. a decree absolute or the death certificate of a previous partner).
How can I apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa?
The application process for a Marriage Visitor visa is completed online on the Home Office website. To apply for a Marriage Visitor visa, you will need to:
- Complete and submit the online Marriage Visitor visa application from outside the UK
- Pay the application fee of £100
- Arrange an appointment at a visa application centre in the country where you live. This involves proving your identity and having your fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken.
- Provide any documents requested by the Home Office
Your partner will also need to prepare and submit their own Marriage Visitor visa application if you both need one. If your children will be joining you, they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Marriage Visitor visa applications normally take up to 3 weeks to process. The Home Office will confirm the outcome of your application in writing or by email and what you need to do to receive your visa. It is essential to wait until you receive your visa before you travel to the UK.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
