UK Fiance Visa for Canadian Citizens & Residents

UK Fiance Visa Requirements for Canadians

In order to be eligible for the fiance or proposed civil partner visa, the couple has to be 18 years or older, and the UK-based partner must:

• Be a British or Irish citizen
• Hold settled status in the UK through the European Union settlement scheme, holding either indefinite leave to remain, settled status or  permanent residence
• Be a citizen from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and hold pre-settled status. If this is your partner’s situation, they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
• Hold a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
• Have refugee status or humanitarian protection from the UK
• Meet the spouse visa financial requirement, which requires applicants to prove that they and their partner have a combined yearly income of a minimum of at least £29,000.
• Able to demonstrate they have an appropriate place for the Canadian partner to come and live with their fiancé in the UK.
• Pass a medical exam to show good health

In addition, any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended. You must also intend to be legally married or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

Most Canadian applicants do not need to worry about the English language test as part of the application.

For advice on the latest requirements for the visa contact an immigration expert to ensure you meet all the criteria for a successful application.

What are the Fiance Visa Financial Requirements?

As part of your visa application for the immigration status of Fiance Visa UK, you will need to provide evidence that demonstrates that you meet specific financial thresholds.

The Fiance visa requires you to prove to the Home Office that as a couple you have enough money to support yourselves whilst you are in the UK (as well as any dependent child that may be included in your visa application form).

As such, the partner visas require a combined annual income of at least  £29,000. The minimum income requirement will no longer include a separate child element. This eliminates the need for additional funds per child.

For a successful outcome, applicants  can provide evidence of their finances through any of the following:

• Regular salary through jobs
• Being self-employed
• Statutory sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption pay
• Savings
• Stocks and shares
• Pension payments
• Property financial gains, such as a regular income from rent

It is important to note that the Canadian Fiancé Visa holder is not yet considered a permanent resident and can’t access UK public funds.

How to apply for a UK Fiance visa from Canada?

Step 1 – Ensure you’re eligible

You must determine your eligibility for a UK Fiance Visa. If you are in a relationship to a British or Irish citizen who is your sponsor, you may be eligible to apply. If your sponsor is not a British or Irish citizen, you may be able to get a Fiance Visa if they have settled status in the UK via the EU Settlement Scheme or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Students are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK, and some professionals on the Health and Care Visas are not allowed to bring dependents.

You cannot work on a Fiance Visa, so you must ensure your sponsor can support you and any other dependents in the UK. They may be able to use savings or salary to show funds. The usual financial requirement is £29,000 per year. Your sponsor must show this income level for at least 6 months before applying.

Step 2 – Complete your application

You must complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents, then pay the application fee. With the UK Fiance visa, the application can be done online and can be made from either Canada or the UK if the Canadian partner is already living in the  country on another visa pathway. When doing the application, documents and documents that prove the genuine relationship needs to be submitted.

Step 3 – Arrange biometrics & interview

You must arrange a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and digital photographs. You may also be invited for an interview where you could be asked questions to prove your ‘genuine and subsisting relationship’, for example.

Some applicants may be invited for an interview at their local visa application centre. If they are asked, couples will receive a letter asking them to attend, which can involve travel. If they get this interview immigration officers may ask about the intention to move to the UK and confirm the nature of the relationship.

Step 4 – Decision

Once you’ve completed all application stages, including submitting biometrics and attending an interview if required, UKVI will notify you of your decision.

What documents are required for the Fiance Visa application?

Some of the information applicants of the visa will need to provide includes:

• Name and date of birth
• Copies of the photo page of any old passports and visas
• Information about the relationship you have with your partner, including how long you have been together, how you met and how often you see each other
• Details of anyone you previously married or had children with
• Divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Details of any criminal convictions (if applicable)
• Details of the countries outside the UK which you have lived in and visited
• The date of birth and nationality of your parents if you are applying from outside the UK

Visa Processing Times and Fast-Track Options

Fiance Visa processing times are typically 12 weeks when applying from outside the UK, which is longer than most UK visa applications. Applications inside the UK are usually shorter and can be processed in 8 weeks. In rare cases, the process can take up to 12 months. It can also take less time. The average processing time for a UK Fiance visa is anywhere between 2 – 12 weeks from the date of submission. Some circumstances might mean delays or refusals, such as:

• Missing information
• Interview is required
• Peak times and seasonal delays
• Additional evidence requested
• Not paying all required fees

Fast-track options

• Priority processing is available for a decision in up to 5 working days and costs £500
• Super priority processing allows a decision in up to two working days and costs £1000

When the application is approved, the Canadian partner will be permitted to remain in the UK for up to six months, but it is important to get married within the 6 months period to be able to switch your permissions to a Spouse Visa.

Fiance Visa Costs

Various costs are involved in a Fiance Visa application, as well as extending to a Family Visa, healthcare surcharges, priority processing and biometrics.

Fiance Visa Validity and Extensions

The UK Fiancé Visa is initially valid for 6 months, during which applicants are expected to marry or enter a civil partnership with their UK partner. After the marriage, the visa holder is expected to switch to a Spouse Visa to continue residing in the UK.

• The cost of extending your visa in special circumstances or switching to a Spouse Visa (the usual route) is £1,321.
• If you plan to marry before you apply for a UK visa, you can apply directly for a Spouse Visa. It costs £1,321 if you apply from within the UK and £1,938 if you apply from outside the UK.
• If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa in the UK instead of a Fiance Visa.

Special circumstances for visa extensions

Under special circumstances, it is possible to extend a Fiancé Visa if the marriage or civil partnership is delayed. Common reasons for requesting an extension include:

• Unforeseen Delays: If unexpected circumstances, such as venue issues or delays in obtaining necessary documentation, prevent marriage within the initial 6 months.
• Medical Reasons: If either partner is dealing with a serious health issue or medical treatment that delays the marriage.
• Other Compelling Reasons: Other compelling personal or compassionate circumstances directly impacting the ability to marry within the visa validity period.

Can You Work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa?

You cannot work on a Fiance Visa in the UK. Once you are married, you can. You can apply for a spouse or unmarried partner visa that permits you to work.

Fiancé Visa with Dependent Children

Applying for a Fiancé Visa with dependent children involves additional requirements. Each child under 18 can be included in the application. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial support, typically requiring an income of at least £29,000 with no additional requirements for dependents. If you initially applied before April 2024 and are renewing or switching your visa, you are likely eligible for the former £18,600 per year requirement. Under this route, additional amounts are required for each child.

Required documents include proof of the relationship, financial evidence, custody documents if applicable, and consent from the other parent if they are not accompanying the children.