The UK Marriage Visitor Visa and the UK Fiancé Visa serve different purposes, depending on whether you plan to remain in the UK after your wedding.

UK Marriage Visitor Visa 

This is a short-term visitor visa for individuals who intend to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK and then leave within six months. Key features of this visa category include:

• Valid for up to 6 months;
• You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You cannot work;
• You cannot switch into another visa category from inside the UK;
• You must usually spend at least 7 full days in the UK before giving notice of marriage.

This route is suitable if you wish to hold your ceremony in the UK but do not intend to settle there.

UK Fiancé Visa

The Fiancé Visa is for individuals engaged to a British citizen or a person with settled status who intend to marry and remain in the UK. Key features of the UK Fiancé Visa category include:

• Valid for 6 months;
• You must marry within that 6-month period;
• You cannot work during the fiancé stage;
• After marriage, you can apply from within the UK for a Spouse Visa.

The Sponsor must meet the £29,000 gross annual income or rely on £88,500 in cash savings, and suitable accommodation must be available. The financial threshold is subject to change without notice.

*All GBP (Great British Pound) amounts can be converted to Canadian dollars using the official OANDA exchange rates.

Summary

• Marriage Visitor Visa = marry in the UK and leave.
• Fiancé Visa = marry in the UK and remain to apply for a Spouse Visa.

Choosing the wrong route can result in delays and additional expense, particularly if you intend to settle in the UK after marriage.

Get more information and legal help

To learn more about choosing the correct visa to enter the UK for the purpose of marrying or forming a civil partnership, please contact Sterling Immigration Ltd.

								
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