If you are planning to live in the UK with your partner, you might be wondering: Should I apply for a UK spouse visa or a UK fiance visa? Both visas allow partners to reunite, but they serve different purposes and have different requirements.
At GMS Immigration, we know how confusing these categories can be. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you understand the UK spouse visa vs UK fiance visa and choose the right option for your situation.
A UK spouse visa is for those who are already married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.
A UK fiance visa is for those who are engaged to a British citizen or settled person and plan to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
| Feature | UK Spouse Visa | UK Fiance Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship status | Must already be married or in civil partnership | Must be engaged and plan to marry within 6 months |
| Validity | 2.5 years | 6 months |
| Work rights | Yes | No |
| Path to ILR | Yes, after 5 years | Only after switching to spouse visa |
| Application cost | Higher due to longer duration | Lower but must switch later |
Tip: If possible, getting married before applying can save time and money since you directly qualify for a spouse visa.
UK Government – Family Visa Guidance
Whether applying for a spouse visa or fiance visa, you’ll usually need:
Need a detailed checklist? Check our guide on UK Visa Application Documents.
At GMS Immigration, we are an IAA-certified agency in Kent with years of experience in family visas. We offer:
✔️ Free initial consultation
✔️ Step-by-step guidance
✔️ Application preparation & review
✔️ Support until decision
📞 Call: 020 8059 0483
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7455 861135
🌐 Visit GMS Immigration
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Before applying for a UK Spouse Visa, it’s important to understand the essential immigration rules.
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Yes, once you get married within 6 months, you can switch to a spouse visa without leaving the UK.
No, you cannot work on a fiance visa. You can only work once you switch to a spouse visa.
You must leave the UK or reapply. Failing to marry within the timeframe may affect future applications.
It usually takes 8–12 weeks, though priority services are available at an extra cost.
The spouse visa is better for long-term settlement as it directly leads to ILR after 5 years.
The UK Spouse Visa allows you to live and work in the UK after marriage, whereas the UK Fiance Visa only gives you 6 months’ entry to get married in the UK before switching to a Spouse Visa.
No, the UK Fiance Visa does not allow you to work. You can only start working after switching to a UK Spouse Visa once you are married.
Generally, the UK Fiance Visa takes about 2–3 months, while the UK Spouse Visa may take up to 12 weeks or more depending on your case.
