Type of visa help required

[430phil]

Hi,
I am enquiring about a visa for the uk, I live in Zimbabwe.

Is it best to apply for a visiting visa first and then apply for a settlement visa?
I intend to stay with my partner, and live permanently in the UK.

I just thought it may be quicker to get a travel visa first (if it's quicker), then apply for the full settlement visa when i am in the uk.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Casa]

Far from being as simply as you think (or hope).
1. It is not permitted to switch from a visitor visa to any other category of visa from within the UK, including settlement.
2. In order for a visitor visa application to succeed you will have to submit documented evidence of strong ties to your home country as reasons for returning without overstaying in the UK as a visitor.
3. You mention the word 'partner'. Unless you have been living together for a minimum of 2 years in a relationship 'akin to marriage', you won't qualify for settlement as an unmarried partner.
4. A fiance visa which would require you to marry in the UK within 6 months has very strict conditions. Both a fiance visa and a spouse settlement visa (if you marry outside of the UK) requires your partner/spouse as your sponsor to be earning as least £18,600 per year, or have £65,000 held in an account as accessible savings for 6 months.
5. Are you prepared for the high visa fees? The initial spouse settlement visa is £1,195 + the £600 NHS surcharge. A fiance visa will require 2 applications and the cost will be considerably higher.

[430phil]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I will look into the Fiance Visa, as we will not meet those other requirements yet.

Thanks for your help.

[430phil]

Hi,
Sorry I missed the last part of your reply.
It sounds like a Fiance visa is the correct way forward for us.
The financial implications would be ok, but can I ask why it would need two applications?

Also, how long is the application process?
Thank you.

[Casa]

If you plan to marry in the UK, you would submit a fiance visa application in Zimbabwe. If this is granted, after the wedding (within 6 months), you would then have to submit a FLR(M) spouse visa application from within the UK. The postal fee for this is currently £811 + £500 NHS surcharge. If you apply in person it would be £1311 with a decision generally being made on the same day.
This would mean:
1. Fiance visa application in Zimbabwe @ £1,195 (no NHS surcharge required at this stage)
2. FLR(M) application in the UK @ £811 + £500 NHS surcharge (or £1311 for an in-person application + £500).

The initial fiance visa application may take up to 90 days to process and receive a decision. The FLR(M) visa will grant you an initial 2.5 years of limited leave, after which you will have to apply for a further 2.5 year extension before qualifying for permanent residence (ILR) after a total of 5 years.

https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/overview

[430phil]

Hi,
Many thanks.
We do intend to marry in the UK within 6 months. So basically the Fiance visa will allow travel to the uk for a max of 6 months in order to get married?

Are there any specific requirements to prove we are suitable for the "Fiance Visa", e.g living together for a certain amount of time, or proof of visits to see eachother etc?

Thank your for your help.

[Casa]

Hi,
Many thanks.
We do intend to marry in the UK within 6 months. So basically the Fiance visa will allow travel to the uk for a max of 6 months in order to get married? Yes

Are there any specific requirements to prove we are suitable for the "Fiance Visa", e.g living together for a certain amount of time, or proof of visits to see eachother etc? No requirements to have lived together , but evidence of a genuine relationship required...proof having met in person, time spent together and of contact during your time apart. Also evidence of a UK wedding being planned.

Thank your for your help.

Your fiance (as sponsor) will have to submit the last 6 months payslips + corresponding 6 months bank statements. Also a letter from their employer on company letterhead confirming the terms of employment/salary etc. A1 level English required unless you fall under any of the exempt categories listed. I suggest that you read through the information in the link I posted for you and come back with any questions you may have.