Going on honeymoon with fiance visa

[souperphly]

Hi all,

In a bit of a panic here. My partner is currently living with me in the UK on a fiance (6 month) visa. We got married in May and his visa is valid until September, after which we will apply for FLR(M). We are going on our honeymoon to Japan in 2 weeks and I've just read that he may have trouble re-entering the UK with his fiance visa as he is no longer a fiance. I have also read that there has recently been a change to the rules regarding this which states that, as long as his fiance visa hasn't expired, there should be no problem re-entering the country. However, I'm having trouble finding official wording about this.

Does anyone know anything about this? I'd be hugely grateful for any solid knowledge.

Thanks a lot.

[Casa]

You may well be questioned on re-entry. I suggest you book a date for a premium appointment at a PSC before you travel and carry the booking appointment proof with you, together with your marriage certificate.

Why are you waiting to apply for FLR(M) until your 6 month fiance period ends. Your initial 2.5 year period as a Spouse won't start until you have been granted FLR(M).

[CR001]

In addition to Casa's advice, there is no requirement to wait till shortly before the fiance visa expires before you can apply for FLR(M) spouse visa. You could have applied as soon as you were married.

[souperphly]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me.

The reason we haven't applied yet is because on the .gov website it states "The earliest you can apply is 28 days before your current permission to stay in the UK expires." (https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa) So i assumed this meant we couldn't possibly apply until the month before his fiance visa is due to expire.

I've managed to find the wording regarding honeymoon travel whilst on a fiance visa - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... ...doc.pdf

10.1.2. Granting entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
A spouse or civil partner can re-enter the UK following a honeymoon abroad during the
remaining validity of their entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner if they can
satisfy the Immigration Officer, in the light of the change in their marital or civil partnership
status (which they should evidence with a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate), of
their intention, within the remaining validity of that entry clearance, to regularise their status in
the UK as a spouse or civil partner.

Do you think it's still wise to book a premium appointment?

[CR001]

That is relevant to the second FLR(M) spouse visa extension after 2.5 years on the first FLR(M).

[Casa]

In my honest opinion, it would be wise to book a premium appointment to show your intention to apply for a FLR(M) visa.

[souperphly]

Thank you both for your responses. I have 1 final question regarding the english requirement. My parter completed the A1 life skills test when applying for the fiance visa. Am I right to believe that this certificate is sufficient for his first FLR(M) visa, and that he needs to get the A2 life skills certificate only when he extends to a second FLR(M) visa?

Thanks again for all your help.

[seagul]

Thank you both for your responses. I have 1 final question regarding the english requirement. My parter completed the A1 life skills test when applying for the fiance visa. Am I right to believe that this certificate is sufficient for his first FLR(M) visa, and that he needs to get the A2 life skills certificate only when he extends to a second FLR(M) visa?

Thanks again for all your help.

Yes

[souperphly]

Thanks for confirming.

[physicskate]

10.1.2. Granting entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
A spouse or civil partner can re-enter the UK following a honeymoon abroad during the
remaining validity of their entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner if they can
satisfy the Immigration Officer, in the light of the change in their marital or civil partnership
status (which they should evidence with a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate), of
their intention, within the remaining validity of that entry clearance, to regularise their status in
the UK as a spouse or civil partner.

Do you think it's still wise to book a premium appointment?

This is new from the beginning of this year? I am of the opinion that it means you'll be fine as long as you can show the ECO that you know your spouse needs to apply for FLR(M) after you re-enter. I've told a couple of people about it, but haven't seen anyone come back in to say how it went!

[souperphly]

Hi all, just wanted to give you an update on this...

My husband and I returned from our honeymoon yesterday. As per Casa's advice above, we booked a premium appointment to make sure that we had evidence of our intention to extend to a FLR(M) visa when we returned to the country. However, when we arrived at Heathrow yesterday the immigration officer simply asked my partner (who currently has a fiance visa) where he had travelled from. My partner said that he is returning from his honeymoon in Bangkok. The IO simply said "Congratulations on your marriage" and stamped his passport. She also told him that, when he gets his new visa, he can go to the 'UK/EU Passport' queue instead of joining the huge 'Foreign passport' queue. The IO didnt ask to see his marriage certificate or evidence of his intention to extend from fiance to FLR(M) visa.

Bear in mind that our experience might have been different if we had a different IO. So I think Casa's advice is still good, valid advice.

Anyway, just thought i'd update this post in case it's helpful for anyone.

[Casa]

Pleased it all went smoothly and thanks for the update. It's always helpful

[vinny]

10.1.2. Granting entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
A spouse or civil partner can re-enter the UK following a honeymoon abroad during the
remaining validity of their entry clearance as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner if they can
satisfy the Immigration Officer, in the light of the change in their marital or civil partnership
status (which they should evidence with a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate), of
their intention, within the remaining validity of that entry clearance, to regularise their status in
the UK as a spouse or civil partner.

Do you think it's still wise to book a premium appointment?

This is new from the beginning of this year?

Old.