Spousal Visa: Proof of intent to get married

[migrant4ever]

Hello,

I am a British Citizen engaged to my partner who is in West Africa. As part of the spousal visa fiance route you need to prove that you plan to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

My Issue is that all the town hall's guidance states that both parties need to be present to apply for a permission to get married. Therefore if you are not doing a religious wedding how do you prove your intent to get married on arrival in the UK if your partner is in another country and as a result you can not apply for permission in advance of his coming to the UK?

Also, if you are applying as a fiance you only get 6 months stay so you have to get married and switch in country to married spousal visa? If so, is the fee the same as the married spouse for the fiance 6 months?

I would appreciate your guidance.
Thank in advance

[CR001]

You an submit evidence of email enquiries with the registry office, proof of rings receipts, reception dinner etc enquiries.

Once married, a spouse visa applied for within the UK costs £1033 visa fee plus IHS fee of £1560 plus cost of ukcvas biometric appointment.

[migrant4ever]

Hello Char,

Thank you so much for your speedy response.

Just to check if you are using the fiance route do you have to meet the housing requirements? I thought I saw something about this in the guidance previously but it is not there now. I am asking as the fiance is just 6 months as oppose to the married spousal 2.6 years.

Also, is there another route for an unmarried partner to join me in the UK that is longer stay that the fiance 6 months? If so, could you shared the guidance link.

regards

[CR001]

For a fiance visa, you must meet all the same requirements as a spouse visa, ie financial, English A1 and adequate accommodation.

Unless your fiance qualifies for any other visa such as a student visa or skilled worker visa, then no, there isn't any other option if you are not married and have not lived together for 2 years