There are different visas such as fiancé visa, marriage visa, unmarried partner visa, etc. for an individual looking to join their partner in the UK. These visas fall under UK family visa category which falls under Appendix FM of the Immigration rules. There are some distinct differences between the fiancé and marriage visa for UK.

The key differences between a UK Fiancé visa and a UK Marriage visa

• The UK Fiancé visa is for those who are engaged and intend to marry in the UK within 6 months of the applicant’s arrival in the UK. Their UK partner is either a British citizen or living with settled status in the UK. On the other hand, the Spouse/Marriage visa allows married partners to live together in the UK. In a UK marriage visa application, applicants look to join their spouse in the UK who is a British citizen or has settled status.
• Another key difference between the UK Fiancé visa and the UK marriage visa is that the Fiancé visa is valid only for 6 months, whereas a Spouse visa lasts for up to 30 months. Similarly, while a marriage visa can be extended, a Fiancé visa can only be extended in exceptional circumstances.
• The fiancé route is for those who want to get married to their UK-based partner within 6 months of their arrival in the UK. On the other hand, UK marriage visa is for those who want to join their UK-based partner from outside the UK or who are already in the UK on a different visa, where switching in allowed. You cannot apply for a fiancé visa from inside the UK.
• You will not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the fiancé visa, but this fee will be due when you apply for your marriage visa. 
• The UK fiancé visa does not allow you to work in the UK, whereas you can work without restriction on a marriage visa.
• A fiancé visa requires you to provide proof of getting married in the UK, however with a UK marriage visa you need to provide the marriage certificate.  

Each visa has its own eligibility criteria; including key requirements which must be met by both the applicant and their sponsor (UK-based partner/spouse).

UK Fiancé visa key requirements are:

• You must be in an authentic relationship with a British national or settled person
• You must intend to marry your partner in the UK within six months of entering
• You must prove that any prior marriages or civil partnerships have ended

UK marriage visa key requirements are:

• You must be already be married or in a civil partnership recognized in the Civil Partnership Act 2004;
• You must prove you both have been in an authentic and continuous relationship
• Demonstrate knowledge of the English language at a required level;
• Provide supporting documents showing the ability to financially support oneself and any dependents in the UK.

Should you wish to apply for a UK fiancé Visa or UK marriage visa, you can call Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261 and speak to our team of lawyers.