The love of your life now has the ring on her finger (let’s call her Susan); but she doesn’t have UK entry clearance (needs a visa) and is still living abroad. Do you (we shall call you Peter, a British citizen) first have to marry Susan before she will be able to join you here in the UK?
If both Peter and Susan are 18 years or over and Peter is either a British citizen or has settled in the UK (indefinite leav…e to remain) and they can show that they intend to live together permanently in the UK after they have applied, a family visa might be available subject to meeting all criteria.
Generally, if you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner you will need to show that you and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
You may also need to show that you have a good knowledge of English and that financially your joint combined income will suffice to support yourself and dependants, if any.
Peter and Susan will have to prove also that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended. Unfortunately, Susan will not be able to work during her engagement.
Susan will be permitted to stay in the UK for 6 months (to become married or enter into a civil partnership). She should then, after this period, be able to extend her visa to remain in the UK.
Daniel Dippenaar – Barrister Immigration Consultant 16 May 2019
