Marriage Visitor Visa

The Marriage Visitor visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK to marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for the Marriage Visitor visa.

An applicant must:

• be 18 or over 

• give notice of marriage, to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of their arrival 

• be in a genuine relationship

• leave the UK at the end of their visit 

• not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits 

• support themselves and pay for their return or onward journey 

What does “genuine relationship” mean?

To avoid a refusal, the applicant must submit adequate and sufficient information, proving that the relationship is genuine. The Home Office’s Guidance suggests that cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities (tenancy agreements, a joint bank account and utility bill on both their names) and plans for the future are good evidence.

What is the difference between the Marriage Visitor visa and the Fiance visa?

The Marriage Visitor is designed for those who do not intend to settle in the UK after being married or registering a civil partnership. If the applicant plans to remain in the UK with their spouse or partner, then they should apply for a fiance visa instead.

Which documents should the applicant provide? 

The applicant must provide a passport or travel document. Their passport must be valid for the whole duration of their stay in the UK. The applicant can support their application with details of the marriage and proof that they have paid for some of its costs. The applicant can also demonstrate a booking confirmation or emails between them and the wedding venue.

If the applicant has been married before, they must prove that they are free to marry or enter a civil partnership. The documents such as a divorce certificate or death certificate of a previous partner are sufficient.

Conditions of Stay on the Marriage Visitor Visa. 

This visa is valid for 6 months, and during this period the applicant should marry or enter into a civil partnership. While in the UK, the applicant cannot:

• get public funds (benefits)

• bring dependents 

• extend or switch their visa

• study 

• work – except for permitted activities related to their work, such as attending meetings. 

How to Apply for the Marriage Visitor Visa and Fees. 

The application is submitted online. The earliest the applicant can apply is 3 months before their travel. It costs £95 to apply. The decision is usually made within 3 weeks.