As you embark on the exciting journey of married life, several important steps will ensure a smooth transition to long-term residency in the UK. Upon arrival as a Fiancé, Fiancée or Proposed Civil Partner, you need to take essential actions that will also benefit your preparations to apply for further leave to continue living in the UK alongside your Partner. The Fiance Visa allows a seamless transition to the Spouse/Civil Partner Visa category without leaving the UK, provided you apply before your visa expires. In this post, we discuss the essential steps to be taken upon arrival in the UK as a Fiancé, Fiancée or Proposed Civil Partner.
Give Notice of Your Marriage
One of the first steps you must take is to give notice of your intention to marry or form a civil partnership. This involves signing a legal statement at your local register office. Both you and your partner must give notice together at least 29 days before your ceremony. For example, if you give notice on May 1st, the earliest date you can get married or form a civil partnership is May 30th.
When preparing to give notice, you must choose the date and venue for your ceremony. Contact your local register office to book an appointment to give notice.
Register for Council Tax
Council Tax is a local taxation system applied in England, Scotland, and Wales, introduced in 1993. It taxes domestic properties to fund council services such as road maintenance, street lighting, street cleaning, and rubbish collection. As a new resident in the UK, you are required to pay Council Tax to your local authority. The amount varies based on factors like property size, location, layout, and value. To register for Council Tax, contact your local authority, as procedures differ by region. Upon registration, you will receive a bill bearing your and your partner’s names, which can serve as proof of residence, similar to home utility bills.
Register with a Local GP
Accessing local healthcare services is important for any new resident, and registering with a local General Practitioner (GP) ensures you have medical support when needed. All GP services are free of charge regardless of immigration status. You do not require proof of address to register with a GP (as per the NHS guidelines), however, you may be refused to register if the GP practice is not accepting new patients. A letter of confirmation from a GP may act as evidence of cohabitation with your partner.
Open a UK Bank Account
A UK bank account is essential for managing your finances, receiving payments, paying bills, and handling daily expenses when living together. Most banks require proof of your UK address, typically in the form of a utility bill or official government documentation. Some online banks may not require proof of address to open a basic account. Partners may also consider opening a joint bank account to demonstrate their ongoing genuine relationship and cohabitation.
Switching from a Fiance Visa to a Spouse Visa
To switch from a Fiance Visa to a Spouse Visa in the UK, you must meet the following criteria:
- Both you and your partner must be physically present in the UK at the time of application.
- You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with your spouse or partner.
- Your Fiance Visa must be valid at the time of applying
- Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, demonstrating that you and your partner are committed to each other.
- For applicants who made their first application on or after April 11, 2024, the financial requirement is £29,000 per annum. For those who applied before April 11, 2024, and were granted permission on the five-year route to settlement, the transitional financial requirement applies to £18,600 per annum, with an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.
- You must meet the English language proficiency requirements at level A2.
- You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation.
- You must not have breached any UK laws or immigration conditions during your stay.
- Both you and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
The evidence required in your Spouse Visa application will depend on your circumstances, cohabitation evidence may include the documentation mentioned above, such as a GP letter, council tax or bank statements.
How we can help
At Whytecroft Ford, we specialize in providing expert immigration advisory services, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for individuals navigating the UK visa process.
To discuss your Partner Visa application with an experienced professional, contact our team on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Fiance visa?
A Fiancé visa is a settlement visa that grants a period of up to 6 months to marry in the UK. Following marriage, you can apply for further leave to remain, extending your stay for an additional 30 months to live alongside your settled partner.
Where can I find the expiry date of my fiance visa?
The expiry date of your fiance visa can be found on the sticker (vignette) in your passport. The vignette will show the type of visa granted, the start and end dates of the visa, and the conditions of your visa.
