Marriage/Fiancé Visa

A Marriage/Fiancé Visa is a type of visa that allows a person to travel or move to another country in order to marry their partner or live with their spouse.

Here’s the difference:

Fiancé Visa 

• For couples who are not married yet.
• One partner (a citizen or permanent resident of the country) invites their fiancé(e) to come and get married within a certain time (usually within 3–9 months, depending on the country).
• After marriage, the foreign partner can usually apply for a spouse visa or residency permit.

Marriage (Spouse) Visa 

1. For couples who are already legally married.
2. The spouse applies to join their husband/wife who is a citizen or permanent resident of the country.
3. Usually grants longer stay and sometimes a path to permanent residence or citizenship.

Example:

If you’re engaged to someone in the UK, you apply for a Fiancé Visa to enter the UK and get married there.

If you’re already married to a UK citizen, you apply for a Spouse Visa to live with them.

| Feature | Fiancé Visa | Marriage (Spouse) Visa |

Applicants: Engaged couples, not yet married | Couples who are already legally married

Purpose: To enter the country and get married within a specific time | To live with spouse in the country

Duration of Stay: Usually 3–9 months (time allowed to get married) | Longer-term, usually 2–5 years (varies by country)

Requirement: Must get married within the visa period | Already legally married

After Marriage: Can switch to spouse visa or residence permit | Can lead to permanent residence or citizenship

Documents Needed: Proof of engagement, wedding plan | Marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation

Financial Requirement: Sponsor must show financial support | Spouse must show financial means

Work Permission:  Often not allowed | Usually allowed