The United Kingdom is a popular wedding location for couples because marriage is an important life milestone. You’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if you’re considering getting married in the UK. You will find all the information you need in this article for understanding and applying for a marriage visitor visa in the UK, including eligibility requirements, the application procedure, and supporting documentation.
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Visitor Visa :
Ensure you fulfil the following criteria before applying for a marriage visitor visa:
- The applicant must be at least 18. Within six months of arrival, intend to wed or form a civil partnership in the UK.
- After the marriage or civil partnership, there are no plans to settle in the UK.
- Evidence of the financial means to finance the stay without requiring assistance from the government.
- Ability to pay for a return or subsequent flight from the UK.
- Conformation to all other immigration laws of the UK.
The Application Process For UK Marriage Visitor Visa
Online Application:
- Answer all inquiries truthfully and properly.
- Collect all required supporting documents, including a current passport, proof of a relationship, a notice of intention, and evidence that you have made the necessary preparations in the UK.
- Pay the visa charge.
- After filing your application, you must go to a visa application centre in your country of residence to present your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo).
- Drop off your supporting papers at the nearest visa application centre in person or by mail.
Required Document For UK Marriage Visitor Visa
- A current passport with at least one blank page for the visa.
- Photographs, letters, or other documentation proving your relationship with your partner are acceptable forms of proof.
- If travelling to the UK to notify the registered office of your intention, please bring your appointment card or email.
- If travelling to the UK for marriage or a civil partnership, documentation of the essential preparations in the UK, such as:
- Receipt for payments made to the site of the nuptials or civil union.
- Communication with the registration office regarding reservations.
- Contact with religious organisations (such as churches, mosques, etc.)
- any further pertinent arrangements.
- Evidence of financial resources, such as pay stubs, bank statements, or savings records.
- Confirmation of your facilities in the UK, such as a letter from your host or hotel reservations.
- A record of your return or future travel, such as a travel schedule or airline tickets.
Genuine Intentions to Married in the United Kingdom
Applicants must offer convincing proof of the arrangements needed to legally consummate a marriage or civil partnership in the UK in order to be granted a marriage visitor visa in the UK. The evidence may include any of the following to demonstrate sincere intentions to wed in the UK:
- Receipts for payments made to the site of the wedding or civil union. Correspondence information for confirming reservations with the registered office.
- Correspondence with places of worship (such as church or mosque, etc.).
Processing Time for Marriage Visitor Visa
Depending on the country where you apply, a marriage visitor visa may take longer or shorter to process. The average time it takes to make a choice is three weeks. To prepare for any potential delays, it is advisable to apply at least three months before your anticipated departure date.
Duration of Stay for Marriage Visitor Visa
You are permitted to stay in the UK for up to six months with a marriage visitor visa. You cannot extend your stay or change to a different visa category while you are in the UK; you must depart the country before your visa expires.
Requirements for UK Extensions of Marriage Visitor Visas
A genuine marriage visitor might only need up to two to three months to complete all wedding-related tasks. A post-marriage honeymoon could be included in this 2-3 month span. As a result, it is generally inappropriate to request a marriage visit visa extension. A marriage visitor may request an extension if there are extraordinary circumstances. The possibility of a successful UK marriage guest visa extension, however, could be higher.
Conclusion:
For couples who want to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK without planning to settle there, a marriage visitor visa is a fantastic choice. You can easily organise your ideal wedding in the UK if you understand the requirements, the application procedure, and the limitations. To ensure a smooth application procedure, remember to apply well in advance and have all your supporting documents prepared. Enjoy the planning process!
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