Once you have married or entered a civil partnership in the UK on your Fiancé Visa, you must apply for leave to remain as a spouse before your Fiancé Visa expires. This page explains the process, the costs, the key deadlines, and what to expect on the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Your Route from Fiancé Visa to Settled Status
The UK Fiancé Visa is a short-term entry clearance visa. It is designed specifically to allow you to travel to the UK, marry or enter a civil partnership, and then switch to a Spouse Visa. The Spouse Visa is the main long-term route to remain in the UK with your partner, and it also puts you on the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.
Enter the UK on your Fiancé Visa
Your 6-month period begins on the date of entry to the UK — not the date the visa was issued. You may enter at any point during the visa validity period.Day 0
Marry or form a civil partnership in the UK
The marriage or civil partnership must be completed before your Fiancé Visa expires. You cannot apply for a Spouse Visa without the marriage certificate.Within 6 months of arrival
Apply for leave to remain as a spouse (Spouse Visa)
Apply online through the Home Office website before your Fiancé Visa expires. You do not need to leave the UK — this is an in-country application.Before Fiancé Visa expiry
Receive initial Spouse Visa — 30 months’ leave
The Spouse Visa granted after switching from a Fiancé Visa is valid for 30 months. You may work in the UK and access NHS services (IHS paid).30 months’ leave to remain
Apply for Spouse Visa extension — a further 30 months
Before the first Spouse Visa expires, apply for a 30-month extension. The financial and relationship requirements must still be met. English language is now assessed at A2 level.Before expiry of first Spouse Visa
Apply for ILR after 5 years as a spouse
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence as a spouse — time on your Fiancé Visa does not count — you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and permanent settlement.Year 5 from Spouse Visa grant
Fiancé Visa vs Spouse Visa: Key Differences
| Fiancé Visa | Spouse Visa (after switch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months | 30 months |
| Right to work | No | Yes |
| NHS access | No (private insurance advised) | Yes — IHS paid |
| Application fee | £2,064 (entry clearance) | £1,258 (in-country) |
| IHS payable | No | Yes — £1,035 per year |
| English level | A1 CEFR | A2 CEFR |
| Leads to | Spouse Visa | ILR after 5 years |
How to Apply for Leave to Remain as a Spouse
Once you have married or entered a civil partnership, you must apply for leave to remain as a spouse through the Home Office online application portal before your Fiancé Visa expires. In addition to the documents already established at the Fiancé Visa stage, you will need:
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate — the official certificate issued following the ceremony in the UK
- Updated financial evidence — the £29,000 requirement applies afresh; evidence must cover the period immediately before the in-country application
- English language evidence at A2 level — one level higher than the A1 required for the Fiancé Visa; a new SELT test may be required if your original A1 certificate does not cover A2
- Updated accommodation evidence — if your address has changed since the Fiancé Visa application
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment — payable for the full 30-month duration upfront at £1,035 per year
Critical: apply before your Fiancé Visa expiresIf you overstay your Fiancé Visa — even by a single day — you will be unlawfully in the UK. This can have serious consequences for future applications, including for ILR and British citizenship. If you are approaching your expiry date, seek advice immediately.
Costs of Switching to a Spouse Visa in 2026
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse Visa application fee (in-country) | £1,258 | Per applicant. Non-refundable if refused. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (30 months) | £3,105 | £1,035 × 2.5 years — paid upfront at time of application |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 | Reduces standard processing from ~8 weeks to ~5 working days |
| Biometric enrolment (UKVCAS appointment) | Included | Required — appointment must be booked after submitting application |
| Estimated total (standard, per applicant) | Approximately £4,363 | |
How Long Until ILR After a Fiancé Visa?
Time spent in the UK on a Fiancé Visa does not count towards the five-year qualifying period for ILR. The five-year clock starts from the date the first Spouse Visa is granted. The standard route is 30 months on the first Spouse Visa, followed by 30 months on the extension, then an ILR application.
To qualify for ILR you must also pass the Life in the UK Test and demonstrate English language ability at B1 CEFR level. You must not have exceeded the permitted absence allowance from the UK during the qualifying period.
After receiving ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by marriage after a further 12 months, provided you meet the other naturalisation requirements.
How JPS Can Help
Our IAA-regulated advisers assist with the full process of switching from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa — from preparing the application to submitting evidence to UKVI.
[email protected] | +44 (0) 333 577 0034
IAA-Regulated Immigration Adviser & Founder, JPS Immigration
Former UK Home Office Immigration Officer & British Diplomatic Service Entry Clearance Officer
22+ years’ experience | BBC News contributor | LinkedIn profile
Immigration rules change frequently — always verify current fees and thresholds on GOV.UK before applying.
Government fees change without notice. Always verify at GOV.UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to leave the UK to apply for a Spouse Visa?
No. If you are already in the UK on a valid Fiancé Visa, you apply for leave to remain in-country through the Home Office online portal. You do not need to travel outside the UK. Applying out-of-country is possible but unnecessary and typically less convenient.
Do I still need to meet the £29,000 income requirement to switch?
Yes. The financial requirement is assessed at each stage — including the switch from Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa. The same £29,000 threshold applies (or £18,600 under transitional protection if applicable). Note that once you hold a Spouse Visa, you have the right to work, which can help meet the requirement at the extension stage.
What if I did not marry within the 6-month window?
If you did not marry before your Fiancé Visa expired, you may have overstayed. This is a serious situation with significant immigration consequences. The options available depend on the specific circumstances — seek expert legal advice from an IAA-regulated adviser before taking any steps.
Can I include children in my Spouse Visa application?
Yes. Dependent children can be included as dependants in the Spouse Visa application. Each child requires a separate application and fee. Children must be under 18, unmarried, and financially dependent on the applicant or sponsor.
How long does the switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa take?
The standard processing time for switching from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa (FLR(M)) is approximately 8 weeks from the date of application. A priority service is available for an additional fee, targeting a decision within 5 working days. A super priority service is also available, aiming for a decision by the next working day. Processing times can vary and are not guaranteed — we recommend applying as soon as possible after your marriage or civil partnership to avoid any gap in your leave to remain.
What documents do I need to switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa?
Documents typically required include your current passport and any previous passports, your biometric residence permit, your marriage or civil partnership certificate, evidence that the sponsor meets the £29,000 financial requirement (such as payslips, P60, and bank statements), evidence of adequate accommodation, and evidence of your ongoing relationship such as correspondence, photographs, and joint financial commitments. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
How much does it cost to switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa?
The Home Office application fee for switching to a Spouse Visa (FLR(M)) is £1,407. In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is payable at £1,035 per person per year. For a standard 30-month spouse visa, the total IHS payment is £2,587.50, bringing the minimum total Home Office cost to £3,994.50 per applicant. Priority and super priority services are available at additional cost. Legal fees for professional representation are separate.
