UK Fiancee Visa Guide

Step-by-step guidance to help you apply with confidence.

Work through each section in order, or jump to the one you need. We’ll help you understand the requirements, prepare your documents and submit a strong application.

Find what you need

Overview

English Test

Costs

Biometrics

Decision

Financial

TB Test

Application

Documents

Checklists

Overview

Everything you need to know before you begin your UK fiancee visa application.

This guide walks you through every stage of the process - from checkin you qualify to preparing your documents and submitting your application.

What you’ll learn

Understand the
requirements

Learn what you and your partner
need to qualify.

Prepare your
documents

Organise the evidence you’ll
need before applying.

Complete your
application

Learn what to expect from the online form and biometrics.

Avoid common
mistakes

Understand the errors that
commonly delay applications.

Take your time.

This guide is designed to be worked through at your own pace.
You don’t need to read everything in one sitting - you can return whenever you need.

Financial requirement

One of the most important parts of your application.

The financial requirement shows that your partner can support you without needing public funds.

Start by choosing the option below that best describes your situation.
You’ll be taken straight to the guidance you need.

Which financial situation best matches your application?

Don’t worry if you’re unsure. Choose the option that seems closest to your circumstances.
Each section explains the rules in more detail.

The sponsor has worked for the same employer for at least 6 months.

Choose this if the sponsor has been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months before the application is submitted.

The sponsor has changed jobs or has worked for their employer for less than 6 months.

Choose this if the sponsor is self-employed,
a sole trader or runs a business.

Cash savings may be used to help meet the financial requirement.

Choose this if you think cash savings may be used
to meet all or part of the financial requirement.
We’ll explain who qualifies and how much is needed.

The sponsor is self-employed or owns a business.

Choose this if the sponsor is self-employed, a sole trader or runs a business.

The sponsor receives certain
UK benefits.

Choose this if the sponsor receives UK benefits.
We’ll explain which benefits qualify and whether
the financial requirement is different.

Category A - Salaried employment

This route applies if the sponsor has been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months before the application is submitted.

How this financial category works

Category A is the most common financial route for UK Fiancee Visa applications.

It is used when the sponsor has been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 6 months before the application is submitted and meets the financial requirement through their employment income.

The Home Office will assess the sponsor’s income using the specified evidence you provide, including payslips, bank statements and an employer letter.

Requirements

The sponsor has worked for the same employer for at least 6 months.

The sponsor meets the minimum income requirement (currently £29,000 per year or £88,500 with cash savings).

The income comes from salaried employment.

Important information

The Home Office uses your lowest monthly payslip during the 6-month period.

They calculate: Lowest monthly payslip x 12 = your annual salary

So even one month of sick pay, unpaid leave or reduced hours could affect whether the financial requirement is met.

Documents you’ll need

  • The employer letter should confirm:

    • The sponsor’s job title

    • Employment start date

    • Employment type (full-time / part-time / permanent / fixed-term)

    • Current annual salary (or hourly rate)

    • That the employment is genuine

    Tip

    Ask your employer to print the letter on company letterhead and sign it.

    Common mistake

    Submitting a generic employment reference instead of a letter confirming the information required for a visa application

  • You should provide:

    • The most recent 6 months of payslips.

    • They should cover the qualifying period.

    • Every payslip should match your bank statements.

     If you’re paid weekly or fortnightly…

    Explain exactly how many payslips are required.

     Watch out

    One month of reduced pay can affect whether you meet the financial requirement.

  • The bank statements should:

    • Cover the same period as the payslips.

    • Show every salary payment entering the account.

    • Clearly display the account holder’s name.

     We recommend

    Download PDF statements directly from your bank where possible.

     Common mistake

    Missing pages or salary payments that don’t match the payslips.

Download your category A checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before applying.

Download checklist

Questions people often ask

  • Yes, it can. Overtime may be included as part of the sponsor’s employment income if it meets the Home Office requirements for your financial category. If you’re relying on overtime to meet the financial requirement, make sure you include the relevant payslips, bank statements and employer letter covering the qualifying period.

  • It can, but it depends on how the income has been received and whether it meets the requirements for your financial category. If part of your income comes from commission or bonuses, make sure this is clearly shown on your payslips and can be evidenced by your bank statements.

  • In some circumstances, yes. The Home Office allows income from more than one job to be combined if the relevant requirements are met. Make sure you provide the required evidence for each employment, including payslips, bank statements and employer letters where required.

  • A lower payslip can affect whether you meet the financial requirement, particularly if it reduces your qualifying income below the required level. This commonly happens because of sick pay, unpaid leave or reduced working hours. Check your payslips carefully before submitting your application.

  • Yes. Your bank statements should clearly show the salary payments entering your account, and these should correspond with the payslips you’ve provided. If there are any differences or missing payments, be prepared to explain them and provide supporting evidence where appropriate.

  • The employer letter should be on company letterheaded paper and include all the information required by the Immigration Rules. While many employers sign the letter, the most important thing is that it contains the required information and can be verified if necessary.

  • If the sponsor has worked for their current employer for less than six months before the application is submitted, Category A may not be the correct financial route. Check whether another financial category is more appropriate before applying.

  • A P60 is not usually a required document for Category A. If you have one, you may choose to include it as additional supporting evidence, but it does not replace the required employer letter, payslips and bank statements.