Key requirements to come to the UK for Marriage or Civil Partnership purpose

• Individuals who wish to visit the UK with the intention of marriage or forming a civil partnership must adhere to specific and standard Visit Visa eligibility criteria. These requirements are in place to ensure that the purpose of the visit is genuine and meets the legal standards set by the UK government.
• Minimum Age for Applicants: The first and foremost requirement is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of their application. This age requirement is in accordance with UK law, ensuring that both parties involved in the marriage or civil partnership are legally adults.
• Intentions and Purpose of the Visit:
  • Applicants must clearly state their intention regarding their visit. This can be either:
    • To give notice of marriage or civil partnership within the UK.
    • To actually marry or form a civil partnership in the UK.
    • This requirement applies to all individuals, including those from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, particularly after 1 July 2021.
    • It’s imperative that the proposed marriage or civil partnership is not a sham or a facade. The genuineness of the relationship and the intent to form a legally recognized union are important. This stipulation is in place to prevent misuse of the visitor visa for purposes other than genuine marital or partnership commitments.

• Genuine Visitor: For individuals planning a temporary visit to the UK under the Standard Visitor visa, must understand and meet the “Genuine Visitor Requirement i.e. ensuring visitors adhere to the intended purpose and duration of their stay.
• Intention to Leave the UK: Applicants must convincingly demonstrate their intent to exit the UK at the conclusion of their visit. The immigration authorities must be assured that the visitor has no plans to extend their stay beyond the permitted period.
• Limitation on Frequent Visits: Individuals must refrain from using the visitor visa to reside in the UK through repeated or back-to-back visits. It’s imperative that the visitor should not attempt to make the UK their primary residence by exploiting the visitor visa.
• Adherence to Permitted Activities: Visitors must clearly state and adhere to the purpose of their visit, which should align with activities allowed under the Visitor route as detailed in Appendix Visitor. This ensures that the visit aligns with the activities for which the UK grants permission under this visa category.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: One of the ‘Genuine Visitor Visa Requirement’ is the ability to financially sustain oneself during the stay. This includes covering the costs of the return or onward journey, any dependent-related expenses, and activities planned during the visit, such as private medical treatment. Applicants need to demonstrate access to adequate funds, which must be held in a recognized financial institution.
• Third-Party Financial Support: If a third party is providing financial support for the visitor’s travel, maintenance, and accommodation, certain conditions must be met. The supporting party must have a legitimate professional or personal relationship with the applicant, comply with UK immigration laws, and be capable and willing to financially support the visitor for the duration of their stay.

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your visa application you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and we will get back to you asap.

Providing Evidence of Intent to Marry or Engage in Civil Partnership

• An appointment confirmation with a registrar.
• Booking confirmation for the wedding reception or civil partnership ceremony.
• If you have previously been married or in a civil partnership, present documents confirming your current single status and eligibility to marry or form a new civil partnership.

Standard Documents Required for Marriage and Civil Partnerships Visa Application

• When applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa, below are the necessary supporting documents along with the translated documents, where necessary, to be included and provided by the applicants at the time of standard visit visa application.

Requirement of a Valid Passport

• Primary Identification: Your passport serves as the primary form of identification. It is imperative to present this document with your visa application and carry it when traveling to the UK.
• Blank Page Requirement: There should be at least one blank page in your passport. This is necessary for visa endorsement and entry stamps. Lack of blank pages can lead to complications in processing your visa application or entry into the UK.
• Condition of Passport: The passport must be valid at the time of application. A passport nearing its expiration date might not be acceptable, so ensure it has a considerable period remaining before expiration.

Standard Visitor: General and Special Cases

• Standard Visitor: The typical maximum initial length of stay for a Standard Visitor is up to six months.

Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors

Visitors coming to the UK with the purpose of marriage or forming a civil partnership are generally allowed a stay of up to six months. This time frame is intended to accommodate the preparations and conduct of the marriage or partnership ceremony

General Extension for Standard and Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors

Visitors who initially received permission for less than six months can apply for an extension. The total duration of their stay in the UK, including the original grant and the extension, can not exceed six months.

• No Access to Public Funds: Visitors are not allowed to access public funds during their stay in the UK. This includes benefits or public housing assistance, ensuring that visitors are self-sufficient and do not rely on UK government resources.
• Restrictions on Employment: Visitors are prohibited from taking up employment in the UK. However, this does not extend to activities permitted under Appendix Visitor i.e., Permit Free Festival List, or the Permitted Paid Engagements. These permitted activities allow visitors to engage in certain professional tasks that align with the purpose of their visit.
• Study Limitations: Studying in the UK is generally not allowed for visitors, except where it falls under permitted activities in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities at PA 2 and PA 17. This ensures that any educational pursuit by a visitor is limited to short courses or activities that do not contradict the visitor visa’s conditions.
• ATAS Condition for Permitted Study or Research: If the visitor’s study or research is part of a permitted activity, it is subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) condition as outlined in Appendix ATAS. This condition is applicable for certain subjects and research activities that require prior clearance due to their sensitivity or potential impact on national security.

• When seeking approval for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, it’s crucial to be mindful of the types of documents that may not be advantageous or relevant to your application. Avoiding these documents can help streamline your visa application process and enhance your chances of a successful outcome.
• Financial documents are a key aspect of your application, and it’s advisable to steer clear of outdated bank statements or letters that are more than a year old. Instead, focus on providing recent financial documents as they carry greater credibility. Credit card statements and bank card copies are generally not considered strong evidence of financial stability and should be omitted from your application.
• Personal identification documents like a driving license may not serve as valuable evidence for visa purposes, as they do not demonstrate your intent or ability to visit the UK. Similarly, educational certificates that are not explicitly required for your visa category should be left out. Documents related to car ownership and personal items, such as personal photographs and notarial certificates, tend to be less helpful in substantiating the purpose of your visit and can be excluded.
• Travel-related documents, such as hotel and flight bookings, should be included judiciously. While hotel bookings may occasionally be relevant, they are not always decisive evidence. Flight bookings, unless you are transiting through the UK, are generally not advisable.
• Lastly, sponsor-related documents like utility and council tax bills are not pertinent to proving your intent or ability to visit the UK and should be omitted from your application.
• To maximize the effectiveness of your UK Standard Visitor Visa application, focus on providing the most relevant and up-to-date evidence, avoiding unnecessary or less useful documents.

Q.1  Are financial documents required for this visa category?

Yes, you will need to provide financial documents as part of your application to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay and cover the costs associated with your marriage or civil partnership.

Q.2  Can I use an outdated bank statement as proof of finances?

It is advisable to avoid using bank statements or financial letters that are more than one year old from the date of your application. Recent financial documents are more relevant and credible.

Q.3  What are the limitations of using credit card statements as financial evidence?

Credit card statements and photocopies of bank cards are generally not considered strong evidence of financial stability or funds and should be used sparingly.

Q.4  Can I include my driving license as identification proof?

A driving license is not a useful document for visa purposes, as it does not demonstrate your intent or ability to visit the UK. It’s better to provide other forms of identification.

Q.5  Are educational certificates required for a Marriage and Civil Partnership Visit Visa?

You should only include educational certificates that are explicitly required for your visa category. Irrelevant certificates should be omitted from your application.

Q.6  Are personal photographs useful for this visa application?

Personal photographs are generally not considered helpful in substantiating the purpose of your visit and should not be included as supporting documents.

Q.7  Can I submit certificates related to leisure activities or awards?

Awards or certificates related to sports or other leisure activities are not pertinent to the visa application and should be left out.

Q.8  Should I provide hotel and flight bookings as part of my application?

While hotel bookings can sometimes be included, they are not always decisive evidence. Flight bookings are generally not advisable unless you are transiting through the UK.

Q.9  How can I prove the authenticity of my relationship in the visa application process?

To establish a genuine relationship, submit evidence such as documents related to the arrangements for your marriage or civil partnership, future plans, living arrangements, and other supporting materials as required by the UK immigration authorities.