Spouse Visa vs Fiancé Visa – Which Is Right for You in 2025?

Choosing between a Spouse Visa and a Fiancé Visa can be confusing. The Home Office has changed several family visa rules in 2025, including financial thresholds and document requirements.

The right option depends on whether you are already married, where your partner lives, and your long-term plans. This guide explains the differences, costs, and application steps to help you choose confidently.

At AHJ Immigration, we have helped many couples prepare successful applications by ensuring their evidence meets Home Office standards.

Understanding the Difference

Both visas allow couples to reunite in the UK, but their purpose and conditions are not the same.

Both routes can lead to settlement and eventually British citizenship.

When to Apply for a Fiancé Visa

You should apply for a Fiancé Visa if:

• You are engaged and want to marry in the UK.
• You have met in person and can prove your relationship.
• You plan to marry within six months of arrival.
• You can support yourselves financially under the £29,000 rule.

This is ideal if your partner lives overseas and you want to marry in the UK before applying for long-term residence.

Once married, you can switch to a Spouse Visa from inside the UK without leaving.

When to Apply for a Spouse Visa

Apply for a Spouse Visa if:

• You are already married or in a civil partnership.
• Your spouse is a British citizen, settled person, or has refugee status.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You meet the financial and English language requirements.

A Spouse Visa allows you to work, study, and live in the UK for two and a half years. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

2025 Financial Requirements

The Home Office now requires a minimum income of £29,000 per year for both visas.

You can combine salary with savings or other income such as rent or dividends.

Many applicants are still unaware of this increase. Searches for “spouse visa income increase 2025” and “family visa new rules UK” are rising quickly. We make sure your evidence meets these updated figures.

Application Steps

Fiancé Visa

1. Apply outside the UK.
2. Provide proof of relationship and plans to marry.
3. Receive a six-month visa.
4. Marry in the UK.
5. Switch to a Spouse Visa.

Spouse Visa

1. Apply inside or outside the UK.
2. Provide marriage certificate and proof of relationship.
3. Receive a two-and-a-half-year visa.
4. Extend and then apply for ILR.

Documents You Will Need

• Passports for both partners
• Marriage certificate or engagement proof
• Six months of payslips and bank statements
• Accommodation details
• English language certificate (A1 level minimum)
• Evidence of meeting in person

Every document must match your application exactly. Even a small error can delay or invalidate your case.

Which Visa Has Better Approval Rates?

Both visas can be approved when prepared properly. Refusals usually happen when applicants skip documents or misunderstand requirements.

Common Fiancé Visa issues:

• Weak proof of intent to marry within six months.
• Missing financial documents.
• Poor relationship evidence.

Common Spouse Visa issues:

• Income below £29,000.
• Unclear relationship details.

We review your case carefully to avoid these mistakes.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Choosing between a Spouse and Fiancé Visa is easier with expert support.

Our service includes:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Assess eligibility and discuss requirements.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Full document review and strategy session (deducted from final fees).
• Application preparation: We prepare and submit everything to Home Office standards.
• Communication: We handle updates and correspondence for you.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

Switching After Marriage

Once you are married, you can switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa inside the UK.
Provide your marriage certificate, show that you live together, and meet financial and language rules.
We make this transition simple and on time.

FAQs

1. Can I work on a Fiancé Visa?
No. You can only work after you switch to a Spouse Visa.

2. Can I switch to a Spouse Visa from inside the UK?
Yes. You must marry within six months of arrival.

3. What if I earn less than £29,000?
You can use savings or non-employment income to reach the threshold.

4. Can I apply for a Spouse Visa if we married abroad?
Yes. You can apply from outside the UK as a spouse.

5. Can my partner visit me while I wait for my Fiancé Visa?
They can apply for a visitor visa but cannot live in the UK until your visa is granted.

Start Your Journey the Right Way

Your visa choice depends on your relationship stage and plans. Both routes can lead to settlement when handled correctly.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 for a free 30-minute consultation, or book a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a complete review of your case.

Let’s make sure you choose the right visa and start your life together in the UK.