Which Visa Is Best?

There are many, many different types of visas out there to choose from. While I do not know the exact requirements and details of each and every one out there, there is definitely no shortage of visas to choose from. 

The partner settlement visas are as follows:

1. Fiance visas (most common)
2. Spouse visas
3. Marriage visas  (on these visas, you go to the UK to get married, but you are to come back to your home country. In other words, it is not a settlement visa)

The traditional steps for the visas* are usually:

1. The Fiance Visa 
2. Spouse Visa
3. Definite Leave to Remain
4. Indefinite Leave to Remain

Of course, if you choose the spousal route, it will eliminate the need for a fiance visa. It's what my fiance and I did. Check out more details in the video below. 

The Fiance and Spouse Visas are formally considered entry clearance, or leave to enter visas. You are not allowed to apply for settlement without entry clearance. Entry clearance is what initially permits you to stay in the UK past the standard tourist visas, which only allow up to 90 non-consecutive days in the UK. What is the difference between the Fiance and Spouse Visas you may ask? 

The Fiance Visa:

• Lasts six months, and you are not allowed to work
• You must inform the decision maker when you plan to get married; it must be within your six month Fiance Visa stay
• Has tighter accommodation requirements
• You will not have to pay the £600 NHS surcharge under this visa, but you will once you get the spouse visa
• Has more evidence requirements such as:
• Have you met in person? (You must have met in person; Skype and FaceTime calls do not count)
• Is this forced?
• Is this an ongoing relationship (minimum of two years)?

The Spouse Visa:

• Lasts 30 months, and you are allowed to work
• Has looser accommodation and evidence requirements
• Your marriage certificate is a way of saying you have met in person, and that it has been an ongoing relationship
• You may still need to prove it's a consensual marriage
• Unfortunately, along with the visa price, you will need to pay the £600 NHS surcharge, making the whole process total up to $2,500 (not including flight tickets, the interview, or other minor charges)

Before entering the UK on any visa, you will need to apply for the Biometric Residence Permit, or BRP, which is an ID-sized card that authorizes your stay in the UK and includes your fingerprint and personal information. Think of it as a temporary ID. You will need to pick that up within two weeks after arriving into the UK. I have been unable to find a correct cost for the BRP application, but I believe it is under $100. 

Any additional details can be found here on the British government website

Here is a video about my decisions and what may be involved

Choose whatever visa you think suits you best, there is no wrong or right visa to pick from. 


*this applies only to applicants who want to move to the UK