Getting a UK fiancé visa is a big step toward starting your life together. But with only six months to get married, unexpected problems illness, venue cancellations, or family emergencies can disrupt your wedding plans. If you can’t marry in time, what happens next? Let’s walk through your options.
Can You Extend a Fiancé Visa in UK?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances.
The Home Office allows fiancé visa holders to apply for a six-month extension if there’s a “good reason” the wedding couldn’t happen as planned. While the rules don’t list every situation, common examples include:
- Illness or medical emergencies (for you, your partner, or close family).
- Registrar or venue cancellations outside your control.
- Travel restrictions or delays that prevented family attendance.
To qualify, you’ll need to provide:
- Proof of the reason for delay (medical letters, registrar correspondence, etc.).
- Evidence of a new wedding date — booking confirmations or receipts.
- Relationship evidence showing you still meet the fiancé visa requirements:
- Genuineness of your relationship.
- Meeting the financial requirement.
- Proof of suitable accommodation.
Keep in mind: if your wedding didn’t happen as planned, immigration officers may examine your application more closely than the first time.
What If You Don’t Have a Valid Reason?
If you can’t provide a strong reason for the delay, you usually need to:
- Leave the UK before your visa expires.
- Reapply for a fiancé visa from outside the UK.
This new application works much like your original one, but the Home Office will want reassurance that your wedding will go ahead this time. Strengthen your case by including:
- A clear explanation of what went wrong.
- Confirmed wedding arrangements showing it will happen within the next six months.
Check Also: Priority Services of Fiancé Visa UK
Switching from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa:
Once you’re married in the UK, your next step is applying for a spouse visa.
Here’s what to know:
- A spouse visa lasts for 2.5 years and can be extended for another 2.5 years.
- After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which leads to permanent residency.
- Requirements include:
- Proof of a legally recognised marriage.
- Meeting the financial threshold.
- Passing an English language test (if required).
- Evidence that your relationship is genuine.
Unlike the fiancé visa, a spouse visa also gives you the right to work in the UK.
How to Extend Fiancé Visa UK?
A fiancé visa allows you to enter the UK to marry your British or settled partner within 6 months. If your wedding is delayed, you may apply to extend your fiancé visa in 2025.
Steps to extend:
- Apply online through the UK Home Office website.
- Pay the application and healthcare surcharge fees.
- Upload required documents and book a biometric appointment for visa extension in the UK.
- Await a decision on your application.
Documents Needed:
When applying for an extension, ensure you provide strong evidence to prove your relationship and eligibility. Common documents needed for fiancé visa extension UK include:
- Valid passport and current visa.
- Proof of genuine relationship (photos, messages, joint financial evidence).
- Marriage registration proof or explanation for delay.
- Accommodation details (rental agreement or property ownership).
- English language test certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of financial requirement being met.
Financial Requirements:
The financial requirements for fiancé visa extension remain the same as for initial applications:
- Minimum income of £18,600 per year (more if dependent children are included).
- Income can be from employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings.
- Evidence such as payslips, bank statements, or tax returns must be provided.
UK Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa Process:
Once you marry your partner within your visa validity, you can switch from a fiancé visa to a spouse visa.
UK fiancé visa to spouse visa process:
- Submit an in-country application for a spouse visa.
- Provide marriage certificate as proof.
- Meet accommodation, financial, and English language requirements.
- Spouse visa is usually valid for 2.5 years, leading to settlement.
Processing Time:
The processing time for fiancé visa extension UK is typically:
- 8–12 weeks under standard service.
- 5 working days if using the super priority service (extra cost).
Fiancé Visa Extension Fees UK
The fiancé visa extension fees UK (2025) are:
- £1,048 for the in-country application.
- £624 healthcare surcharge per year (paid upfront).
- Optional priority service fee if faster processing is required.
UK Immigration Rules:
Key UK immigration rules for fiancé visa holders include:
- Visa is valid for 6 months (extendable in special cases).
- Holders are not allowed to work during fiancé visa validity.
- Must marry within the visa period or switch after marriage.
Biometric Appointment:
As part of your application, you must attend a biometric appointment for visa extension UK. At this appointment, your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be collected.
Common Refusal Reasons:
Applications are sometimes refused due to:
- Insufficient financial evidence.
- Lack of proof of a genuine relationship.
- Missing or incorrect documents.
- Not meeting English language requirements.
Being thorough and accurate with your paperwork reduces the risk of refusal.
Can I Work in UK After Fiancé Visa Extension?
No — you cannot work while on a fiancé visa, even after extension. However, once you switch to a spouse visa, you’ll be allowed to work full-time in the UK.
Immigration Lawyer:
Many applicants choose to work with an immigration lawyer for fiancé visa UK cases to ensure strong applications, especially if delays, refusals, or financial complexities are involved. A lawyer can guide you through requirements, help prepare documents, and represent your case effectively.
Practical Tips to Avoid Issues:
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last week of your visa to request an extension.
- Keep everything documented: Save all emails, letters, and receipts related to your wedding plans.
- Plan ahead: Book your wedding as soon as possible after your visa is granted to avoid tight timelines.
- Get professional advice: Visa refusals are stressful and expensive — a solicitor can help prevent mistakes.
Conclusion:
If you can’t marry within six months on a UK fiancé visa, you may be able to extend it with a valid reason and evidence of new wedding plans. Without a strong reason, you’ll need to leave the UK and reapply from abroad. Once married, switching to a spouse visa lets you build a secure future together in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I work on a fiancé visa?
No. You can only work after switching to a spouse visa.
How much does an extension cost?
The Home Office fee for an in-country extension is £1,048, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Always check the latest fees on gov.uk.
What happens if my visa expires while my extension is pending?
If you apply before your visa expires, you’re legally allowed to stay in the UK until a decision is made.