The UK Marriage Visitor Visa is a specific type of visa designed for individuals who wish to enter the United Kingdom to get married or register a civil partnership. This visa is particularly relevant for those who do not intend to settle in the UK after their marriage or civil partnership. Below, I will outline the key aspects of this visa, including eligibility requirements, what you can and cannot do while on this visa, how long you can stay, application procedures, and associated costs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Marriage Visitor Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

1. Purpose of Visit: The primary reason for applying must be to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK.
2. No Intention to Settle: Applicants should not plan to stay or settle in the UK after their marriage or civil partnership.

• Other Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet additional eligibility requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Certain individuals are exempt from needing a Marriage Visitor Visa:

1. Those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. Irish citizens.
3. Individuals who have applied for but not yet received a decision on their EU Settlement Scheme application.
4. Individuals eligible for British citizenship should apply for citizenship instead of this visa.

What You Can and Cannot Do

While holding a Marriage Visitor Visa, there are specific activities that are permitted and prohibited:

Permitted Activities:

• You can marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK at a venue licensed for such ceremonies.
• You may pass through the UK in transit to another country.

Prohibited Activities:

1. You cannot access public funds (benefits).
2. You cannot bring family members (dependents) with you; they must apply separately.
3. Extended stays through frequent visits are not allowed.
4. You cannot extend your visa or switch to another type of visa while in the UK.
5. Employment is generally prohibited unless it involves permitted activities related to overseas work (e.g., attending meetings).
6. Studying is also not allowed under this visa.

Duration of Stay

The Marriage Visitor Visa allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to six months. It is important that visitors adhere strictly to this time frame as overstaying can lead to complications with future travel and immigration applications.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Applicants must complete an online application form before traveling to the UK.
2. Visa Application Centre Appointment: After submitting the application online, applicants need to book an appointment at a visa application center where they will provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) and submit necessary documents.
3. Processing Time: Typically, applicants receive a decision within three weeks after their appointment at the visa application center. There may be options available for expedited processing at an additional cost.

It is advisable that applicants apply no earlier than three months before their intended travel date.

Fees

The fee for applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa is £115. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is successful or not.

For more enquiries on a UK marriage visitor visat, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr