Marriage Civil Partnership Visit Visa

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – UK Entry Clearance Requirements

If your primary purpose for visiting the UK is to marry, form a civil partnership, or give official notice of marriage or civil partnership, you must secure a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa before travelling. It is not possible to obtain permission to enter the UK as a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor at the border, regardless of whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national.

Who Does Not Require This Visa?

Certain individuals are exempt from this requirement. This includes:

• British citizens

• Irish citizens

• Individuals with settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

• Persons with a pending EUSS application submitted before 1 July 2021

Members of this group may marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage in the UK without prior entry clearance.

Marriages Not Recognised Under UK Law

Non-visa nationals who are visiting the UK to enter into a marriage or civil partnership that is not recognised under UK law do not need a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa. They can instead apply to enter as a Standard Visitor. Visa nationals can also apply for a Standard Visitor Visa for this purpose.

Converting a Civil Partnership to Marriage

Non-visa nationals visiting the UK to convert an existing civil partnership (formed under the laws of England, Wales, or Scotland) into a marriage are also not required to hold a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa. They can enter as a Standard Visitor. Visa nationals, in this case, can also apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

How Link and Day Lawyers Can Help

At Link and Day Lawyers, we specialise in guiding clients through all aspects of UK immigration law, including Visit Visas for both visa and non-visa nationals. Our immigration specialists offer end-to-end assistance ensuring your application is fully compliant, well-prepared, and tailored to meet Home Office requirements.

Whether you need expert advice on preparing a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa application, or assistance proving your eligibility as a non-visa national visitor, our experienced team is here to help you secure a smooth entry into the UK.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – Permitted Activities

If you are applying for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration that your intention to enter the UK is both genuine and strictly aligned with the permitted purposes of the visitor route. It is equally important to ensure that you will not engage in any activities that are considered prohibited under UK immigration regulations.

Holders of a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa are entitled to undertake the following approved activities during their stay:

• Legally marry or register a civil partnership in the UK.

• Give formal notice of marriage or civil partnership at a designated registry office.

Additionally, visitors under this visa category may participate in certain other activities permitted under the general UK Visitor Visa rules. However, studying or enrolling in any form of formal education is strictly prohibited for Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitors.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – Genuine Intention Requirement

To be granted a Marriage Visit Visa or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, you must convincingly demonstrate to the UK Home Office that your visit is solely for the purpose of either giving formal notice of marriage or civil partnership or entering into a marriage or civil partnership during your stay as a Visitor. It is crucial to establish that the intended union is genuine and not a sham.

When applying for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa with the intention of giving notice at a UK register office, the Home Office will require credible proof that you have made the necessary arrangements. This may include an appointment confirmation, an email acknowledgment of a provisional booking, or any official communication that supports your intention.

If your objective is to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, you will need to provide documentary evidence showing that your ceremony or registration is planned and confirmed. Suitable examples might include an email confirmation from the church, register office, or venue, or receipts for venue hire or deposits confirming the booking.

The Home Office will carefully evaluate whether your proposed marriage or civil partnership is genuine. This involves assessing the validity of your relationship, the authenticity of your plans, and your future intentions as a couple, including living arrangements. If there is insufficient evidence to prove the relationship is real, your visa application will be refused.

Intention to Leave the UK Requirement for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa

When applying for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, it is not sufficient merely to demonstrate that you intend to enter the UK for a legally permitted purpose. The Home Office must also be convinced that you have a genuine intention to depart the UK once your visit concludes. You must further show that you have no plans to reside in the UK for extended durations through repeated or successive visits, nor to treat the UK as your primary place of residence.

As part of the assessment process, the Home Office carefully evaluates a variety of factors to establish your credibility as a genuine visitor. These factors may include:

• Your previous immigration history, both for the UK and for other international destinations;

• Your financial circumstances, alongside your family, social, and economic background;

• Your personal and economic ties to your home country or country of residence.

The Home Office may raise concerns about your intentions if there is insufficient evidence of strong family, financial, or economic connections to your country of residence, especially if you have multiple family members already living in the UK. Additional red flags may include previous attempts to mislead the Home Office in past immigration applications or inconsistencies between statements provided by you and your sponsor.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – Financial Requirement

When applying for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, it is essential to demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to cover all reasonable expenses associated with your stay in the UK. This includes travel costs, living expenses, and accommodation fees, all of which must be met without engaging in employment or relying on public funds.

Your available funds must be securely held in a recognised and regulated financial institution that meets UK immigration requirements.

Alternatively, your travel, accommodation, and maintenance expenses can be sponsored by a third party, provided that:

• The third party has a genuine personal or professional relationship with you;

• They are not, and will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws;

• They can offer sufficient financial support throughout your stay as a visitor.

At Link and Day Lawyers, our immigration specialists can guide you in preparing the necessary financial evidence to ensure that your visa application meets the Home Office requirements.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – English Language Requirement

Applicants for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa are not required to meet any English language proficiency criteria as part of the application process. This visa route is designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK specifically to get married, enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, without the need to demonstrate English language skills.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa – Validity and Conditions

Individuals intending to travel to the UK to marry, enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership can apply for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, which is generally issued with a validity of up to 6 months.

This visa permits multiple entries to the UK within its validity period, unless it is specifically endorsed as a single-entry or dual-entry visa.

It is important to note that the total duration of your stay must not exceed 6 months, regardless of how many times you enter or exit the UK during this time.

Right to Work for Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitors

Holders of a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa are strictly prohibited from undertaking any form of employment or receiving payment from a UK-based source for activities conducted during their stay, except in very limited and exceptional circumstances.

This restriction means that Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitors cannot:

• Accept paid or unpaid employment in the UK

• Establish, manage, or run a business as a self-employed individual

• Work for any UK organisation or business, either directly or indirectly

• Undertake internships, work placements, or gain work experience

• Offer services, trade, or sell goods within the UK

Remote Work While in the UK

While visitors on this visa category are allowed to engage in remote work for overseas employers, this must remain an incidental activity and cannot be the primary purpose of their visit. The visit should be focused on permitted activities related to marriage or civil partnership arrangements, with remote work only being secondary.

Seeking Employment and Attending Interviews

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa holders may enter the UK to attend job interviews or explore employment opportunities. However, if they are offered a position, they must leave the UK and apply for the correct visa or entry clearance before starting any form of employment.

UK Visitor Visa Application Fees

The current Home Office fee for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor Visa, allowing a short stay in the UK of up to 6 months, is set at £127.

Giving Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership in the UK

If you are visiting the UK with the intention of marrying or entering into a civil partnership, you are legally required to give formal notice at a designated register office before the ceremony can be conducted.

To ‘give notice’, both partners must attend the local register office in person and sign a formal declaration confirming their intention to marry or form a civil partnership. Importantly, you must have been residing within the registration district for at least 7 consecutive days prior to giving notice.

The statutory notice period is 28 clear days, meaning the ceremony cannot proceed until at least the 29th day after notice has been given. There is no requirement to remain in the UK throughout this waiting period, offering flexibility for international couples planning their event.

How Link and Day Lawyers Can Assist You

At Link and Day Lawyers, we specialise exclusively in UK immigration matters, providing expert guidance to individuals from around the world. Whether you wish to travel to the UK to marry, enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, our dedicated immigration professionals are here to simplify the process and maximise your chances of success.

If you are seeking comprehensive advice on a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa, need professional assistance in preparing a robust visa application, or require representation to challenge a refusal decision, our team at Link and Day Lawyers is ready to assist you with precision and care.

We take pride in offering a client-focused, proactive approach, ensuring that every individual receives personalised solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. With a reputation for clarity, reliability, and professionalism, our team is committed to making your UK immigration journey as straightforward as possible.

At Link and Day Lawyers, immigration is not just a service we provide it’s our area of expertise. Our goal is to offer you trusted, up-to-date legal guidance with the highest standards of care and excellence.

For trusted, professional assistance with your UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa application, contact Link and Day Lawyers today on (+44)-7471-588460.