Ukrainian citizens who are engaged to or married to a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK may apply for a Fiancée or Spouse Visa to live together in the United Kingdom under the UK family migration rules.
Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the UK government has introduced some special routes for temporary protection. However, those options differ from the standard UK Marriage Visa and Fiancée Visa routes, which remain the correct pathway for couples looking to settle in the UK long term based on a committed relationship.
The Fiancée Visa allows a Ukrainian national to travel to the UK for 6 months in order to get married to their British partner. After the marriage, the applicant can apply to switch to a UK Spouse Visa from within the UK.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
This visa does not allow the applicant to work or study in the UK until the marriage takes place and a Spouse Visa is granted.
The Spouse Visa is for Ukrainian applicants who are already legally married to a British citizen or UK-settled person. It allows the applicant to join their partner in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years, which can be extended. After five years, the applicant may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The requirements are similar to the Fiancée Visa, but a valid marriage certificate must be submitted (Ukrainian or UK-based), along with continued evidence of the relationship and cohabitation.
Applications are submitted online via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Biometric enrollment must be completed at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC), such as those operating in nearby countries like Poland, Romania, or Hungary, depending on current availability for Ukrainian citizens.
Ukrainian applicants are encouraged to use the Priority Visa Service for faster results (within 30 working days). Standard applications typically take up to 12 weeks.
Given the current situation in Ukraine, many applicants have irregular documents or travel history. However, the UK government still requires full documentation, including translated Ukrainian documents, financial evidence, and proof of a real relationship.
To avoid delays or refusals, prepare a complete application file with evidence such as photographs together, call/chat records, and letters of support.
Fiancée Visa holders must marry within 6 months and then apply for a Spouse Visa. Spouse Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UK. After 5 years of continuous residence, they can apply for ILR and eventually British citizenship.
We provide expert assistance for Ukrainian applicants seeking to join their partners in the UK. Let us guide you through the process safely and efficiently.
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