American and Canadian citizens who are engaged to or married to a British citizen or settled person in the UK can apply for a UK Fiancée or Spouse Visa. These visas provide a legal route to live in the UK together with your partner.
Despite close ties between the UK, the United States, and Canada, citizens of these countries must still meet all standard UK immigration requirements when applying to join their British partner. The two most relevant routes are the Fiancée Visa and the Spouse Visa.
The Fiancée Visa allows American or Canadian nationals to enter the UK for 6 months to marry their British partner. After the marriage, the applicant can switch to a Spouse Visa without leaving the UK.
Eligibility includes:
The visa does not permit work or study. After marrying, the applicant must apply for a UK Spouse Visa to remain in the country and obtain work rights.
The Spouse Visa is suitable for those who are already legally married to a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. It grants a 30-month stay and the right to live, work, and study in the UK. After 5 years (with extensions), the applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Applicants must show a valid marriage certificate, a genuine and continuing relationship, and meet the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.
Applications must be submitted online via the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) portal. After submission, applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), located in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Applicants should provide supporting documents like proof of income, housing, and relationship history. Documents must be uploaded online or scanned at the appointment. English-speaking nationals from the US and Canada typically meet the language requirement automatically.
Many applicants use the Priority Visa Service for a faster decision (within 30 business days), while standard applications may take 2–3 months.
Strong applications include chat history, emails, photos, flight bookings, and proof of regular contact or time spent together. A well-documented application increases the chances of approval and avoids unnecessary delays or refusals.
Fiancée Visa holders must get married within 6 months and apply for a Spouse Visa. Spouse Visa holders are allowed to work and study, and can later apply for settlement and citizenship.
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