UK Marriage Visa Rules

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By Sharon Falsetto
eHow Contributing Writer

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The United Kingdom marriage visa is issued to a spouse who is married to a U.K. citizen, or U.K. legal permanent residents who wish to live in the U.K. The U.K. marriage visa also applies to civil partnerships. There are certain rules that must be met before this visa is issued.

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Marriage in the U.K.

Marriages of Less Than Four Years

If the applicants for a U.K. marriage visa have been together for less than four years, a U.K. marriage visa will be initially issued for two years. If the couple are still together after two years and still living in the U.K., they will usually be granted indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).

Marriages of Four Years or More

Couples who have lived outside of the U.K., and have been married for four years or more will usually be granted immediate indefinite leave to remain, provided they have passed the "Life in the U.K." test.

Intentions of the Couple Applying for the U.K. Marriage Visa

The couple applying for the U.K. marriage visa must have enough funds to support themselves without applying for government assistance, have somewhere suitable to live, and intend to live together permanently.

Criteria for a U.K. Marriage Visa

The applicants for a U.K. marriage visa must be at least 21 years old, have met each other previously and be legally married to each other or in a civil partnership together.

Applying for a U.K. Marriage Visa

For further information on the qualification criteria for a U.K. marriage visa, take the free online visa test--"Do I qualify for a marriage visa?"--with the U.K. Visa Bureau (visabureau.com/UK).