How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to join my fiance/fiancee?
You need to show that:

• S/he currently lives and is settled in the United Kingdom; or
• Is returning to the United Kingdom to live there permanently.
  You need to show that you both:
• Plan to marry within a reasonable time (usually six months);
• Plan to live together permanently after you are married;
• Have met each other;

There is somewhere for you and any dependants to live until you are married without help from public funds;

Can support yourselves and any dependants without help from public funds;

Have adequate funds to support you and any dependants without you working and without help from public funds.
NOTE: In order to show these things you MUST provide documentary evidence such as:

• Telephone bills showing calls to your spouse;
• Correspondence between you;
• Greetings cards;
• Marriage certificates;
• Certificates of divorce of any previous marriages;
• Financial evidence, such as bank statements, pay slips etc.;
• Evidence of employment and terms of employment;
• Evidence of any relevant job offer and terms of such an offer;
• Evidence of qualifications for any relevant offer of employment;
• Evidence of ownership or tenancy of accommodation;
• Evidence of adequacy of accommodation e.g. letter from local authority.

What are my rights if my application succeeds?

You will be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for six months but you must not work. When you are married you may apply to stay here – this is known as further leave to remain. If your application is approved by the Home Office then you will be given permission to work for 12 months. Towards the end of the 12 months you may apply to stay permanently in the United Kingdom – this is known as indefinite leave to remain.

Do I need to apply to the British authorities before I leave my country?

Yes. To enter the UK you will need to apply for a visa (known as entry clearance) from the British Embassy or High Commission in the country where you live, unless you are someone who is NOT a visa national who wishes to stay for a period of six months or less.

If I am refused entry clearance to enter the UK can I appeal?

Yes you can, provided your application was for a period of time not exceeding 6 months.