Fiancé or proposed civil partner visa: questions Indian applicants ask

No. The 6-month fiancé stage is exempt. You pay the surcharge when you switch to the Partner visa in the UK after marrying, for the 30-month grant at that stage.

No. Work is not allowed until the Partner visa is granted after the wedding. Plan for 3 to 6 months of support from your spouse.

Apply in the UK for leave to remain as a partner before the 6-month visa expires. We do not handle in-UK applications from India; we refer you to a regulated UK adviser for that stage.

The Partner visa from India. The fiancé route adds a second application fee in the UK plus the surcharge, and 6 months without work. Marry in India if you can and apply once as a spouse.

Yes. A religious ceremony alone may not be legally recognised; you must also give notice and register a civil marriage, unless the place of worship is registered for marriages. Check with the register office before booking.

At least 5 months. Decisions take about 12 weeks from India, and you need 28 days of notice after arrival before the ceremony can take place.

Yes, on Standard Visitor visas with the wedding invitation and their own funds and ties. Apply for them at the same time with consistent details.

You can apply in the UK to extend as a fiancé for a further 6 months if there is a good reason, but this costs another fee. Fix the date before you apply and keep evidence of the booking.