Marriage VisitorVerified 2026-04-19UK Marriage Visitor Visa (Up to 6 months)
The UK Marriage Visitor visa is for Indian citizens intending to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months, or to give notice of marriage/civil partnership. You must LEAVE the UK after the ceremony — this visa does not lead to permanent settlement. For settlement, apply for Spouse/Partner visa separately. £135.
Processing
Decision usually within 3 weeks of providing your documents and biometrics
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months
Starting Fee
£135
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL United Kingdom visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Apply online at GOV.UK — the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel.
- 2Passport must be valid for the whole of your stay. Renew if expiring soon.
- 3UK now issues digital eVisas — no sticker in your passport. Create a UKVI account after approval to access your eVisa.
- 4TB test is MANDATORY for Indian applicants visiting for more than 6 months — use an IOM-approved clinic in India. Certificate valid 6 months.
- 5You must prove you will LEAVE the UK at the end of your visit — strong ties to India (employment, family, property) are critical.
- 6You must support yourself and dependants during the trip (or have a sponsor funding you).
- 7Living in the UK for extended periods through frequent/successive visits is NOT allowed on Standard Visitor visa — UKVI may refuse or cancel for pattern abuse.
- 8You cannot work for a UK company, claim benefits, marry, or give notice of marriage on a Standard Visitor visa. Different visa categories exist for these purposes.
- 9At your VFS appointment: fingerprints + facial photo are taken. Passport is returned same day; other documents may be retained during processing.
- 10You MUST leave the UK after your wedding. Staying triggers immigration breach. For permanent stay, use UK Spouse visa (separate application from India).
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens aged 18+ intending to marry or enter civil partnership in the UK within 6 months
- Couples with concrete wedding arrangements (venue booked, notice date set)
- Applicants who will leave the UK after the ceremony
Not eligible under this visa:
- Applicants intending to stay in the UK after marriage (need Spouse/Partner visa)
- Anyone under 18
- Applicants who can't show concrete wedding/notice arrangements
Previously Refused?
SPECIAL OFFERYour United Kingdom visa refusal isn't the end — it's a fixable situation.
Most refusal letters read like code. We decode the real reason behind your refusal — often different from what the letter says — and rebuild your case with a refusal-specific strategy. Refused applicants pay the same fee as first-time applicants, and we back it with our dedicated refusal-rebuild process.
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa — up to 6 months | £135 |
| Standard Visitor visa — Medical reasons (up to 11 months) | £234 |
| Standard Visitor visa — Academic (up to 12 months) | £234 |
| 2-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £506 |
| 5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £903 |
| 10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £1,128 |
| Biometrics / VFS service fee | ₹1,500–2,500 |
All UK visa fees are set in GBP by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and paid online during the GOV.UK application. The INR amount depends on the GBP/INR exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: biometrics and VFS service charges at the Visa Application Centre, optional priority/super-priority services, TB test (if required), and document translation fees. Non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Valid passport
- !Passport-style photograph
- !Cover letter
Explain wedding plans, venue, date, intent to return to India (or apply for Spouse visa offshore afterwards).
Marriage Documents
- !Evidence of partner's UK legal status
British citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or valid UK visa.
- !Partner's passport/BRP/eVisa
- !Evidence of relationship
Photos, communication history, visits, joint bookings, statutory declarations.
- !Wedding venue booking
Licensed UK venue (register office, approved religious building).
- ○Notice of marriage appointment (if scheduled)
Proof of Funds
- !Bank statements (6 months)
- !ITRs
- ○Partner's financial contribution evidence (if applicable)
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Set concrete wedding plans
Book a licensed UK venue, arrange notice date.
Complete GOV.UK application
Select Marriage Visitor category.
Upload relationship + wedding evidence
Partner's UK status, venue booking, relationship proof, funds.
Pay £135 online
Standard Visitor tier fee.
Biometrics at VFS Global India
Book nearest centre.
Decision + digital eVisa
~3 weeks.
Marry in UK + return to India
After ceremony, apply for Spouse/Partner visa from India to settle.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
GOV.UK — Standard Visitor Visa Application
Primary online application portal for UK visit visas. Complete the online form, pay, book biometrics at VFS.
UKVI — Check if you need a UK visa
Interactive tool — tells you which UK visa category fits your purpose and nationality.
VFS Global UK India
Where Indian applicants book biometrics appointments, pay VFS service fee, and receive their decision.
UK TB Test Clinics (IOM-approved)
If visiting for 6+ months, TB test at an IOM-approved clinic is mandatory before applying.
VFS Application Centres
Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.
How clear is your purpose of visit?
How long is your planned stay?
Travel history to developed countries?
Any previous visa refusals?
Employment / income source?
3-month average bank balance?
Income Tax Returns history?
Travel bookings status?
Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?
Travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Complete the GOV.UK online application — do not go to VFS first. Pay the visa fee online, then book your VFS biometrics appointment.
- Documents to upload/carry: passport bio page, photograph (45×35mm, white background), cover letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements (6 months), ITRs (3 years), employment letter with leave approval, proof of ties to India.
- Long-term Standard Visitor (2/5/10 year) is excellent value for frequent UK travellers — business visits, conferences, family visits. Request with justification.
- The UK doesn't require an invitation letter from a UK host, but if visiting friends/family, a simple letter from them (with passport copy + UK address proof) strengthens the case.
- Common refusal reasons: weak funds, pattern of long UK stays, thin travel history, unclear purpose. Address these upfront in the cover letter.
- Use Super Priority service (£1,000+ extra) for urgent applications — next-working-day decision after biometrics.
- Once in the UK: carry your decision letter/eVisa screenshot. UK Border Force may ask questions on arrival about purpose and duration.
- This visa does NOT lead to settlement. For permanent stay as a spouse, apply for the UK Spouse visa from India AFTER the wedding.
- Both partners must give 'notice of marriage' at a UK register office 28+ days before the wedding — plan for this within the 6-month visa window.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Partner's UK legal status unclear or ineligible
- 2.Wedding arrangements not concrete (no venue booked)
- 3.Relationship evidence thin (concern about genuine relationship)
- 4.Unclear return plan after wedding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in the UK after getting married?+
Why not directly apply for Spouse visa?+
What counts as 'genuine relationship'?+
Can a same-sex couple use this visa?+
Let us prepare your UK Marriage Visitor Visa — (Up to 6 months) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other United Kingdom Visa Types
UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor — Tourism)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, holidays, or to see family and friends. Usually up to 6 months. £135.
UK Business Visa (Standard Visitor — Business)
Short-stay visa for Indian professionals visiting the UK for meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, or site visits. £135 for up to 6 months.
UK Short-Term Study Visa (Visit to Study up to 6 months)
For Indian students taking a course up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution. Includes English language courses, short research, and PLAB/OSCE test visits. £135 Standard Visitor OR £200 Short-term English 6–11 months.
UK Academic Visa (Standard Visitor — Academic up to 12 months)
For Indian scientists, researchers, senior doctors/dentists, and academics visiting the UK for research, formal exchanges, or short teaching. Up to 12 months. £234.
UK Medical Treatment Visa (Standard Visitor — Medical up to 11 months)
For Indian patients visiting the UK for private medical treatment, NHS treatment under reciprocal agreements, or organ donation. £234 for up to 11 months. Extendable in-country.
UK Transit Visa (Visitor in Transit / Direct Airside Transit)
For Indian travellers passing through the UK to a third country. DATV (£35) for airside-only transit; Visitor in Transit (£74.50) if you need to leave the airport for up to 48 hours.
UK Student Visa (Long-term — Licensed Sponsors) — Informational
For full-time study on courses longer than 6 months at UK licensed sponsors (universities, recognised colleges). £524 offshore + IHS (£776/year) + living costs evidence. Complex — requires specialist guidance.
UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker / Global Talent) — Informational
Informational overview of UK work visa routes. Requires UK employer sponsorship + Certificate of Sponsorship. SureshotVisa does not process work visas — refer to OISC consultants.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United Kingdom website and Embassy of United Kingdom. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.