If you are a British citizen or lawful UK permanent resident wishing to bring your foreign fiancee to the UK on a settlement visa you should be aware of and seriously consider certain factors that may cause substantial delays in the processing of your immigration case or lead to a denial of your fiancee visa application. Issues that may complicate the application process include, but are not limited to:
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Significant age difference between the fiancee and his or her sponsor. Although there is no official requirement that partners must be about the same age in order to qualify for a visa, the immigration authorities are typically skeptical of couples with a big age difference.
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Poor English skills of the foreign fiancee.The examining UKBA immigration officials often become skeptical if partners do not share a common language, at least to some meaningful extent.
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Fiancee and sponsor have not spent enough time together in person. The British Consulates are typically skeptical of couples with no extensive “face-to-face” meeting history prior to sponsorship.
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Prior attempts by the sponsor to bring a foreign national to the UK on a visa, whether settlement or non-settlement (prior “sponsorship” applications).
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Prior attempts by the fiancee to obtain a UK visa, or gain entry into the UK, if the fiancee committed fraud or material misrepresentation, (e.g. using false identity) or otherwise significantly contrived to frustrate the immigration rules.
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Fiancee was previously in the UK and overstayed a visa.
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Fiancee was previously deported (removed) from the UK.
- Fiancee was previously denied entry into the UK.
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Insufficient proof of relationship (lack of supporting documentation).
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Unstable financial situation of the sponsor.
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Fiancee has a communicable disease (e.g. active tuberculosis).
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Fiancee has a criminal record.
To learn more about potential problems, and determine whether you are likely to succeed in obtaining a settlement fiancee or marriage visa on behalf of your loved one, please contact our UK visa department for a free initial consultation and your no-obligation UK fiancee visa eligibility assessment.
Important Announcement: New UK Immigration Rules after 9 July 2012