How & where to get my fiance's visa, and how much will it cost?

 I have been scouring this site for all it's useful information, but i can't seem to find where to go for a fiance's visa. I am currently in the united states, my fiance is in the uk. We have visited with each other once, and have dated for a year and a half.

 I've heard I need to go to visa4UK.com, however there doesn't seem to be any option for "specific" visa's on the site it's self. Before I joined this site I was told my fiance's visa would only cost about 200-300$, this was from someone who had already went through the fiance visa process for the uk. Now I'm hearing it's should be about 800-900.00$? Is this price Including the service of a passport/visa specialist?   I'm wondering where i need to go to get the *specific fiance's visa, and if anyone has any advice on a good service to help me with the whole process, as well as how much will that cost?  Also, I'm wondering what exact documents I will need, how much $ do I need to have in my bank statments, ... who do I turn these documents in to, and at what point in time do I do this? ( So I can have then ready in time. )

 & Just to make sure, as i understand it, Before i am married to my fiance', while I am in the uk, I should put in my application for my Spousal visa/ FLR(M), and after that, apply for my ILE, is this correct?

Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled, I must admit I am really exhausted from working through this whole process over the past month and a half.  This site has been a freaking Miracle for me, Thanks so much to anybody who has a bit of info !.. 

I have been scouring this site for all it's useful information, but i can't seem to find where to go for a fiance's visa. I am currently in the united states, my fiance is in the uk. We have visited with each other once, and have dated for a year and a half.

 I've heard I need to go to visa4UK.com, however there doesn't seem to be any option for "specific" visa's on the site it's self. Before I joined this site I was told my fiance's visa would only cost about 200-300$, this was from someone who had already went through the fiance visa process for the uk. Now I'm hearing it's should be about 800-900.00$? Is this price Including the service of a passport/visa specialist?   I'm wondering where i need to go to get the *specific fiance's visa, and if anyone has any advice on a good service to help me with the whole process, and how much will that cost?  Also, I'm wondering what exact documents I will need, how much $ do I need to have in my bank statments, and who do I turn these documents in to, and at what point in time do I do this? ( So I can have then ready in time. )

 & Just to make sure, as i understand it, Before i am married to my fiance', while I am in the uk, I should put in my application for my Spousal visa/ FLR(M), and after that, apply for my ILE, is this correct?

Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled, I must admit I am really exhausted from working through this whole process over the past month and a half.  This site has been a freaking Miracle for me, Thanks so much to anybody who has a bit of info !.. 

You don't want visa4uk.com. I made that mistake before! You want this one: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/

It's $750ish for the Fiancee visa. We skipped that and married in America and just applied for the spousal visa though, because were advised that it is cheaper and easier! So I don't have as much specific information about the fiancee visa. But I know how hard it is to find information on any of this. I spent the entire month of January researching hours every day with a constant tension headache... This site has helped me so much! I hope it helps you too!

Check out this site:-

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/partnersandfamilies/partners/fianceesproposedcivilpartners/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ukresidency/eligibility/partnersandchildren/fianceeorproposedcivilpartner/

Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner of a settled person- $848 - GBP 585 is the cost of the Fiancee Visa according to their website as of today's date.

Oh, here are the documents we included with my visa application (It will be slightly different for you because yours is Fiancee)

My Passport
My Birth Certificate
My Biometrics Letter
Certified copy of Hubby's passport
6 months of my bank statements
6 months of his bank statements
a letter from Hubby in support of my application
The marriage license (not applicable to you)
proof of our devotion (IMs, Emails, and Phone records)
Photos of us together for each visit over the last 6 years of our relationship
Certified copy of my degree (to show I will easily find work)
my current CV
Tenancy agreement
Letter from Landlord, stating I can move in
6 months of Hubby's pay stubs
Hubby's contract of Employment


I think that's all, but I could be wrong!
Garry's site was also a huge help to me:
http://londonelegance.com/transpondia/fiance/

Oh thanks you guys! That gives me allot to go on.. Cheers!

Oh thanks you guys! That gives me allot to go on.. Cheers!

No probs. Don't hesitate to ask more questions. Iknow I don't

 & Just to make sure, as i understand it, Before i am married to my fiance', while I am in the uk, I should put in my application for my Spousal visa/ FLR(M), and after that, apply for my ILE, is this correct?

Before you are married to your fiance, you cannot apply for a spousal visa as you are not a spouse.  You will apply for FLR(M) after you are married.   You must apply for your fiance visa in the US, then you can move to the UK and marry.  THEN you will do FLR(M)

here's a good website for the list of documents you'll need: http://londonelegance.com/transpondia/fiance/  we included a few extra things besides what is there like letters from family & friends, photographs of our flat, letter of reference from fiance's boss, my resume indicating my work experience and higher education.

We just paid the fee for a second time (*roll* long story) and it was about $850 bucks. Don't forget to factor in another $100 to pay to use a courier service (could be less depending on which consulate.. seems like chicago couriers are cheaper?)

I'd recommend getting all of your documents from your fiance before applying online because you have a short time-frame to mail everything. It took a week+ for my fiance to order official bank statements from his bank, so keep that in mind.

Good luck.

Oh thanks you guys! That gives me allot to go on.. Cheers!

Just an FYI...if you decide to get the fiance visa & get married in the UK YOU MUST get your spousal visa BEFORE you decide to travel outside of the UK. So if you get married in the UK and want a honeymoon and don't feel like forking over another £200 for same day service, you'll be honeymooning in the UK. Unless you go back to the US on honeymoon and apply for your spousal visa from there.

Simplified, once you're married you cannot leave the UK and re-enter on your fiance visa as you are no longer a fiance, but a spouse.

I'm in the process of applying for a fiance visa --- I'm American he's a Brit.  Is it necessary for him to include his bank statements?  I understand his tenancy agreement and council tax stub (or whatever it's called) needs to be included.  But is it absolutely necessary that they'll need to have copies of his bank statements?  I ask this because at the moment he's only able to work part-time and unfortunately he doesn't make much. 

Is that a possibility of me being turned down for the visa?  Thanks.

You don't want visa4uk.com. I made that mistake before! You want this one: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/

Could you tell me exactly why it's not a good idea to use visa4uk.com?  Thanks!

Because it's a private company that sells its services when what you want is the actual government website. That is the only place you should be getting and filling out your application, making your payments, etc.

I had no idea Mort!  Geez, and the web address is so similar.  Thanks so much!

And Kittenfish -- thanks so much.  Looks like we've no choice but to include the bank statements.

I had no idea Mort!  Geez, and the web address is so similar.  Thanks so much!

And Kittenfish -- thanks so much.  Looks like we've no choice but to include the bank statements.

If you were to combine any savings you two have, with what he makes, can you guys be left with 95 GBP a week after fixed bills (i.e. rent, utilities, etc.)? That's something the ECOs look for in budgets, as far as I know.

If you were to combine any savings you two have, with what he makes, can you guys be left with 95 GBP a week after fixed bills (i.e. rent, utilities, etc.)? That's something the ECOs look for in budgets, as far as I know.

He really doesn't have too much after paying rent, utilities, food, petrol, etc.,  But we would have more than that amount with just my savings.  I guess my worry is because they know all that will end once I move to England --- I'll no longer have my current job/salary.  And won't be able to work until after I get a spousal visa.