Use these guides to understand published UK immigration requirements and questions to check. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK and obtain regulated advice for your own circumstances.
The useful starting point
These routes solve different immigration problems
The correct comparison turns on where and when the couple will marry, the applicant’s current location and whether immediate work rights matter.
Side-by-side
Key differences
Marriage, civil partnership or another qualifying partner relationship.
Intention to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within the permitted period.
A longer family-permission period, subject to the route and application location.
Short initial permission for the planned ceremony.
Usually permitted after family permission is granted.
Not permitted during the initial fiancé(e) permission.
Extension is normally required before settlement.
A further partner application is normally required after the marriage or civil partnership.
Confirm the current rules
Read both official route pages
Know when a guide is no longer enough
Eligibility assessments, evidence reviews, application preparation and representation should be handled by a suitably regulated professional.