Marry In Uk Whilst Here On Visit Visa

[leedm]

hi,

My Thai gf is currently in the UK on a 6 month visit visa, was just wondering whether it was possible for us to get married over here during that time, I don't think it is but thought I'd ask anyway.

If I'm wrong and it is in some way possible, could you please enlighten me as to what is required.

Cheers

Lee

[the scouser]

It is possible for you and your girlfriend to marry whilst she is in the UK as a visitor, but she would need to apply for a certificate of approval, unless you intend to marry in an Anglican church.

Scouse.

[leedm]

It is possible for you and your girlfriend to marry whilst she is in the UK as a visitor, but she would need to apply for a certificate of approval, unless you intend to marry in an Anglican church.

Scouse.

Thanks for that Scouser, seems like we'll go with Plan A (marry in Thailand) as she only has a 6 month Visa and her birth certificates and other docs apart from passport are back in Thailand. Interesting to know this is possible though.

Regards,

Lee

[Mahout Angrit]

seems like we'll go with Plan A (marry in Thailand) as she only has a 6 month Visa and her birth certificates and other docs apart from passport are back in Thailand. Interesting to know this is possible though.

If plan A doesn't materialise and you choose to marry in UK while she is next visiting you should apply for a 'visit for marriage visa' and then you are not required to seek permission to marry once there.

[Rinrada]

'certificate of approval'.....interesting stuff....

[Crossy]

'certificate of approval'.....interesting stuff....

Yes, tell us more Scouse. Is it a cheaper option than getting a fiance visa? What paperwork is required?

Not going to affect us (we got married just before the rules changed) but could be an alternative option for others.

[the scouser]

It was decreed by the Great Stalinist himself that ne'er a foreign national may marry on these shores, lest s/he be from an EEA country (or Schweiz). However, TGS took a clogging of the utmost from the blokes in the funny wigs, who decreed that just because one is a Stalinist doesn't mean that one can lay down the law (for that is the remit of the funny-wig brigade). Consequently, it's all back to square one, but should the afore-mentioned foreign-type marry in the UK whilst on a visit visa, s/he can't stay solely on the basis of marriage.

That's it in a nutshell.

Scouse.

[Mahout Angrit]

'certificate of approval'.....interesting stuff....

Is it a cheaper option than getting a fiance visa? What paperwork is required?

Yes it's the cost of a visit visa instead of a Fiancee visa plus the cost of running around to get the certificate but your spouse is only visiting (and hence has to return to Thailand after marriage) whereas a Fiancee visa allows her to settle following marriage. See guide

[2long]

Leedm,

We did exactly what you wanted to. I can't remember any birth certificate nonsense and we certainly didn't need any certificate's of approval. We went to the local registry office, they posted our names for a week or two (to check if anyone wanted to disapprove) and we we in and out in no time on wedding day. It only cost 60quid or so, too.

On top of that, she was pregnant.

This happened 3 and a half years ago in Petersfield, Hants.

Good luck, mate.

[Crossy]

This happened 3 and a half years ago in Petersfield, Hants.

The rules were changed in January 2005, no more marriage on a visit visa. From what Scouse is saying it looks like the ruling has been (partially) reversed though.

Edited January 3, 2008 by Crossy

[Mahout Angrit]

We went to the local registry office, they posted our names for a week or two (to check if anyone wanted to disapprove) and we we in and out in no time on wedding day. It only cost 60quid or so, too.

A registrar will no longer accept a booking to marry you if you don't hold the appropriate immigration permission or the certificate of approval.

[the scouser]

This happened 3 and a half years ago in Petersfield, Hants.

The rules were changed in January 2005, no more marriage on a visit visa. From what Scouse is saying it looks like the ruling has been (partially) reversed though.

Spot on, Crossy. Any foreign national, irrespective of his/her status, may seek to marry in the U.K. However, s/he still needs to apply for a certificate of approval at a cost of £295. Another money-making enterprise by HMG.

Scouse.

[vinny]

The rules were changed in January 2005, no more marriage on a visit visa. From what Scouse is saying it looks like the ruling has been (partially) reversed though.

There is also a Visit for marriage or civil partnership visa.

[mjd]

hi,

My Thai gf is currently in the UK on a 6 month visit visa, was just wondering whether it was possible for us to get married over here during that time, I don't think it is but thought I'd ask anyway.

If I'm wrong and it is in some way possible, could you please enlighten me as to what is required.

Cheers

Lee