Fiancee Vs Spouse Visa

[timtickles]

Im considering my options of where would be best to be married to my g/f (UK or Thai) and subsequently which visa to apply for.

I am returning to Thailand in a few weeks and we were initially going to submit an application for a Fiancee Visa. However, weighing up the options, it may be better for us to be married in Thailand when I get there and just apply for the Spouse Visa straight off.

Do both visas take the same length of time to process and are the interview waiting times the same for each?

Im aware that applying for a fiancee visa will cost more in the long run due to the need to re-apply for settlement in UK when married but this does give us a bit more time to organise things over here in the UK. However, if the processing time is less for the Fiancee Visa then this may be a better option.

Any ideas? Thanks

[GU22]

At the initial application stage a fiancé visa and spouse visa are, basically, the same. Same fee, same waiting/processing time, same criteria etc. The only difference is that for a spouse visa you need to be married (obviously).

As you rightly said, a fiancé visa will be more expensive in the long run, as you will need to apply for further leave to remain once married and then indefinite leave to remain 2 years later. A spouse visa cuts out the FLR stage, and will save you the FLR fee of (currently) £335! So, all other things being equal, I would recommend marrying in Thailand and applying for a spouse visa, but it's your decision.

Best of luck either way.