Gf is Chinese, studies in UK want to get married

Ok, from my title, my girlfriend (Chinese national) and I want to marry. We are together for two years now. She has a valid student visa. Can we simply apply and marry? I have a well paid job and a house in the uk. I am a uk citizen. Appreciate some help as the guidelines are ambiguous to me. Thanks.

Firstly, in order to marry in the UK you will have to register with a Home Office designated Registry Office. The Registrar is then legally bound to notify the HO who can then extend the notification period from 28 to 70 days in order to interview you both if they choose to do so, before the wedding can take place. When does your fiancee's current visa expire?
Alternatively, if you can show that you have been living together in a relationship 'akin to marriage' for at least 2 years, your fiancee could apply for a FLR(M) Unmarried Partner visa.
Minimum earnings of £18,600 p.a required. A1 level English from an approved test provider (or a degree taught in English) and she will have to pay the NHS surcharge of £500 online before submitting the visa application.

Hi all,
I applied for flr m on 15 December 2015 from Uk.My ielts certificate was valid upto 20th December 2015 that means on the date of application it was valid.I got ielts points average 6:00(Academic) from British council,sylhet,bangladesh on 21 December 2013.Also I got 7 points on speaking module and 6 points on listening module.This exam centre is still approved for ielts exam by home office.also i came uk on 15 March 2014 via tier 4 students visa by using this ielts certificate(entry clearance visa).Home made new rules from 5 November 2015 that they no longer accept ielts certificate which taken before 6 April 2015.So my question is will home office accept my ielts certificate as valid for flr m application?

My girl friend's visa will run to end of the current academic year. She will continue to apply for next year and so on until the 3 year course is complete. My salary exceeds to minimum required.

So you have plenty of time to marry at your leisure. I should also mention that not all couples are interviewed and it shouldn't be anything to be concerned about. Post if you have any specific questions about the FLR(M) application. Your wife can switch to spouse on form FLR(M) immediately after the wedding, either in person at a Premium Services Centre (PSC) for a premium fee, or by post. Once your wife's spouse visa has been granted she will be free to work without restriction.

Casa,

I appreciate your feedback. I spoke with my local (Northampton) HO designated Registry, however, the lady could only google for answers to my questions, then gave up and suggested I speak with the Home Office. My questions were really
1. What is the step by step process to make an appointment at a registry office ?
2. Once "registered", how long is this valid, such that the ceremony can be booked etc.?
3. What documents etc. need to be taken along to satisfy the registrar ?

One can go round and round in circles looking at the websites.

Any input would again be appreciated.

S.

I'm astounded that the Registrar isn't aware of the requirements! This link should help you:
https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-part ... n-national

Casa,

Thanks. I now have received some quality feedback using the weblink from northants registry. One last question (!) it states that You and your partner will need to have resided in Northamptonshire for at least 9 days, before attending the appointment." ; is this cumulative in the past or immediately prior to the appointment? It may seem a daft question but it makes a difference.

Regards,
S.

I believe that it's the last 9 days prior to registering the intent to marry.