maomaor wrote:I'm a British citizen (born here) and am hoping to get married to my Chinese girlfriend. She has been living here for nearly seven years, the first three on a student visa and the last 4 on a sponsored work visa issued before the current tier system came into effect. She will be eligible for ILR in November this year anyway so we're not marrying for the visa.
I've just started looking into what we have to do and it's all a bit confusing as most of the advice available isn't exactly aimed at our situation. I think she has to fill iin a Certificate Of Approval form here:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco ... a_form.pdf and then when approval has been granted we go ahead and get married at a registry office in the normal way. Is it advisable just to get on with this and do it ourselves or should we seek advice from an immigration lawyer? I'm not very confident with forms. Do I have to fill one in too or only her as she's not a citizen.
If anyone has any experience of this and could outline what steps need to be taken and any possible obstacles I would be very grateful. Thanks.
You can DIY! No need to waste money on a solicitor! (Save it for your wedding!)
Forms are simple and straightforward to complete.
Only she needs to apply, filling in some of your details in some places.
Proof of divorce or widowhood if either of you have been married before.
No proof needed if you've both been single all along.
You'll have to send in your passports and pp photos as well.
Free of charge.
Usually granted within a couple of weeks.
Upon receipt, you can make booking at Registry/Church, and go ahead and marry!
Godd luck!
