tier 1 highly skilled worker - do i need COA??

hi - i have read conflicting information about whether i need to apply for COA to marry my UK fiance. I am in the UK, have lived here for nearly 3 years, have the Tier 1 HSW visa, it is in my passport as a residence permit. So... i have read that you need settled status to avoid COA but some sites give the example of indefinite leave to remain as settled status and some sites give the example of "indefinite leave or residence permit". I have a residence permit, as I said. Am I subject to immigration control? Do I need to apply for COA?? So confusing, please help!

Thanks for any help!!

Girly wrote:hi - i have read conflicting information about whether i need to apply for COA to marry my UK fiance. I am in the UK, have lived here for nearly 3 years, have the Tier 1 HSW visa, it is in my passport as a residence permit. So... i have read that you need settled status to avoid COA but some sites give the example of indefinite leave to remain as settled status and some sites give the example of "indefinite leave or residence permit". I have a residence permit, as I said. Am I subject to immigration control? Do I need to apply for COA?? So confusing, please help!

Thanks for any help!!

YES, you are subject to immigration control.
YES, you have to apply for COA to marry.
If you can get a Church of England priest to marry you, then you can 'get around' the need to apply for a COA.

darn! ok thanks for the help.