What Visa do I need for marriage and my GF staying in UK?

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:05 pm

Hi, Hope someone can help as Im slightly confused??

Been with my chinese GF 18 months now, we have lived in the middle East together, ive stayed with her for a month in China this year and she has been with me here in the UK for 4 months now as a Visitor. The points I need clarity on please (She flies home in 2 weeks BTW),

If we apply for a fiance Visa which is akin to a Visitor visa does that mean she can only stay 2 months as she will of then spent 6 months out of 12 in the UK and then have to return home for 6 months?

Can we change her Visa in the UK once were married?

Or is there another Visa I have completely missed that means she can stay here once were married??

And lastly, does she have to take her ielts test before she gets visa??

Looked all over UKBA website and its sending me insane.

Thank you in advance

Kitty · Post by **Kitty** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:46 pm

A fiancÃ©e visa allows the holder to switch to spouse status inside the UK after they get married.

A marriage visit visa requires the holder to leave the UK after the wedding (and then apply for entry clearance as a spouse, if necessary).

It sounds like you want the fiancÃ©e visa.

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:31 pm

Thanks Kitty, and reading through It seems she needs her Spoken and Listening exam passed before we send in the application??

pennylessinindia · Post by **pennylessinindia** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:03 pm

yes if she applies for the FiancÃ©e visa

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:34 pm

Ooops, seems an oversight on my behalf.........2 weeks to get it done or she will have to do it in China. Can you recommend a centre in UK other than the couple I have found in London?

pennylessinindia · Post by **pennylessinindia** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:52 pm

You may be cutting it a bit fine with 2 weeks to go but you never know

look at this post http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=62249

and then go to the new list of test providers and work your way through them may be a call or look at the web site to see what they offer and when.

She will need to have the certificate prior to applying so factor that all in.

The level is low, so she may be able to take a test with little prep but if her English is not too good she may need to consider studying first then sit in her home country.

A busy afternoon ahead of you!!!

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:06 pm

Thanks for that, I got that list and most places are Uni's or colleges who do a far more indepth course than is required. Ive found a couple of places in London who for Â£250 will do the basics she needs, Though I would probably prefer she does it at the embassy in Shanghai now. Her spoken and listening english skills are by far good enough.

pennylessinindia · Post by **pennylessinindia** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:20 pm

she only needs to sit the exam does not need to do any course if her skills are good enough

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:16 pm

So having looked at it a bit more now, She can come here to get married on a visit visa, provided she only stays a couple of months as she has been here for 3 already and sit her english A1 course then, whilst here. Â£80 ish for visa and were married, we both fly to china after the 2 months for new year and apply for spouse visa together in China?

Or Fiance Visa, must sit her A1 English exam in china before coming over and pay Â£900 for the visa, possibly also taking longer to issue visa........

Is that my choices?

Thanks for your help

Post by **Casa** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:01 pm

If the Immigration officer at her port of entry suspects that she plans to marry while she is on a visitor visa, there's a high risk she will be refused.
She could apply for a Marriage Visit visa if she intends to return to China after the wedding. She can then apply for a spouse visa from China when you're ready for her to settle here.

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 9:41 am

Thanks for the reply Casa, I wasnt very clear in my post but a marriage visit visa is what I meant. Sounds an easier option for me and then gives us time to do the English test in the UK before we fly to china for the New Year. I hear waiting times can be upto 6 weeks overseas for results, which would scupper our plans for her 40th in December and a Xmas Eve wedding.

JamesB · Post by **JamesB** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 3:08 pm

Just one note, Would she be allowed to sit english exam in UK on a visitor Visa??? Or does that class as study?????!!!!!!

Post by **Lucapooka** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 3:17 pm

Just taking the exam is fine. It's a common occurrence.

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What Visa do I need for marriage and my GF staying in UK?

What Visa do I need for marriage and my GF staying in UK?