Marriage on tier 2 visa

[Vitz]

Hi,

My partner is British and I hold a Tier 2 sponsored visa. I have been residing on tier 2 in the UK since Feb 2016. Do I need to change visas to get married to my British partner or can I apply for a spouse visa after marriage? How long after do I need the change this visa if this is so?
What is the procedure following this to get married? Thank you!

[CR001]

Do I need to change visas to get married to my British partner or can I apply for a spouse visa after marriage?

No need before marriage. Yes you can apply after you are married if you wish to, it is not mandatory to change visas though. When does your Tier 2 expire??

How long after do I need the change this visa if this is so?

You don't have to change visas. Not sure if you believe this is mandatory as it is not. If you switch visas, your clock towards ILR resets to zero and a new 5 year route to ILR (2 x 2.5 year visas).

What is the procedure following this to get married?

You are both required to give 28 days notice and an HO approved Registry office. The Registry office then inform HO who can extend the notice period to 70 days to investigate and/or interview each of you separately. Once HO gives the ok to get married, then you can only get married.

[Kavspops]

But I have 2 short follow up questions -
1. Does it always go into the HO?
2. And if it necessarily does, is it mandatory that the time taken is 70 days or is that a guideline?
And given the background info that the tier 2 visa holder will not change the visa.

[CR001]

But I have 2 short follow up questions -
1. Does it always go into the HO?
2. And if it necessarily does, is it mandatory that the time taken is 70 days or is that a guideline?
And given the background info that the tier 2 visa holder will not change the visa.

Please start your own topic with your circumstances and questions rather than tagging onto another members thread!!