American looking to stay

[welmore]

I am an American in Glasgow on a student visa, expiring in January 2011. I have lived with my boyfriend for a year and we are planning on getting married next June. I am also pregnant. What are my options for staying here? My boyfriend is on benefits due to an injury and though I have a BA and have almost completed my MSc, I am having difficulty finding work. I do not want to have to leave him, but I don't see many options. Please help.

[Wanderer]

I am an American in Glasgow on a student visa, expiring in January 2011. I have lived with my boyfriend for a year and we are planning on getting married next June. I am also pregnant. What are my options for staying here? My boyfriend is on benefits due to an injury and though I have a BA and have almost completed my MSc, I am having difficulty finding work. I do not want to have to leave him, but I don't see many options. Please help.

Marriage and job.

[John]

welmore, about the marriage :-

• Where? - if in the UK then you need to apply for a CoA ... Certificate of Approval to Marry .... unless the two of you plan to get married in a Church of England Church.
• When? It really would be a good idea, from the visa point of view, for the marriage to take place no later than a few days before the expiry of your current student visa, so as to ensure that following the marriage you can apply in the UK on form FLR(M) for your 2-year spouse visa.

If you do need a CoA, apply soon! Getting that does not force you into a marriage shortly thereafter, but without it you cannot go to the Register Office and give the needed Notice of Intention to Marry.