can I switch PSW to marriage Visa?

[ouinatcha]

I have query about marriage visa.First of all I would like to tell me about myself.I was entry the UK first time in Jul-2008 via student visa to studyingmaster degree.In 2010 I was graduated and applied for Tier 1 Post-Study-Work visa whichis valid until 15-April-2012. Me and my boyfriend (British) we met in Dec-2008, we plan to go back to myhome-town ( Thailand ) to married in Feb-2012.I am prepare to submit COA application form within next month.
My questions :
1. With COA is this eligible to have married in UK only or I can do inother country?
2. How long is COA valid until?
3. If I go back to married in Thailand and register there will the documentvalid or eligible to use apply marriage visa in the UK?
4. Can I come back and apply in the UK?
5. Do I need to apply for Marriage Visa or can I switch from Tier 1Post-Study-Work to Marriage visa.
6. Do I need to take English test ( I have Master Degree of InternationalBusiness in University of Greenwich )? Appreciate your prompt reply and please advise if you have any comment orsuggestion.

[arsenal49]

go to ukba site...

maybe on the psw visa or this "marriage visa" webpage... there should be a heading entitled "switching" or similar.... find out for yourself if you can switch in-country or not while on psw visa

regards

[ouinatcha]

Thank you arsenal49 for your reply.

I had read the rule in UKBA its says student visa can switch to spouse visa but I do not see anything say about PSW can switch to spouse
does anyone know ? please help.

[arsenal49]

Code: Select all

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/part8/familymembersoftier1migrants/

para 319C -> b, ii suggests you should be fine applying from in country, provided you satisfy other requirements of the visa

my reply is based on the quick digging of info on their site. im not well aware of spousal visa requirements... so wait for other replies

regards

[geriatrix]

If you intend to marry in the UK:
1. Apply for certificate of approval (CoA).
2. When CoA is received, get married in the UK and register the marriage.
3. Apply for further leave to remain as spouse of British citizen.
Please note that a CoA is not an immigration document that allows you to stay in the UK beyond the expiry date of valid visa. Therefore, you must apply for CoA well in advance so that you can marry and apply for further leave to remain before any valid leave (visa) expires.

If you intend to marry outside the UK (e.g.- Thailand):
1. You don't need a Certificate of Approval if you do not intend to get married in the UK.
2. Register your marriage as per laws of the country in which the marriage is solemnized (e.g. - Thailand)
3. You may then apply for entry clearance as spouse of British citizen, or (if your Tier 1 (PSW) leave is still valid at that time) return to UK as Tier 1 (PSW) migrant and then apply (from within UK) for leave to remain as spouse of British citizen.


regards

[ouinatcha]

Thank you so much for your answer. I really appreciate that and make me feel much much better now.

Thank you again.