Marriage questions and concerns

[johnt]

Hello all,

Although this forum has clarified a few things for me, I am still left somewhat confused by the marriage process.

I am a Canadian citizen who has been travelling back and forth on holiday visas (not the WHV)for the past couple of years. My basic pattern has been to go back to Canada for 3-5 months periods in order to raise cash to travel back and be with my girlfriend (wife to be) Both of us came to the conclusion that it is ludicrous (not to mention expensive) for me to keep doing this and have decided to marry. My understanding is that we need to get 'permission' to marry via the COA form. After that we need to register our intent to marry with the registry office provided the COA is approved of course. After that we can marry 15 days afterward. After this confusion sets in for me. I'm back to Canada in two months time and I want it to be the last for a while. I've heard horror stories of people having to fly home twice during the marriage visa process and I'd rather not be doing that. The step I see seem to indicate that I will have to fly back and forth twice.

The first is on an intent to marry visa, the second to get my marriage visa. Is this correct? Or can I apply for the visa from the UK after I've gone through the ceremony? Is applying from another EEA country such as Ireland possible? Another concern I have is that my wife-to-be is a student and I would be the primary bread winner in the relationship until she is finished her degree. How might this impact the process until I'm entitled to work here? I have some savings, but the cost of the COA, the Registry Office, Marriage Visa, and the possibly two flights I will have to take will take their toll on my bank account. Getting work here is not a problem, I could have a job tomorrow if my papers were in order. I am wondering how much I'm expected to have in my bank account in order to 'support' us, she is working part-time during uni? Could a letter from a potential employer expressing his intent to give me employment once I'm here help? She has a student loan for this term, ideally between us that will be the last she has to take. Does this also raise problems for me? I am also left unsure about this private dwelling issue, most people I know in London are living in flat/house shares because of the cost of renting. Would sharing a two bedroom flat with one other person as we are doing now not be allowed? One final concern (well there are probably many more, but I think I've managed to sufficently stress myself enough for one day) Is proof of a relationship, how do I go about that? I mean there were pictures on her old phone, but most of our communications when I was back home were via icq, she was communicating from net cafes and me from my old computer which I sold four months ago. so I don't have any logs. I've never been one for birthday or Christmas cards we'd usually just go out to a nice restaurant on birthdays. Could I get text messages back from my mobile provider? I wonder how much would that cost me? I've heard from others that have gone through the process, that the proof of relationship never came up and they were more concerned with finances, but I am trying to make certain that I have everything covered to avoid extra flights and such.

Sorry for the novella,

a rather stressed,

johnt.

[John]

I'm back to Canada in two months time

Have you and your fiancée considered getting married in Canada? That would certainly cut down on the number of applications to be made. For example it would cut out the need to apply for a CoA in the UK.

After marriage in Canada you would apply for your spouse visa in Canada, and after you have that in your passport, fly back to the UK and not have to bother with any visa applications at all for a couple of years.

[johnt]

Oddly enough I didn't think of that, I had always heard Canada was tough to get into. Would doing that not look a little suspicious to the authorities here? The initial marriage licence is only valid for three months in Ontario, would I have to wait for a permanent one to be issued before applying for a spouse visa? Would she be required to remain in Canada while I waited for my visa to be processed? She couldn't really afford to miss too much time from her studies. Once I receive my spouse visa, is that the last of the paperwork until it expires?

johnt

[John]

I had always heard Canada was tough to get into.

Your fiancée is British? Why would it be difficult for her to enter Canada as a visitor?

Would doing that not look a little suspicious to the authorities here?

No, not at all!

The initial marriage licence is only valid for three months in Ontario, would I have to wait for a permanent one to be issued before applying for a spouse visa?

I admit I know nothing about Ontario marriage law. How does it work? Don't you get issued with a marriage certificate immediately after the marriage has happened?

As long as the marriage certificate can be produced in support of the application for a spouse visa then the application can be made.

Would she be required to remain in Canada while I waited for my visa to be processed?

No, she clearly needs to be there for the marriage but after that her presence in Canada is not required.

Once I receive my spouse visa, is that the last of the paperwork until it expires?

Well until near its expiry. The spouse visa will be of 2 years duration. In the last 28 days of its validity you would apply in the UK for ILR ... indefinite leave to remain.

Go to this webpage and then download the VAF2 application form and the INF4 guidance notes. You will find lots more information there.