Marriage to UK - When to Apply

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:41 pm

Long story short, my fiance is from Scotland and we intend to live there permanently. We are getting married on June 29, and he flies back on July 2. I would like to fly after him as soon as possible. Do I apply for the marriage visa now or do I have to wait until after our actual wedding to apply? I do not want to delay my flight over there if I can.

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:54 pm

You can't submit your application until after the marriage has taken place.
It would be wise to apply before the 9th July if possible, before the new Regulations are introduced.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:59 pm

Is there anyway I could enter the UK without the visa and apply within the UK instead of waiting here in the States?

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:06 pm

Unfortunately not. Applications are generally processed quickly in the US as long as you meet all the regulations.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:07 pm

USA. We have already been separated for a long time trying to work out the immigration issues, so I was hoping I could enter as a tourist and then apply for the marriage visa once I was in the UK.

Post by **geriatrix** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:08 pm

You can't.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:09 pm

We will just have to wait a bit. Unfortunately the UK visa office is not at all helpful, and we've been going in circles on their web sites for the last two months. Thanks for your help!

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:10 pm

Switching from tourist to spouse from within the UK isn't possible. Will you have your application complete with all paperwork to submit before 9th July?

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:11 pm

What have you been 'stuck with' and do you have this sorted now?

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:12 pm

Yes. All the paperwork is actually complete, we just have to send it off and schedule the Biometric appointment. We should be able to apply by July 9.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:13 pm

Have basically been stuck with the issue of when to apply and what visa to apply for. There is not a lot of clear-cut information on those questions.

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:15 pm

If you can apply before 9th July you'll avoid a much longer route to permanent residence and more stringent financial rules.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:16 pm

We will be able to. In trying to figure this out, I got all the way up to the payment gateway on Visa4UK. Do you know how to cancel the application? Just let it go for the seven day period?

Post by **Casa** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:25 pm

I don't I'm afraid, as I haven't personally used the online system. Maybe one of the members can advise.
You're clear now that you're applying for a Spouse Settlement visa - VAF4a?
You need to ensure that your paperwork includes evidence of your sponsor's (husband) finances/earned income, pay slips, bank statements, proof of adequate accommodation in the UK and photos, proof of contact throughout the relationship etc. and your marriage certificate. If either of you have been married before, evidence that the marriage has been dissolved.
Any official documents which aren't original must be legally certified copies.

creativkook · Post by **creativkook** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:26 pm

Yes, we are clear. Thank you so much for all of your assistance. Not necessarily the timing we wanted, but we do want to do everything correctly.

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Marriage to UK - When to Apply

Marriage to UK - When to Apply

Entering the UK