Can a C – Visit Marriage be used after marriage?

[Petem]

My wife (was girlfriend at visa issue) is a Chinese national, and has / had a C Visa Multi entry valid until 09/08/12.

She now has a C – Visit Marriage / CP Multi valid 07/05/2012 – 07/11/2012.

We were married in Scotland and arrived / departed as stated on the application 16-22/05/2012.

I work in Germany so she will join me there in the coming month under the EU directive.

I believe that one cannot have two visa's active so assume that the first is now void. The question is if she can enter again on the marriage visa or has she to apply for a further C visa? I assume it is a C visa as we only intend to visit for holiday / visit friends.

Irrespective of the answer I would expect her to apply for a further visa at some point to cover my vacation etc, what period of validity is possible / would be expected to be successful to reduce the need for multiple applications etc. I seem to remember some mention of multiple years being possible?

Many thanks
Petem

[Lucapooka]

Good question. The visa is multiple entry but on the basis that the holder intends to enter the UK to marry. Once the marriage has taken place there will be no intention to marry so that requirement can't be fulfilled. I can't offer any hope but would say it's worth a try if you can convince the officer that it's on a short visit before your onward journey to Germany.

[vinny]

If you are a EEA/British citizen working in Germany, then she may also apply for a free EEA family permit.

If a family member who is travelling with, or is to join the EEA national in the UK requests a visit visa under the Immigration Rules, you should offer him (or her) the option of applying for a family permit under EC law free of charge.

Alternatively, an expensive long term visitor visa is also possible.