Why is it that a marriage of convenience...

[tmonaghan]

Hi,

Why is it that a marriage of convenience between a British Citizen and a EU Citizen is not considered to be a shame marriage even though we may marry to protect ourselves against the repercussion of Brexit?

I am going to wed my partner of nearly 5 years who is a EU Citizen end of June 2017 but the Registrar Office does not consider marriages between both a British Citizen and a EU Citizen to be a shame marriage if married for immigration purposes.

We would have married for romantic reasons and probably much later when both had been working and settled in the UK; but since Brexit our relationship is in jeopardy because my EU Citizen partner might not be allowed to remain once the UK left the EU. That is why we are getting married and for the avoidance of problems that could prevent my partner from getting his PR after 5 years.

I find it to be an interesting subject of discussion because nowhere on google you can find marriages of convenience between both a British Citizen and a EU Citizen...

Thank you,

Trevor

[CR001]

For immigration purposes, a marriage of convenience or 'sham marriage' is a non-EU migrant (likely overstayer/illegal) marrying for the sole purpose of gaining 'leave to remain' or 'legal status' to continue living in the UK. They also pay a lot of money to 'arrange' these marriages most of the time which are conducted through 'intermediaries'.

There are also many reports and a dedicated action group fighting for and helping BC spouses who are 'tricked' into marrying a person from outside the EU only to gain an entry clearance as a spouse of BC.

As your partner has the right to reside freely in the UK, HO would not be concerned at the prospect of this marriage.

I think you are overthinking this EU citizen issue at this stage. There will in all probability be a transitional arrangements for those already in the UK.

[Casa]

Probably because in the past and at present, both in the couple have the legal right to live in the UK
(By the way, it's 'sham' not 'shame').

Edit: Beaten by CR001

[tmonaghan]

Many thanks CR001 & Casa, I feel relieved from this burden... You right I was overthinking on the subject

Trevor