Applying for UK spouse visa

[jolly222]

Hi there,

I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice about this. I'm in the UK on a youth mobility work visa for 2 years which will expire on 4 Sept 2018. I'm from Hong Kong. My partner (UK citizen) and I are planning to get married in early Feb 2018. The complicated thing is that he's going to Hong Kong to work from March for 6 months. So my questions are:

1. If I go to Hong Kong in July/August this year and apply from there, does my partner need to be in the same country as me, i.e. Hong Kong, for the whole 12 weeks while we wait for the decision?

2. If we get married now, does it mean I can't apply for a fiance visa in Sept 2018 and can only apply from outside of the UK?

3. If we use the premium one day service, does my partner (i.e. sponsor) need to come with me (applicant) to the centre or just me?

4. One of the supporting documents required is the original passport, they're referring to the applicant's passport, i.e. my original passport, not my partner (sponsor) right?

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

[CR001]

1. No, he does not have to be in Hong Kong while you wait for a visa.

2. You cannot apply for a fiance visa if you are already married. You have to apply for a spouse visa which you can apply for WITHIN the UK once married, either by post of same day decision appointment (this would be the most sensible to apply before he leaves the UK).

3. If applying within the UK, then yes he does. If he cannot attend with you, he needs to write a letter stating why.

4. Applicant's passport. If applying in premium service centre within the UK, his original passport will also be required.

I are planning to get married in early Feb 2018.

Have you given notice at an HO approved registry office yet? The requirement is 28 days notice, they then inform HO and this notice period could be extended to 70 days for HO to review before granting permission to marry.

[jolly222]

Thanks a lot for your reply!! I forgot to ask if we decide to apply via post within the UK, does my partner need to be in the UK when I apply?

[CR001]

Thanks a lot for your reply!! I forgot to ask if we decide to apply via post within the UK, does my partner need to be in the UK when I apply?

Ideally, in case HO call to speak to him or his employer.