U.K. National Bringing Chinese National Girlfriend to U.K.

[htid]

Hi,

I've been reading the board a lot and tried to use the search function, but as every situation is different, I'd thought I'd ask my questions here to get some more definitive answers.

I'm a British national by birth and am currently trying to figure out the best way to start a life with my Chinese national girlfriend. We meet all the financial requirements and her knowledge of English is sufficient. I'll list the questions just to make it more coherent:

1) We have had a long distance relationship between UK and Chinese since the start in November 2016 and have never lived together. We met through work, the first time in November 2016 and have since met 7 more times, each time between 7-10 days. We chat every day and video call every evening and have records of all this. We have many 100s of photos of us together and with my parents. Will the home office accept a wholly online relationship as sufficiently acceptable for the family visa?

2) I've read many things about the different ways to apply for the visa, either via the fiance route or the spouse route. I understand the process for both of them but I want to know is either favoured by the home office? We are happy to get married in China and then apply with her as my spouse if this would be more likely to be accepted.

3) Is she required to become a British citizen in order to stay here long term? I can only find information on how to become one, not if it's required. China doesn't allow dual citizenship so she would have to give up her entire Chinese identity which she's not too happy about.

Thanks for any advice on this, much appreciated.
Chris

[Casa]

Hi,

I've been reading the board a lot and tried to use the search function, but as every situation is different, I'd thought I'd ask my questions here to get some more definitive answers.

I'm a British national by birth and am currently trying to figure out the best way to start a life with my Chinese national girlfriend. We meet all the financial requirements and her knowledge of English is sufficient. I'll list the questions just to make it more coherent:

1) We have had a long distance relationship between UK and Chinese since the start in November 2016 and have never lived together. We met through work, the first time in November 2016 and have since met 7 more times, each time between 7-10 days. We chat every day and video call every evening and have records of all this. We have many 100s of photos of us together and with my parents. Will the home office accept a wholly online relationship as sufficiently acceptable for the family visa? The requirement is to have met in person and to show that you have maintained contact during your time apart.

2) I've read many things about the different ways to apply for the visa, either via the fiance route or the spouse route. I understand the process for both of them but I want to know is either favoured by the home office? We are happy to get married in China and then apply with her as my spouse if this would be more likely to be accepted. Neither route is favoured above the other. However, cheaper to marry in her home country and apply for a Spouse Settlement visa, as this requires only one visa application. That's assuming the flight and wedding costs don't exceed the cost of a fiance visa followed by a FLR(M) application (the latter to be submitted after marrying in the UK).

3) Is she required to become a British citizen in order to stay here long term? I can only find information on how to become one, not if it's required. China doesn't allow dual citizenship so she would have to give up her entire Chinese identity which she's not too happy about. British Citizenship isn't mandatory. The 5 year Spouse route (2.5 x 2.5 years) would qualify her for permanent residence (ILR).

Thanks for any advice on this, much appreciated.
Chris

[htid]

Hi Casa and thanks for your answers.

I wonder if you misunderstood my last question about her having to have UK citizenship? Basically she doesn't want to give up her Chinese citizenship and since China don't allow dual nationality, she doesn't want to take British citizenship. What I wanted to ascertain is whether we can marry and she can have all the rights we (UK citizens) do as my wife, without becoming a British citizen?

I also have another question - I can't find any information on the government website regarding accomodation. I've read on here that you need to have adequate space but can't find further details. I privately rent a 4 bedroom house to myself so I have plenty of space, but I wonder how much proof of that is needed? I rent from a long time good friend of mine so we don't have a proper contract. Also, if they were to look at the nitty gritty, he actually doesn't own the house as the deeds and land registry are in the names of his 2 brothers who are happy for him to take full control of the rental and know I live there (I pay rent to them too). I've lived there for 2 years and have letters etc to show this (bills are not in my name as they are paid by my friend/the landlord). How in-depth would the immigration department look at this?

Thanks again,
Chris

[CR001]

What I wanted to ascertain is whether we can marry and she can have all the rights we (UK citizens) do as my wife, without becoming a British citizen?

If she holds ILR, she can stay in the UK. There is no law that she MUST apply for citizenship, it is a CHOICE to do so. However, ILR is lost if absent from the UK for 2 or more years. It also does not give free travel access to the EU etc either.

[htid]

Would anybody be able to give me any information on the accommodation question in my previous post?