Student or Spousal?

[Gofer]

Hi all,
Did a search but failed to find anything directly applicable to my situation. I am a US citizen in US engaged to a UK citizen (currently in US). She starts a postgraduate program in October, I start a study abroad in September (both in UK). We are trying to determine if it would be best for me to get a student visa and marry in the UK, or go ahead and get married in the US before leaving.

So, would it better to apply for a student or spousal visa prior to leaving the US? Especially as the wedding would have to be less than a month before departure. Could we apply ahead of time with a letter of intent/proof of planning?

Thanks!

[Frontier Mole]

Get married in the USA. Far easier than going through the hoops required in the UK. See link

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf

As for student or spouse visa. The spouse visa is more long term you would be granted 2 years to start with. Also leads to residence far quicker than student.

Student visa is marginally easier to get. Less depth in the application, fewer questions but only covers the time to be spent on the course. Comes with work restictions and continued acceptable academic performance and attendance clauses.

The same issues matter in both cases, accommodation and maintenance. If those are resolved you would qualify in any event.