Which visa best for Marriage?

[atticussmith]

Hi - firstly, many apologies if I have broken any forum code here, I think I followed the guidelines.

My fiance is a Chinese citizen and we are hoping to get married in June of this year in the UK.

She currently has a 24 month visitor visa.

She and her son (10 years old) will arrive here in early April and live with me in my privately rented house.

I am confused as to which visa will be best for her. From what I can make out, a Family Visa will not allow her to marry here, a Marriage visa will allow her to marry but she'll need to leave after 6 months (which is not practical) and then there's a Fiance visa which seemingly offers her permission to marry and then convert into a Spouse visa that allows her to stay for 2 years +

Does anyone have any clear advice on this?

Again, I apologise if I have posted something inappropriately.

[CR001]

6 month Fiance visa (costs £1523), marry then switch to spouse visa on form FLR M is the correct way, provided you meet all the requirements, ie English test for fiance and financial requirements by you.

[atticussmith]

Thank you - the gov.uk site doesn't seem to link to a Fiance visa.

What visa does her son need initially?

[CR001]

Thank you - the gov.uk site doesn't seem to link to a Fiance visa.

Not sure what link you are looking at, but the UKVI website certainly does.

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse

If you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
You must prove that:

any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended
you plan to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the UK
You will not be able to work during your engagement.

How long you can stay
You’ll get permission to stay for 2.5 years, or for 6 months if you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.

After this you’ll need to apply to extend your stay.

What visa does her son need initially?

Same visa as hers, as a dependent. Does she have sole responsibility for the child and official evidence to prove this??

You are looking at visas fees of £1523 x 2. You need to meet the financial requirement of £22,400pa with a minimum of 6 months evidence.

[atticussmith]

Many thanks - I misunderstood and was looking for something called a Fiance Visa. I see now that it is the partner option on the Family Visa.

[CR001]

You would select "settlement", "settlement", "marriage" in the options when you apply online. This is for the 6 months fiance visa.

[atticussmith]

Again, many thanks for your helpful advice.

There are two options, to apply here or apply from China. Do you know if I can apply on her behalf from here? Last question, I promise

[CR001]

Application can be made from anywhere online, however she has to submit and attend biometrics in her home country etc. Supporting documents submission process varies slightly from country to country, the online process will tell you what to do.

Regardless of who is completing the form, her application is an outside of the UK one, not one within the UK.