Marriage visitor visa - Entry and Documents for entering UK for civil partnership

[ziyujer88]

Hi everyone,

I am not sure if I am posting in the right category and do apologise if I am not. I'm hoping for some advice on my partner's immigration situation.

I am currently on a Skilled Worker visa. My partner holds a Graduate visa valid until 31 Dec 2025. However she is currently not in the UK (in her home country China) due to family reasons and has been there for a few months. She will visit me in the UK in mid-Nov for approx 9 days.

We intend on giving notice and registering for a civil partnership in the UK Spring next year, after that we will apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant visa for her from outside the UK (I assume there is no switching in-country for Marriage visitor visa).

My main questions:

1. By Spring 2026, her Graduate Visa will have expired. To re-enter the UK solely for the purpose of forming the civil partnership, I assume she will need to apply for a Marriage visitor visa. What are the types of documents to be expected for a Marriage visitor visa?

2. Is it wise to give notice in November 2025 first? Our thinking is that having the proof of having given notice from a UK register office would be very strong evidence for the Marriage Visitor Visa application. However my partner is unable to meet the 7-day residency requirement for giving a notice.

Any insights on this process, potential pitfalls with our timeline, or alternative suggestions would be incredibly helpful. Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge.