US Fiancee coming to UK for 6 Months - Wedding in Oct

[andrewc]

My fiancee is planning to come to the UK from the US (US citizen) for 6 months prior to our wedding that is all booked in the US in October.

I had a consultation with an immigration lawyer and he said that for her to come over should be OK using the visa waiver program as a visitor.

We can provide proof of all of the bookings etc. We have plenty of funds, savings and I earn a good salary (my own business), own a house etc. She doesn't need or want to work, so we're fine there.

Once we are married she will apply for a spousal Visa and we shall reside in the UK.

She has been backwards and forwards for two years as have I, the last time she was here for 6 months and left on the 20th of October.

What steps should we prepare for when she enters the UK in April?

[mochyn]

Are you a British citizen and over 21 ?

[andrewc]

Sorry, Yes I am, full UK passport, both over 21, i'm 31 she is 26.

[Wanderer]

If she comes over on a visit visa, she have to return home to apply for a spouse visa, visitors are not allowed to switch in-country.

[andrewc]

Hi Thanks.

When she is here we will be preparing all of the paperwork required with our lawyer in Leicester ready to be submitted after our wedding.

We will return to the states get married, i shall return back to the UK and she shall stay there until her spousal visa is granted.

My main concern is the immigration officers having an issue with her coming in this time as its about the 5th time shes entered in 2 years.

[Wanderer]

Hi Thanks.

When she is here we will be preparing all of the paperwork required with our lawyer in Leicester ready to be submitted after our wedding.

We will return to the states get married, i shall return back to the UK and she shall stay there until her spousal visa is granted.

My main concern is the immigration officers having an issue with her coming in this time as its about the 5th time shes entered in 2 years.

Has she ever broken the six months in every 12 guideline?

[andrewc]

No I don't think so.

She left on 30/10/09 after being here for 6 months. So i guess if she comes back before 1st of May she breaks the guidelines?

[Wanderer]

No I don't think so.

She left on 30/10/09 after being here for 6 months. So i guess if she comes back before 1st of May she breaks the guidelines?

Yeah the IO's are especially keen on looking out for those seeming living here on visit visas, and the last think she needs and black stamp and the requirement to formal apply for visits not to mention the extra checking that will arise on the spouse visa app.

[andrewc]

So is it a bad idea her coming here prior to our wedding in October?

If so that would really blow.

[Wanderer]

So is it a bad idea her coming here prior to our wedding in October?

If so that would really blow.

Be ok after May...

It's ur call tho - she might get stopped and questioned, she might not, have a search on the site tho and decide for yourself based on the results.

Whatever u decide don't let her carry marriage paraphernalia in her bags, marriage in US or not the IO's will pounce on it, and for more evidence watch, download or youtube Sky One's UK Border Force, and see what you might be dealing with!!

[andrewc]

Interesting information, goes against what my lawyer has been saying..... I'm a little concerned now as he wasn't even aware of the 6 month in 12 month rule........

[Wanderer]

Interesting information, goes against what my lawyer has been saying..... :roll: I'm a little concerned now as he wasn't even aware of the 6 month in 12 month rule........

Well it's not a rule as such, but it's the in IDI's which are enforced by IO's and are available freely, I don't have the link but someone will, and it's linked on the site somewhere anyway.

[andrewc]

Thanks for your help.

Life is never easy!