Certificate of Approval for marriage in the UK

[Hope2689]

I really need advice on obtaining a COA to live in the UK. Can anyone help me out?

[vinny]

Getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.

[Hope2689]

thank you vinny! i already have all of this information. Here is my situation. I am an american citizen engaged to a british citizen. We have been together for 3 years and for most of that time we have been trying to decide what would be the best move for us to make so that i can stay here in the uk with him and not have to keep leaving and coming back. We have decided that we would like to be married while i am here But the problem is that i am only here until february 2nd, and i just arrived earlier this month. Will that be enough time for us to go through the certificate of approval process? And my other question is where do we go to put the application through? Do we just mail it to the UKBA or do we bring it in person? We are located in east London where is the nearest UKBA office? I really appreciate your help

[Casa]

Here's the link you need which will explain the procedure. You'll see that you can only apply by post. The requirement for a Certificate of Approval to marry is due to be withdrawn, but as yet no date has been given.
You're aware that after the marriage you will have to return to your home country to apply for a spouse settlement visa?
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while ... documents/

[Hope2689]

no i wasnt aware of that. and ive already been through the UKBA webpages on the COA but i cant find the answers to these questions thats why im asking on this one. thanks for your help!

[vinny]

What's your current status in the UK?

[Hope2689]

im on a visitors visa at the moment

[vinny]

Casa is correct. After marriage, you cannot switch. However, you may apply for a spouse visa from the USA. Subject to age and maintenance and accommodation requirements.

Without marriage, are you eligible for unmarried partners?

[Casa]

If you click on the link I've given you you'll find all the information on how to apply and where to send the application. You can also download the application form from the PDF on the right hand side of the page (applications from 22nd Nov) and a PDF of guidance notes, so I'm bewildered at what you may still be missing.
The UKBA say they aim to process the majority of applications in 8 weeks...but this can take longer in some cases.
If you are able to find a vicar willing to perform the ceremony, you are able to marry in an Anglican church (C of E) without a COA. However, as you've already been advised, this won't change your immigration status here and you'll have to return to the US and apply on form VAF4a for a spouse visa after the marriage. Even the fact that you are married doesn't give automatic right to a settlement visa. You'll still have to meet all the conditions, finance/accommodation etc.

[Hope2689]

ugh what a hassle. i dont understand why i have to go through all this just to be with the person i love... its ridiculous! im just sayin...

[MPH80]

Imagine this conversation ...

Hello ... I know I've just met you - but here's £10,000 - please marry me, I'll get my visa and then we can divorce

It's all too common. So the governments put barriers in the way. The USA puts stringent checks on green card applicants - we have semi-stringent checks on marriage visas.

All I can advise is that you don't try and shortcut - don't try and avoid a hoop - just jump through them and pay the fee. A mistake or a 'slight' discrepancy could cost you in terms of a failed application or even a ban. If you want to be with the one you love - tread carefully.

[Casa]

At least the fee for a COA has been removed.

[Hope2689]

Casa you are very correct. Thank you all for the advice!