Forum Immigration UK

[George567]

Hi everyone,

I really need help with information regarding fiance visas for the UK. I've had a look around different forums but I haven't quite found information completely relevant to my case in particular!

I went out to China in 2010 and met myself a lovely woman, we instantly hit it off and have basically been together ever since. I myself am a British citizen and managed to stay out in China by basically going to and from Hong Kong and renewing my visas. During the latter half of my stay in China we were even living together.

After over a year now we are still together, I've returned to the UK and she later followed on a visitor visa. All seems well and it appears time to take the next step. What we are thinking of doing is applying for a fiance visa for her, now as I've said, I've had a look around for information so have an idea of everything but I feel I need to find out more since some information might be outdated and mostly not regarding the same situation.

So here are a few questions I hope someone can help me with:

She is currently here with me on a visitor visa, if I'm not mistaken, she is unable to get married here without first returning to China?

Is it possible to begin the fiance visa process while she is still in the UK? This would be most helpful as we no longer rent the flat out in China so she would have to find somewhere all over again!

This one I believe to be a bit of a deal breaker, after returning from China I have found myself unable to find employment. I am educated to university standard and have various previous employments but because of the current economical climate I seem unable to find employment, is it possible for her to apply for the visa whilst I'm unemployed? We are currently living with my parents and would be able to until we are able to get our own place. Whilst I do have a substantial amount of money saved up I was wondering whether my parents would be able to act as a supporting sponsor of sorts?


Thanks in advance!

[texkourgan]

Welcome to EasyExpat! There are certainly many threads concerning the Fiance visas. The FAQ also has info on Fiance visa. You should also consult EasyExpat's London guide. This guide is currently being updated, so you may also want to look at the Edinburgh's section on visas in the UK.

The requirements:
•Both be at least 18 years old
•Declare that you intend to marry or form a civil partnership within a reasonable period of time
•Demonstrate that you able to support yourselves financially
•Demonstrate proficiency in English (or present evidence that you qualify for an exemption from the language requirement)

A problem I see is that you must apply for the visa before attempting to enter the UK. Investigate your options at the UK Border Agency. You should also consult an immigration lawyer for your best chances. This is a very helpful, if expensive option. Good luck!

[George567]

Hi and thanks for the quick response!

I had already read about needing to apply before entering the UK, was just making sure whether it might be possible to get married now since she's already here.

By expensive, what sort of region of money might that fall under? From what I understand the visa itself will cost near enough 800 if not over not to mention plane tickets and all sorts!

Regarding the questions I asked earlier, I've had a good read around and I might be missing something but I am yet to find a definite answer on whether it is possible to have a co sponsor of sorts? I've found topics that imply yes but never found text explicitly stating so.

Thanks

[texkourgan]

Looking at the UK Border Agency article on Getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK , I believe it answers some of your questions on if you can apply & applying from within the UK. Information about the fees is also available on their site.

I am also not quite sure on the issue of a sponsor & where your monetary status needs to be. Anyone have experience?