I am a US citizen and my fiance is a French citizen. We are currently travelling in Europe and plan to move to London. We were already in London in May 2006 and attempted to get married in London however we were denied a certificate of approval since I had already entered the UK on a tourist visa. Because of this we plan to marry in Thailand this month then return to the UK as a married couple but we are confused on a few things.

1. When we enter the UK as a married couple, will I be able to work right away or will I have to apply for some sort of visa?

2. Neither of us have residency in the UK. Will that pose any problems?

3. We were advised by a lawyer that under EU law I would retain the same rights as my fiance since he is an EU national. Is this true?

4. We are aware that the UK and the EU are currently disputing immigration laws concerning marriage and all the rights that are supposed to be given to a spouse once he or she has married an EU national. Where do the current laws stand?

5. We have been driving ourselves crazy for 6 months trying to get answers. We do not plan on going back to the US to get married. We are looking for the quickest and simple way to allow me to live and work in the UK with my fiance. Any advice?

Time is of the essence. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

-Connie