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Fiances and Fiancees
www.visalondon.com
Marriage related immigration presents the authorities with enormous
difficulties. They wish to be seen as supportive of marriage for political
reasons. However, marriage is widely abused for immigration purposes.
Many couples choose to cohabit without marrying. Unless there are legal reasons
why a couple cannot marry, there is no provision in the Immigration Rules for
couples who make this choice.
A person seeking entry as a fianc(e)e requires entry
clearance. The parties to the intended marriage must have met and one must
be settled in the United Kingdom or must be being admitted for settlement on
the same occasion as the other. There are general considerations regarding
means and accommodation, both before and after the marriage. These can cause
difficulties where the couple intends to live with parents or other members of
family in the early stages of marriage.
Fiance(e)s are granted leave to enter for six
months maximum. There is a common misconception that this allows six months for
a marriage to be arranged. It is a maximum period and entry clearance officers
are likely to become sceptical of applications that suggest that arrangements
need to take this long.
The provision is to allow time for the marriage to take place. They are not
designed to be a period to allow for a trial marriage or an extended visit as
an option to marriage.
Although new arrivals require entry clearance, the Home Office may accept
in-country applications from fiance(e)s who have been in the United Kingdom for
extended periods in another capacity if there are compelling grounds that
justify such discretion.
Recent changes to the Immigration Rules make provision for the dependent
children of fiance(e)s to be admitted with their parents. Applicants seeking to
make such applications should be aware that entry clearance officers are most
vigilant in ensuring that granting such entry clearance will not facilitate
child abduction. The absent parent's consent will normally be required and/or
the permission of the family court awarding custody of the child(ren).
If you have a specific question regarding marriageor engagement and immigration
to the United Kingdom, please email personal@visalondon.com with a brief
outline of your circumstances and query.
You can also contact us using our general
enquiry form.
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