How can a US citizen and a UK citizen marry in the UK? [closed]
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I am a US citizen. My fiancee lives in the UK and we would like to get married in the UK. I understand that a Marriage Visitor Visa is the thing to apply for in this case.
However, in order to get married, we need to give notice at a register office, which takes a minimum of 28 days processing time. I cannot live with my fiancee for that amount of time, so the plan is to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, live together for the week required by the register office, and give notice. I would then return to the US and resume work there.
If I recall correctly, the eventual marriage license is valid for one year. My question is: what happens if we decide to get married outside of the 6 months granted by the marriage visitor visa? Can I simply apply for another separate one to get married? I would assume so since the visa page lists giving notice and getting married as separate points, but could this be considered extending or switching the visa, which is not allowed? I assume the authorities would take a dim view of applying for a 6-month visa straight after the conclusion of the previous one. How soon after could a subsequent visa application be made?
Best Answer
For a US or any non-EU citizen to marry a British citizen, a settled person, or one with limited leave, the Family visa is intended category under the Immigration Rules Appendix FM: family members.
The Marriage Visitor Visa was put into place for couples, both of whom are non-EU nationals, wishing to enter temporarily for the sole purpose of celebrating their wedding and departing the UK.
The Family visa route is much more strenuous, and costlier £1,523, but you may lawfully remain in the country after the marriage and apply for a spouse visa from within the UK. Once granted, the spouse is able to work and, after 5 years, obtain permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain), and is eligible for British nationality. None of those privileges are extended to those with a Marriage Visitor visa.
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Can a US citizen marry a UK citizen in UK?
American Citizenship and Marriage to a UK CitizenYou will not lose your American citizenship, however nor will you automatically acquire British citizenship simply by marrying a British citizen. Similarly, a UK citizen will not acquire American citizenship simply by marrying an American citizen.Can I get married in the US and UK?
In general, marriages that are legally performed and valid abroad are also legally valid in the United States. However, each U.S. state has its own marriage regulations. Therefore, you should contact the relevant state's attorney general to check whether your marriage and marriage certificate will be valid there.What happens if you marry an American citizen in the UK?
If you went through a valid marriage ceremony in the US or in a third country then if the marriage is considered legal in the country that it took place in then your marriage is likely to be legally recognised in the UK. Plan to live with your husband or wife whilst in the UK and intend to stay together.Does a US citizen need a visa to get married in the UK?
You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if: you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK. you want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in UK. you're not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership.British Citizenship by Marriage in 2022 | Apply for British Citizenship {WATCH BEFORE APPLYING}
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