Applying for Marriage Visa in US - Does wife need to come?

Hello all,

I had originally planned on getting my marriage visa while my wife and I (and soon to be little one) went on Holiday this summer in the states.  But after crunching the numbers, it looks like we may not be able to swing a holiday until next year.  But, my current work permit expires on October, and I really don't want to be hogtied to my company for another year.  So, we wanted to know if it was possible for me to go back to the states on my own and get my visa.

Has anyone ever tried this before?  If so, what sort of documentation (other than the obvious) would I need to bring?   I would love to do it from here in the UK, but since I am only on FLR my understanding is that it must be done in the states.

Lastly, if I did the online application, would I be able to get the visa on the same day as the interview?  This way I can just make it a long weekend trip.

Thanks

Actually, since your work permit is for more than 6 months, AND you still have longer than 6 months to go on it, it's entirely possible you don't have to return to the US - that you can just change status here in the UK.

Garry?  Can you confirm this is still the case?

Garry?  Can you confirm this is still the case?

When was the marriage?

They married earlier this month or late last month.

They married earlier this month or late last month.

Based upon what's written in this thread, he would present the FLR(m).  That doesn't mean his original strategy of presenting a VAF offshore would not work, he can take his pick.

As always, during a time of transition, it's smart to expect that he might get some stick from someone not yet plugged in.  I trust you would advise on that point   

Garry,

We were married on January 29th.

My preference is to do everything here in the UK, as it would be one less thing to think about if we did end up going in holiday this summer.  My WP (which says Limited Leave to Remain, not sure if that matters) is valid until 30 October. 

So, can I do it from here?  And if I can, shoudl I wait another month to ensure that my marriage is "on the books" (I assume that's what your plugged in comment was talking about)?

Garry's referring to the fact that not all Immigration Officials seem to know exactly what's going on in the world of immigration itself, with regard to laws and what can and cannot be done.

My preference is to do everything here in the UK, as it would be one less thing to think about if we did end up going in holiday this summer.  My WP (which says Limited Leave to Remain, not sure if that matters) is valid until 30 October. 

That's fine. 

Garry,

That's great news!  I thought for sure I/we would have to make a trip out to the states to do this.

How should I begin the marriage visa process here in the UK?  I have looked around the site, but everything here site seems to only talk about getting it in the US.

If there is another thread on this site that discusses this, please point me in the right direction.

Thanks

Check this link

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/application_form.html?

You are looking for the flr(m) section.

I hope it helps you out. I applied from the UK since I was here on a fiancee' visa-- if you have any other questions I will be happy to share my experience. I applied in person at the liverpool office it was easy -- and finished in a day. You day pay more to apply in person but I was anxious to be free to look for work and to have all my paperwork over and done with.

Helena