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Topic: Marriage Visitor Visa Questions  (Read 1129 times)

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Marriage Visitor Visa Questions
« on: December 24, 2018, 11:18:21 AM »
Hello everyone!  I have come to draw on your wealth of knowledge once again... but this time, I'm asking for my brother-in-law (as thankfully my own visa journey is over)!

A bit of backstory:

British boy met Canadian girl.  He proposed earlier this year, and they intend to marry in England in 2020 and then go back to Canada where they are both currently living.

I am aware a Marriage Visitor Visa (MVV) is needed, but what I am unclear on are the times needed to do everything (give notice, etc.) so I just have some questions about potential scenarios to try and hash out a timeline for them.

It is my understanding that 28 days' notice is required, and notice can only be given after 7 days' residence in England.  So already we are talking about 5 weeks.

My questions:

1. Can she visit for 7-10 days to obtain the "7 days' residence" and give notice, then go back to Canada to wait out the 28-day notice period (so she can continue working)?

2. If she is able to do the above, does she need a MVV to give notice?  Or can she give notice on a visitor visa as long as she does not intend to marry until the correct visa is subsequently obtained?

3. Are MVVs multi-entry?

4. Does the giving of notice ever expire? For example, if they were to come visit for Christmas in 2019, give notice then, but do not intend to wed until July 2020 - would the notice expire in the intervening 7 months?

I'm sure I will come up with some other questions, but some initial help to get started would be very much appreciated!  I've had a look at the gov.uk website for some preliminary information, but I must admit that my eyes glaze over when I start to look into anything remotely immgiration-related these days.

Thanks in advance for your time and help!

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Re: Marriage Visitor Visa Questions
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2018, 11:46:17 AM »
I know a few of these.  I asked similar questions not too long ago for my husband's cousin's kid who is British but marrying an American (we think, not actually engaged), but they live in Australia.   ;D  Did you keep up with that.  LOL.

Some registrars will allow you to give notice without the MVV.  They will need to check with their local authority that marries "dirty immigrants".  ;)  And of course, it could change right up until the appointment depending on who they get on the day.

MVV's are multi entry and issued for a validity period of 6 months.

Notice lasts for one year.

Am I the only one who thinks its weird to sit down during the wedding here when signing the book?  I've just never understood the appeal.  ;D



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Re: Marriage Visitor Visa Questions
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2018, 02:37:26 PM »
If they marry in Scotland they can give notice by mail. (and I can't say enough good things about The Prestonfield House where we married!)

I would ask the registrar in the place they plan to marry about the notice period, ours was incredibly helpful as we did the paperwork. Because of it being a foreigner it can be referred to the home office and the notice period extended so it's important to make sure everything is done well in advance, and you have insurance on everything! It's so much easier to get married in Canada and do a blessing in England.

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Re: Marriage Visitor Visa Questions
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2018, 04:27:35 PM »
Thank you both for your help!

I know just as well as both of you that it's far easier to get married most other places, but this isn't my choice so let's not even bother with why who does what. Dave and I got married in the US so that's definitely what I would recommend!

Good to know that notice periods last for a year. That should leave them free to give notice Christmas next year and then still able to get married on their planned date in July the following year.

They've already picked a wedding venue in England, so sadly Scotland is not an option.

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Re: Marriage Visitor Visa Questions
« Reply #4 on: December 24, 2018, 04:31:52 PM »
Thank you both for your help!

I know just as well as both of you that it's far easier to get married most other places, but this isn't my choice so let's not even bother with why who does what. Dave and I got married in the US so that's definitely what I would recommend!

Good to know that notice periods last for a year. That should leave them free to give notice Christmas next year and then still able to get married on their planned date in July the following year.

They've already picked a wedding venue in England, so sadly Scotland is not an option.

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Really encourage them to get insurance!


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