Where to start....?

Hi Mark, going to the UK just to get married, you'd need a "Visit - Marriage Visa."  Check out this website for more info:  http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/UKVisasDoINeedAVisa?url=%2Fservlet%2FFront%3Fpagename%3DOpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage%26c%3DPage%26cid%3D1006977149962&purpose=Marriage+Visit&nationality=United+States&location=United+States
I know it totally totally stinks   
and wow that hyperlink is going to be really long.  In case it doesn't work - go to the ukvisas website.
I know what it's like to be in your shoes.  Good luck!!   

What if we married in the states then moved back to the U.K would there be a problem then.  I think she feel most confortable in her home land and i can't seem to live with out her anymore.  I could care less were I live.  Just want to be with her.

Mark

do I need a fiance visa to get married in the U.K or can I just get hitch with out one

Mark

Get the visa. I read in the Hull daily mail about a couple that got married without the visa and she got kicked out. Do it the legal way. It'll save you alot of heartache.

what if we married in the states then moved back to the U.K??Would it be more or less complicated?
She real wants to stay in the U.K to finish her introduction year or better yet could she do her introduction year here in the U.S (she a teacher)

Mark

There is no way to deal with this without getting some kind of visa.

If you want to get married in the States, and then live in the States, she will need to get a visa from the US government. (I know practically nothing about immigrating to the US, so can't give you any details, except that my understanding is that it's easier to immigrate to the UK than to the US).

If you want to get married in the States, then move to the UK, you will need to get a spousal visa to live in the UK.  You can work while on a spousal visa, though.

If you want to live in the States, go to the UK just to get married, then move back to the States, you will have to get a marriage visitor visa to get married on a visit to the UK, then she will need  a US visa to live in the States.

If you want to move to the UK, get married in the UK, then stay in the UK, you will need to get a UK fiance visa.  Once you are married, you can get further leave to remain as a spouse, which will allow you to work.

Ok thanks peach I think that answered just about everything.  We got some heavy questions to answer together. Thanks a bunch wish me luck

Mark

Welcome. Good luck. One thing about long-distance relationships is that they force you to make decisions.

Welcome. Good luck. One thing about long-distance relationships is that they force you to make decisions.

That is so true!

Hi Mark, if you want to get married in the US, but then move to the UK to live, your g/f will need a fiancée visa to come here for marriage.  See here:  http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm
You have to get married within 90 days of her entry into the US.
Then, you would need a spousal visa to go to the UK to live.  Luckily, though, it seems that the UK rarely rejects petitions for visas from US citizens.
Have a look thru the Visas section on here -- lots and lots of posts with good info.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck. 

Hi Mark, if you want to get married in the US, but then move to the UK to live, your g/f will need a fiancée visa to come here for marriage.  See here:  http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm
You have to get married within 90 days of her entry into the US.

That's only true if they intend to live in the US after the wedding.  If they're marrying in the US and then moving to the UK, the only visa needed would be a UK spousal visa for marshall.

If your fiancé(e) is not a citizen of the United States and you plan to get married in the United States, then you must file a petition with USCIS on behalf of your fiancé(e). After the petition is approved, your fiancé(e) must obtain a visa issued at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. The marriage must take place within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States.

If your fiancé(e) intends to live and work permanently in the United States, your fiancé(e) should apply to become a permanent resident after your marriage.

quote from USCIS website at http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm

Thanks StuzGirl

I think you got your wires crossed there Lola

I heard of a story before were a couple got married without a fiance visa and it been trouble ever since.

But thanks anyways,

Mark

If your fiancé(e) is not a citizen of the United States and you plan to get married in the United States, then you must file a petition with USCIS on behalf of your fiancé(e).

  That only applies if your fiance has to get a Visa to enter the US for any reason.  If they are from a country on the Visa waiver program ( which the UK is) this does not hold true.
 
 Regardless, it would be wise if when questioned as to the nature of her visit by Homeland Security when  going through passport control to enter the States, she should say she is coming to visit friends, regardless of the true nature of her visit.  It will save her loads of hassle in the end.

  I also believe it depends on what state you live in.. here in Michigan to marry at least one person needs to be a resident of the state and both need to show current ID, birth certificates and any Divorce documents if it applies.

Well I'm not going to cut any corners with this one.  As it is were just two students with modest savings.  If we go ahead with this I want to make sure everything runs smoothly for this will change the rest of our lives forever.

I just wonder how long does it take to get a fianceeée visa from the U.K

and how much money plays a role in the final decision? For immigration looks at everything.  How much would my sponsor need to make? DO they take family member into account?

It seems like marriage in the U.S is a little easier but the same time I would need to get a spouse visa for I know she will be happiest in the U.K.

Patience seems to be the name of the game,

Mark

I think you got your wires crossed there Lola

I can assure you that I don't.

I promise your girlfriend can go to the US, marry you, and return to the UK without a US fiancee' visa.  My husband (UK) did it.

Your girlfriend only needs a US fiancee' visa if she intends to live in the US following the wedding.

You'll need to check with your local registrar of deeds to see what the requirements are for foreign citizens.  My husband had to show his birth certificate and passport and get an affadavit notarised attesting to the fact that he was a non-US citizen without a SSN when we applied for our marriage license. 

If you and your girlfriend want to remain the US following the wedding, THEN she would need to apply for a fiancee' visa before entering the US for the wedding.  Following the wedding, she would apply for permanent residence.

If you want to get married in the UK and live in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK fiance visa (from NYC, LA, or Chicago British consulates).  The process can take as little as one day if you apply in person.

If you want to get married in the UK and live in the US, you will need to apply for a special marriage visa.  Once you're married, you'll need to apply for a US spousal visa for your then-wife.

 We ( my fiance and I ) are doing the UK fiance Visa and then getting married in the UK.  

 Granted it is "easier" to get married in the States, but it cost a hell of a lot more to get a UK Marriage Visa then it does to get a Fiance Visa.
  
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