2 Year Marriage Visa - for Settlement

This visa allows a person to enter and remain in the UK on the basis of marriage to, or a civil partnership of, a person present and settled in the UK, i.e. to a person who is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (full residency), or enjoys the Right of Abode.

A person who is not a European citizen, married to or a civil partner of a person present and settled in the UK (or being settled on the same occasion) must apply to a British Embassy or British Mission in their country of origin for Entry Clearance (for settlement) before embarking to the UK.

If you are currently in the UK as a Visitor, you are not permitted to apply for a visa on the basis of your marriage or civil partnership. You may apply for a visa on the basis of Marriage or a Civil Partnership from within the UK provided you have received Entry Clearance from a British Embassy or British Mission outside the UK for that purpose or if you are currently in the United Kingdom with a valid visa that was issued for more than 6 months and you have been given permission to marry or engage in a civil partnership by obtaining a Certificate of Approval which is required by UK Law.

Your marriage must be recognised under UK law.

Once you have been issued with a Visa on the basis of your marriage or Civil Partnership you may remain in the UK for a period of 2 years and be permitted to work freely without restriction and to exit and enter the UK as often as you may choose. On completion of the of the two years, provided your marriage or Civil Partnership (union) still subsists, it may be possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (full residency).

Prior to being able to marry in the UK Foreign Nationals (that is anyone who is not a British citizen, or does not hold ILR or Right of Abode) must now apply for a Certificate of Approval before giving notice to marry. This is applied for through the Home Office and must be issued before a wedding may take place. In order to apply for a Certificate of Approval a person must hold leave to remain in the UK that was initially issued for longer than 6 months and that currently has at least 3 months remaining before expiry.

For further information with regard to any aspect of the Marriage Visa or Civil Partnership, please feel contact one of our consultants.