Tier 1 (US citizen) marrying Brit - Live in UK

[nakedsky]

Hi - I hold a Tier 1 visa here in the UK where I work/live with my fiance, who is a Brit. Next week, I'm marrying him in my home country of the U.S. and I will be taking on his last name. I have searched and searched online but can't seem to find a straight answer.

(a) Do I keep my Tier 1 visa or switch to a spouse visa when we get back to the UK from our honeymoon? (I've only lived in the UK for less than a year.)

(b) Do we need to file for one of these Certificate of Approval for our marriage?

(c) Obviously, I will be getting a new passport and other identity cards with my new last name. What happens to the Tier 1 visa that is stuck in my "old" passport?

(d) Anything else I should be thinking about or be aware of?

[confusedhsmp]

(a) Do I keep my Tier 1 visa or switch to a spouse visa when we get back to the UK from our honeymoon? (I've only lived in the UK for less than a year.)

It is up to you. If I was you I would switch in to spousal visa as soon as I return back from US. Use FLR (M)! In this way you are only 2 years aware from your permenant residence.

(b) Do we need to file for one of these Certificate of Approval for our marriage?

No you dont as you wont be marrying here. Send your American Marriage Certificate with FLR (M)

(c) Obviously, I will be getting a new passport and other identity cards with my new last name. What happens to the Tier 1 visa that is stuck in my "old" passport?

When you switch in to Spousal visa, you can advice the Home Office on this. Otherwise staple your old passport to your new passport.

(d) Anything else I should be thinking about or be aware of?

Not really. Just switch in to Spousal. THe another option you have is to make the spousal application from US. THis way you will be making Entry Clearance application.