Changing status in UK

[WooHoo]

Hi,

My wife, who is Japanese, has been advised that to apply for a marriage visa could take a long time before it is awarded. From the research I've done, I understand that it's not possible to change your visa status whilst in the UK. Eg - from a tourist visa to a marriage visa.

We were wondering though, whether my wife could apply in Japan and come over on a tourist visa while she waits for it to be granted. Personally, I don't think this is possible but she's been told so many conflicting things by the British Embassy that we don't know what to believe now!

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

[John]

My wife, who is Japanese, has been advised that to apply for a marriage visa could take a long time before it is awarded.

Who told her that? My understanding is that most applications for a spouse visa in Japan are dealt with quite speedily. As long as all the required evidence is submitted in support of the application it should be granted in under 2-3 weeks.

We were wondering though, whether my wife could apply in Japan and come over on a tourist visa while she waits for it to be granted

Slight flaw in the thinking. When the spouse visa application is made her Japanese passport would need to be submitted, so how is she going to travel outside of Japan?

In any case, it really would not be a good idea.

[WooHoo]

2-3 weeks sounds promising. A woman from the Embassy told her it would be longer (2 months I believe was the quote). But they've said a lot of conflicting things so I'm going with a pinch of salt.

I thought it was impracticle as well, although the submission of her passport hadn't dawned on me. Derr!

Thanks

[eliasuk4u]

When I applied my spouse visa, I was told it would take up to 10weeks but I got it next day. Therefore it depends on the documentation you submit.

[WooHoo]

Next day sounds ideal.