Help - which route to take?

[Terrydotcom]

Hi...I am a UK citizen who divorced in June 2019. I have since met someone who is in the US Air Force and is due to retire very soon. We hope to get married soon(ish) but in the meantime she will move in with me. What is the best route to follow for her to obtain leave to remain in the UK? If we get married in the US and return to the UK would that simplify or confuse matters?

Your help and advice is greatly appreciated!

Regards

Terry

[CR001]

Spouse visa or 6 motnh fiance visa meeting all the requirements. Must be applied for in the us once you are married. Your partner cannot apply for this visa within the UK initially. You cannot switch to a spouse visa if in the UK as a visitor.

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse

If you are not yet married and have no lived together for a minimum of two years in a relationship akin to marriage, an unmarried partner visa will be refused.