Both parties in UK during Pakistani Online/Proxy Nikah

[techno86]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some clarity on a Spouse Visa application (switching from within the UK). My situation has a few layers and I’m worried about the "proxy marriage" rules.

The Situation:

Marriage: My husband and I had an online Nikah in 2024. The ceremony was performed in Pakistan while both of us were physically present in the UK.

Documentation: We have a NADRA Computerised Marriage Certificate.

Family: My husband is a British Citizen. We have a son together who is also a British Citizen.

The Concern:
I’ve read that the Home Office often refuses proxy/online marriages if both parties were in the UK at the time of the ceremony, as they argue the marriage "took place" in the UK where proxy marriages aren't legal.

Has anyone successfully applied for a Spouse Visa using a NADRA certificate when both partners were in the UK during the online ceremony?

[secret.simon]

Have the two of you lived together in the UK in a relationship akin to marriage (i.e. living together, with shared bills & finances, etc) for a period of at least two years?

You may want to look at applying as a couple in such a relationship akin to marriage, assuming that both of you are in a monogamous relationship.

[Casa]

Have the two of you lived together in the UK in a relationship akin to marriage (i.e. living together, with shared bills & finances, etc) for a period of at least two years?

You may want to look at applying as a couple in such a relationship akin to marriage, assuming that both of you are in a monogamous relationship.

I agree with secret.simon that the unmarried partner route may well be your best option, especially as the Immigration Rules were amended 31st January 2024, removing the mandatory requirement for a minimum of 2 years living together.
A partner is now defined as:
“(a) spouse; or
(b) civil partner; or
(c) unmarried partner, where the couple have been in a relationship similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least two years.”

However, supporting documents are recommended to strengthen your application as evidence of a subsisting 2 year relationship 'akin to marriage'.