Uk fiance visa or marry in usa?

[davejenk]

Hi,

I have recently got engaged to my american fiance, and we are now looking at our options regarding getting married and living together(finally!).

I was hoping to find out some advice, as we have been looking at applying for a UK fiance visa, but have been put of by the huge cost of the fiance and then spousal visa. Does anyone know the process involved if i was to go to the states an marry her while visiting on a visa waiver? i would then return home to work and she would apply for a spouse visa while in the US. How long does a spouse visa generally take? (i know there is guidelines on UKBA website, but past experience suggests this cant be trusted!) Also, is there any way the UK could deny a spouse visa for my wife, provided we have enough funds etc?

alternatively, is the UK fiance visa the best route to go down? we just want the least risky and fastest route, but are trying to keep costs down where possible.

Sorry for the long list of questions, but we are both really confused as to our best option.

Thanks for any help!

[MPH80]

Don't know the process for getting married in the USA ... perhaps your fiancee can help here??

As for the rest of your questions - have a search on the forum - there are plenty of threads about fiancee vs spouse - including at least 2 on the first page of this forum right now.

Oh - and yes - they can deny you a spouse visa even if you have enough funds ... reasons could include insufficient accommodation, the marriage or relationship not being considered genuine or ongoing, you (or her) being under 21 or previous immigration offences.

M.

[davejenk]

thanks for the reply!

by previous immigration offences, does this include being denied entry to the UK when coming over as a visitor? she was denied entry over a year ago then had a visitors visa application rejected just after that. she did however get a visitors visa granted for the xmas just gone.

Bearing this in mind do you think it is worth getting legal help in filing the forms?

thanks

[MPH80]

No - a simple turn back at the border wouldn't be sufficient reason by itself to refuse a spouse visa. To refuse a spouse visa there generally needs to be more extreme circumstances for immigration offenses (illegal entry + illegal work for example).

The forms are simple enough to fill in - just make sure you provide all the evidence they ask for.

M.