Marrying a EEA national

[bonseven]

Hi,

Iam an Indian national living in the UK on a work visa. I have been here for 4 years and my curret work visa is valid till 2010.

Iam planning to get married to may partner who is from europe( non British) we met about 2 years ago and she has travelled with me to India.

I understand i need a certificate of approval to get mmarried in the UK but what if i either get married in India or in my partners country. I would likee to kow if this would be acceptable in the UK?

also, how do i change my visa status from working visa to be a dependant. Would i have to go to India in order to change my status to a dependant?

what documents i would need for COA and for applying to be a dependant.

Is this a lenghty process or do i have to approach a solicitor

I would be grateful if you could answer my questions. I have tried calling the home office on a few ocassions but i was just refered back to the websites.

Thanks in Advance.
Dev

[vinny]

If you plan to get married in the UK, then see also COA. Else, see also 13.10 - Validity of marriages.

After marriage, you have a choice of applying under European Law, provided that your spouse is a qualified person; or

remaining on your work permit and subsequently apply for settlement (134); or

if your partner already has a permanent right of residence, then you may also switch to FLR(M) (285) and subsequently apply for settlement, SET(M) (288), in 2 years' time.

Remember that if you are applying for settlement under UK immigration rules, then you would also have to satisfy the Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom requirements.

[bonseven]

really appreciate your response.
i was on a student visa for the first year and a half and after that expired i applied for work permit. so it will be 2-3 years till i can apply for a ILR.

say for instance i marry my gf in India and come back to the uk can i switch to dependant visa whils iam in the uk.

Thanks

[VictoriaS]

Yes you can.


Victoria