Legalities of marrying someone staying in great britain on a visa

Question

Sorry guys, I seem to be spending today asking questions for a friend.

Not sure if it's in the right section though.

A friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with bone cancer & has been informed he has under a year to live.

He has a few problems he wishes to clear up before it's too late.

This is actually more of maybe a dilemma (don't know) right! he has a girlfriend staying with him at present, They've been together about 18 months now. However she is from Russia & over here on a visa right now.....she has been back to her native land a few times over the past couple of years, then obviously returns back here....legally speaking are they allowed to marry or not?

I know it sounds a bit dumb but I really have no idea at all so thought I would throw it on here.

Thanks guys.

Answer 1

See the link for more information. If your friend plans on marrying in this country in a register office he will need a certificate of approval (COA). NB You do not need a COA if you are getting married in an Anglican church.

Best wishes to him.

Answer 2

A person who does not already have indefinite leave to remain in UK is not allowed to get married to a UK citizen in this country, unless they have come with a spouse visa. The person would need to go back home and apply from there.

Answer 3

Its not a dumb question yes they can get married legally.Then she needs to apply for citizenship.Sorry about your friend & congratulations on there wedding in these terrible circumstances.

Good Luck

ps. Citizens Advice will help

Answer 4

They can marry but to do so she will have to either apply to the Home Office for permission to marry in the UK, or go home and apply for a marrige visa there. Non-EU nationals can't get married in the UK without one of these. It's to prevent marriages of convinience

It's not easy getting either the visa or the HO permission and it can take time, so they'll have to apply now. Your friends will have to prove the relationship is genuine (letters, emails, photos, trips to each others countries, family involvement etc.)  Please note marriage does not give her the right to abode in the UK.

Answer 5

really what they / she is after is some of our FREE NHS treatment

Answer 6

Yes they can marry and sorry to hear about your mate.

Answer 7

yes they can marry

but there is no guarentee that she will be allowed to stay