1. What is a Marriage Visitor Visa and who is eligible to apply for it?
A Marriage Visitor Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to enter the UK for the sole purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. This visa is specifically for non-EEA nationals who do not intend to stay or settle in the UK after their marriage and will return to their home country after the ceremony.2. What are the requirements for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
To be eligible for a Marriage Visitor Visa, an individual must meet the following requirements:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Be outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
– Intend to leave the UK within six months after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony
– Have adequate funds to cover their trip without working or accessing public funds in the UK
– Have valid travel documents (e.g. passport)
– Meet the suitability requirements, including not having any immigration violations in the past and not being considered a threat to national security
3. Can I apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if I am already in the UK?
No, you cannot apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if you are already in the UK. This visa is only available for individuals living outside of and planning to visit the UK solely for their marriage or civil partnership ceremony.
4. How long does a Marriage Visitor Visa allow me to stay in the UK?
A Marriage Visitor Visa allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to six months from the date of entry. During this time, they can get married or enter into a civil partnership.
5. Can I work with a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot work with a Marriage Visitor Visa as it is strictly for those who will only be in the UK temporarily for their marriage or civil partnership ceremony.
6. What happens if my marriage or civil partnership does not take place during my stay in the UK?
If your marriage or civil partnership does not take place during your stay in the UK, you must leave the country before your visa expires. You will not be able to extend your stay or switch to a different visa category.
7. Can I bring my children or other family members with me on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot bring any dependents or family members with you on a Marriage Visitor Visa. They will need to apply for their own individual visas if they wish to attend the wedding.
8. How long does it take to process a Marriage Visitor Visa?
The processing time for a Marriage Visitor Visa can vary depending on the country from which you are applying. It is recommended to apply at least three months before your intended travel date.
9. Can I get married in the UK with a Marriage Visitor Visa and then extend my stay to live in the UK permanently?
No, this is not allowed under the terms of a Marriage Visitor Visa. If you wish to live in the UK permanently after getting married, you will need to apply for a different visa category that allows for settlement, such as a Spouse Visa.
10. Can I extend my stay in the UK on a Marriage Visitor Visa if I cannot return home due to unavoidable circumstances?
In certain cases, it is possible to apply for an extension of your stay on a Marriage Visitor Visa if you cannot return home due to exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons or flight cancellations. However, these situations are considered on a case-by-case basis and require strong evidence supporting your circumstances.
2. How long is the processing time for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
The processing time for a Marriage Visitor Visa can vary by country, but it typically takes 3-6 weeks. It is recommended to apply at least 3 months in advance of the planned travel date.
3. Can I work or study in New Zealand with a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, a Marriage Visitor Visa is not designed for working or studying in New Zealand. It is only meant for individuals who are planning to get married in New Zealand and leave the country after the marriage ceremony.
4. Do I need to provide proof of my relationship for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
Yes, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship when applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa. This may include documents such as marriage certificates, photos of you and your partner together, correspondence between you both, and any other documents that can prove the genuine nature of your relationship. It is important to provide as much evidence as possible to strengthen your application.
5. Is there an age requirement for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.
6. Can I include my spouse and children on my application for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
Yes, if your spouse and children are planning to join you during your visit to the UK, you can include them on your application for a Marriage Visitor Visa. They will need to provide their own supporting documents and meet the eligibility requirements.
7. Do I need medical insurance to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
Yes, in order to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you must have valid medical insurance that will cover any healthcare costs while you are in the UK. This is to ensure that you will not be a burden on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You will need to provide proof of this insurance as part of your visa application.
8. Can I extend my stay in New Zealand if I am on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, a Marriage Visitor Visa does not allow you to extend your stay in New Zealand. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a different visa, such as a partner visa.
9. Are there any restrictions on the activities I can do while on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
While on a Marriage Visitor Visa, you are allowed to engage in activities that are related to the purpose of your visit, which is to get married or enter into a civil partnership within the UK. This includes arranging and attending the ceremony, completing legal formalities, and celebrating the marriage with family and friends.
You are not allowed to work or undertake any business-related activities on this visa. You also cannot extend your stay or switch to a different type of visa while in the UK.
It is important to note that strict penalties can be incurred if you do any activities that go beyond the scope of your Marriage Visitor Visa. If you are unsure about what activities are permissible, it is always best to seek guidance from a legal professional.
10. Do I need to have an invitation from my partner to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
Yes, you will need to have an invitation or confirmation of marriage from your partner in order to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa. This document will serve as evidence of the purpose of your visit and your intention to marry within the specified time frame.
11. What documents do I need to submit with my application for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
You will need to submit the following documents with your application for a Marriage Visitor Visa:
1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport (with at least one blank page)
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs
4. Evidence of your intention to leave the UK after the marriage, such as return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
5. Proof of your current employment or studies, such as letter from employer or school confirming leave of absence
6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip, such as bank statements or payslips
7. Invitation letter from the person you are marrying, including details of the wedding date, venue and their immigration status in the UK
8. Proof of your relationship with the person you are marrying, such as photographs together, correspondence and/or proof of previous visits to each other’s country
9. If you have been previously married, divorce or death certificate(s) for any past spouse(s)
10. A sworn affidavit from both you and your intended partner stating that you both intend to marry and that neither party is currently married.
11. Any additional documents requested by the visa application center, depending on your individual circumstances.
It is important to note that all documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
12. Can I travel outside of New Zealand while on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, a Marriage Visitor Visa is only valid for entry to and stay in New Zealand. If you wish to travel outside of New Zealand during your visit, you will need to apply for a separate visa from the country you wish to visit.
13. Is there a minimum income requirement to sponsor someone for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
There is no specific minimum income requirement for sponsoring someone for a Marriage Visitor Visa. However, the sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they can provide sufficient financial support for the couple during their stay in the UK. This may include covering expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs. The sponsor should also be able to show that they have enough funds to support themselves if needed.
14. Can same-sex couples apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa in New Zealand?
Yes, same-sex couples can apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa in New Zealand. The country recognizes and legalizes same-sex marriages, and therefore all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are eligible to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if they meet the required criteria.
15. How long can I stay in New Zealand under the Marriage Visitor Visa category?
The Marriage Visitor Visa category allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to three months.
16. Will having dual citizenship affect my application for a New Zealand visa (Visitor -Marriage)?
No, having dual citizenship should not affect your application for a New Zealand Visitor Visa (Marriage). As long as you meet all the necessary requirements and provide all the required documents, your dual citizenship status should not have an impact on the outcome of your visa application. However, it is important to note that if you are currently residing in a country other than one of your dual citizenship countries, you may need to apply for a visa from that country instead. It is recommended to check with the New Zealand embassy or consulate in your current country of residence for more specific guidelines.
17. What happens if my marriage plans are cancelled after obtaining the Marriage Visitior visa?
If your marriage plans are cancelled after obtaining the Marriage Visitor visa, you should not attempt to enter the UK as that was the purpose for which the visa was granted. If you do attempt to enter, you may be refused entry and your visa may be cancelled. You should inform the UK Home Office of the change in your circumstances and make arrangements to leave the country as soon as possible.If your marriage plans are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances or extenuating circumstances, you may be able to apply for a refund of your visa fee. However, this will be at the discretion of the UK Home Office and will depend on your individual circumstances. You will need to provide evidence to support your request for a refund.
In addition, if you have already traveled to the UK on a Marriage Visitor visa but are no longer planning to get married, you must leave the country before your visa expires. It is important that you comply with all immigration regulations during your stay in order to avoid any penalties or complications in future visa applications.
18 . Is it possible to get married in other countries after obtaining this visa or does it only allow marriage in New Zealand?
The purpose of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is for tourism and visiting friends and relatives in New Zealand. It does not allow for marriage in New Zealand or any other country. If you wish to get married in another country, you will need to check with that country’s immigration laws and obtain the necessary visas for marriage.
19 . Can I bring dependents on the Marriage Visitior visa?
Yes, you can bring your dependents on the Marriage Visitor visa as long as they are named on your application and have been approved for a visa by the Home Office. However, they will need to fulfill the same requirements and provide the same documents as the main applicant. Additionally, they may also be required to show proof of their relationship to you and provide financial support for their stay in the UK.
20 . Are there any English language proficiency requirements for the applicant or their partner when applying for a Marri
The requirements for English language proficiency vary depending on the visa category being applied for. In most cases, there is a minimum level of English language proficiency required for both the applicant and their partner when applying for a Marriage visa. This is to ensure that they can communicate effectively and integrate into the English-speaking community in Australia.
For a Partner visa (subclass 820 or 801), both the applicant and their partner must satisfy the English language requirement unless they meet one of the exemptions. The options for meeting this requirement include:
– Providing evidence of having completed at least five years of full-time study in an educational institution where all instructions were in English
– Being a citizen or resident of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States
– Obtaining an English test score from an approved provider such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Occupational English Test (OET)
Exemptions apply if:
– The applicant is under 18 years old
– The applicant has physical or mental conditions that prevent them from being able to meet the requirement
– There are exceptional circumstances that prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement
If none of these exemptions apply, then both the applicant and their partner must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
For a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300), only the applicant needs to meet the English language requirement. They can either provide evidence of having completed at least five years of full-time study in an educational institution where all instructions were in English or obtain an eligible test score.
It’s important to note that meeting the English language requirement does not guarantee visa approval. Other factors such as health and character requirements will also be considered during the application process.