UK DCF residency (split thread)

[chaksretirement 0]

Hello all! First time post here, but I've done my reading, so hopefully this question hasn't been answered somewhere else:

I was stationed in the UK as a member of the US Air Force. Because of a move to my next duty station in New Mexico, I had to leave the UK (and my poor fiance) in 2014 while she was finishing up school. Now that she's finished, we would like to marry in England soon, then have her move to the US with me. Even if I do not currently reside in the UK anymore, do you think this information (and my old PCS orders to the UK) would suffice for evidence? I've traveled back to the UK now several times since my move, so I clearly have a vested interest in the UK (and of course my bride-to-be We obviously want to use the DCF process, as it would be the easiest and quickest way to get us together in the US. I've emailed the embassy through their online contact form, but as of yet, no response.

So, do you think my previous residency and recurring trips will work? If there is something that maybe I'm missing, or should think about instead, please let me know. I'm ready and willing for any and all feedback. Thanks everyone!

[Boiler 43,363]

So you have no status in the UK, no DCF.

you have a visa to marry in the UK?

[chaksretirement 0]

So if my orders to be stationed in the UK have run out, then DFC is no longer an option is what you're saying?

I do not have a visa specifically for getting married in the UK as of yet. Was just reading about them, and it seems to me that I could apply for one (if I need one?) a few months before the wedding date.

[Boiler 43,363]

Correct

Why would you not need one.

[chaksretirement 0]

I don't know. I try to keep my statements and questions open-ended in the chance that someone can insert knowledge that I was previously unaware of. That's why I joined the forum. To maybe find out if there are options available to me, for my particular situation, that I may not be able to readily see.

But it looks as if I have to find a different route than DCF now anyway.

[Boiler 43,363]

Get stationed back in the UK.

[Pitaya 2,576]

~new thread split due to content matter~

[Soup Dragon 104]

Hi!

As Boiler has said, unfortunately you are not eligible for DCF in the UK but you can apply for the marriage visitor visa and get married in the UK. My USC husband applied for his online, took the documents (eg hotel booking, copies of our notice to marry) to the consulate (he was stationed in Germany at the time, not sure how it works if you are in the US though) and it was approved within about three weeks and it cost £85.

We got married in Scotland to avoid the need to be resident for a certain period before the wedding (Scottish marriage laws are different than in England) so he came over for just a week for the wedding and then we both went back to Germany. It was all pretty easy! If you want to get married in the UK, it's definitely doable, you will just have to return to the US and wait longer while her visa gets processed. Don't forget your fiancee can visit you during the process, as long as she has sufficient ties to prove she will return to the UK.

Here's the link from the UK border agency if you want more info (if you haven't already seen it!)

https://www.gov.uk/marriage-visa/overview

Good luck!

Edited June 6, 2015 by D&B18