Help! Really need some practical advice

[napes44]

My girlfriend is Chinese living in China. I am in the UK where we met. We want to get married but am really confused as to whether it is best to marry in China or the UK and what are the practicalities of both? it's really confusing!! What sort of visa can one get married on for instance

[aroberts42]

I am definately no expert on this, but I did some research because my husband and I (both Americans) thought about waiting to get married until we came to China, but we finally decided to get married in American before coming here. Anyway, there is some information on this in other threads. Basically, my understanding is that it will be nearly impossible for her to get a visa to Britian, especially if she is going to get married or visit a boyfriend. China does not want to issue a visa to a National who might not come back. What you will probably have to do is get married here in China and then she should be allowed to emmigrate to the UK with far fewer issues.

[anonymoose]

Basically, my understanding is that it will be nearly impossible for her to get a visa to Britian, especially if she is going to get married or visit a boyfriend. China does not want to issue a visa to a National who might not come back.

Are you sure about that? I know lots of Chinese girls who've been to visit their boyfriends in western countries. The real issue seems to be more whether the western country is willing to issue a visa or not.

[Lu]

In any case it's not China that's issuing the visa for Chinese people who want to travel. China does issue the passport though, if the GF doesn't already have one.

[anonymoose]

Yes, but there is an exit permit, which is presumably what aroberts42 was talking about, that has to be applied for from the Chinese authorities.

[putonghua73]

VFS Global provide visa information for Chinese nationals wishing to visit the UK. Read the information for Settlement visas (if you plan to settle in the UK with your girlfriend / fiancee) to find out the practicalities of marrying a Chinese national in the UK, and the type of requirements to obtain a settlement visa.

I imagine as your girlfriend is a Chinese national, she'll be able to obtain the visa / marriage requirements for China.

Also check out UK Border Agency website that might have additional information applicable for British nationals who plan to marry a non-EU national.

Oh. Since no-one else has said it yet, congratuations!

Cheers!

[roddy]

As I understand it . . .

It's going to be a lot easier for you to get a visa for China, come here, and get married, than it is for your girlfriend to do the same to the UK - the visa application process just doesn't compare.

However there may be other things to consider. Where are you actually going to live? If you're planning to just fly right back to the UK, that's your return ticket and a month's living costs gone.

To be honest, pretty much any and all questions will be answered by a close read of the embassy and FCO sites.