Regarding a fiance visa to the UK

[george567]

Hi everyone,

I really need help with information regarding fiance visas for the UK. I've had a look around different forums but I haven't quite found information completely relevant to my case in particular!

I went out to China in 2010 and met myself a lovely woman, we instantly hit it off and have basically been together ever since. I myself am a British citizen and managed to stay out in China by basically going to and from Hong Kong and renewing my visas. During the latter half of my stay in China we were even living together.

After over a year now we are still together, I've returned to the UK and she later followed on a visitor visa. All seems well and it appears time to take the next step. What we are thinking of doing is applying for a fiance visa for her, now as I've said, I've had a look around for information so have an idea of everything but I feel I need to find out more since some information might be outdated and mostly not regarding the same situation.

So here are a few questions I hope someone can help me with:

She is currently here with me on a visitor visa, if I'm not mistaken, she is unable to get married here without first returning to China?

Is it possible to begin the fiance visa process while she is still in the UK? This would be most helpful as we no longer rent the flat out in China so she would have to find somewhere all over again!

This one I believe to be a bit of a deal breaker, after returning from China I have found myself unable to find employment. I am educated to university standard and have various previous employments but because of the current economical climate I seem unable to find employment, is it possible for her to apply for the visa whilst I'm unemployed? We are currently living with my parents and would be able to until we are able to get our own place. Whilst I do have a substantial amount of money saved up I was wondering whether my parents would be able to act as a supporting sponsor of sorts?

Thanks in advance!