I have been with my Russian girlfriend for two years, and we have lived in Moscow for over a year together. I’m English and due to work commitments we might need to move back to the UK. Is it going to be difficult to get her a visa and probably more of a concern is our daughter (my step daughter)?
Is it better that we get married before they move and how long is the process likely to take? Which type of visa should I look into getting?
Things have just changed, and it is more difficault, i would imagine that your girlfriend would firstly need a tourist visa, which is valid for 3 months, she can then apply for a marriage visa, and finally for permanent residency, if you were married it would be easier, I would ask at the British embassy in Moscow,i'm sure they know better than us!
and easier too if your step daugter took on your surname.
Mike,
If you google for 'British consulate Moscow' then you should source an email address. I once communicated with the British consulate in SPb and found them to be very helpful despite them living in their black and white world.
Once upon a time I became buddies with the British vice-consul (Dave) in Tashkent, we met face to face, a good guy and needless to say that lady's fiancee visa application went without a hitch ..... With hindsight I wish the b@stards had refused it :)
The consulate are your best friends, communicate with them by email or phone, make friends with them but always be 99.9% honest with them or it might come to bite you in the ass later.