Hi Guys,
I am getting close to marrying my girl who is a Russian National. I am English.
She has requested that we marry in Russia and then live in England. She is going to make enquiries about the law in this matter.
I am sure I have read on the forum in the past that one must live in Russia for some considerable time before this is possible.
Does anyone have any exact knowledge on this subject?
And also how would this affect the usual Fiance Visa to Residents Visa process?
Tringa,
If she arrives in UK unmarried then she cannot work until well after you become married. If she arrived in UK as your wife then she can apply for an NI number immediately and work thereafter.
It's the same 'settlement visa' for either girlfriend or wife but of course proves a stronger case if you are already married.
As for rules of Russia I have no idea but you might google for the British consulate in Moscow, St Petersburg or Ekaterinburg as often they have useful information on their sites.
Friends of mine, he a UK citizen living in UK and she a Russian citizen living (up till recently) in Moscow, married in Russia about 6 mnths back. She has recently relocated to England with no problems. He never lived in Russia apart from two week holidays from time to time.
I assume the proccess is the same as Ireland.Just marry in Russia, then your new wife can change her surname into your surname have the documents authenticated (marriage cert etc). She then goes to the Uk embassy with all papers and applies for a visa (family reunion) for herself and it shouldnt be a problem unless there is a huge age difference.She needs a photo copy of all pages of your passport and 3 months bank statements with a letter hand written from you inviting her to live with you.You dont even need to go to the embassy with her application takes about two weeks.
Colin,
For the UK they also need a copy of one's contract of employment, correspondences between the two of you to prove a real relationship, and proof that one has somewhere to live, i.e. mortgage deeds or a tenancy agreement.