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This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Before you get married, your girlfriend has to apply to the UK Border Agency for a Certificate of Approval, which is written permission to marry in the UK. There is a fee for this. In order to qualify for a Certificate of Approval, she must have been granted a student visa for at least six months and at least three months must remain.
Once a Certificate of Approval is obtained, you must give notice to marry at a designated register office. After the notice to marry has been accepted, you can marry at any register office or approved premises.
Once married, your new wife must apply on a UK Border Agency form for leave (permission) to remain in the UK as a spouse. There are strict requirements that your wife will have to meet to satisfy the immigration authorities that the marriage is genuine and that she should be allowed to stay as a spouse. She will also have to show that she didn't intend to deceive the authorities when she entered the country as a student and that as a couple, you can support yourselves without help from the state once you get married. Permission to stay as your wife will initially be given for two years. Towards the end of the two year period she can apply to stay permanently.
UK immigration law is complex and getting it wrong has serious consequences. It is always advisable to consult a specialist adviser. To find out more see Help with immigration problems.
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