Certificate of Approval (COA)
020 7836 8505
If you wish to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK and you are subject to immigration control you will need to obtain permission from the Home Office in the form of a Certificate of Approval.
To qualify for a Certificate of Approval, you must normally have been granted leave to enter or leave to remain for more than six months and three months remaining before the expiry date.
The certificate is valid for three months from the date it is issued or up to the date when your Visa expires, whichever is soonest. You must give your notice to marry or register your civil partnership within this time. The certificate allows you to give notice to marry or register your civil partnership however it does not guarantee a successful outcome to any applications for leave as a spouse or civil partner. In some cases the applicant after marriage may be required in some cases to exit the UK for entry clearance in their home country.
If you are coming to the UK from abroad to get married or register your civil partnership, you must have obtained entry clearance prior to traveling to the UK in the form of either a Fiancé(e)Visa, Proposed Civil Partner Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa or Civil Partnership Visitor Visa. This is usually obtained through the British mission in your country of residence. Call our consultants for up to date advice.
Once legally married or entered into a Civil Partnership you may then apply for leave to remain as a Spouse or Civil Partner. However if you entered as a visitor for the purpose of marriage you maybe required to exit the UK for entry clearance from the British Embassy in your country.
If you would like any further information and are interested in using our services for the full application process or want to see an adviser for consultation please contact us directly 0207 8368505 or 01825 767 288 our offices are open from 09.30 – 17.30