[deejay86]

i am a UK resident and my partner is from Hong Kong, we are looking to settle here in the UK, but are finding the visa situation quite tricky. if my girlfriend applies for the fiancee visa, i know we have to marry after 6 months and then apply for the marrige visa, but once my GF is here on the fiancee visa is she allowed to work during those 6 months,and afterwards can she apply for the marriage/partner visa while still here in the uk, or will she have to go back to Hong Kong?

Also would it be better to get married first and just apply for the one 2 year partner visa, if this is possible can we marry over in Hong Kong, then apply for the visa and travel back here ?

 

[Joanne_Manchester]

Im sure some will elaborate more on your questions but to answer a few:

She is not allowed to work on a fiancee visa , she can only work once she has her wife visa.
If she is here on a fiancee visa she doesn't have to go back to Hong Kong to marry but you will have to marry within 6 months and not after 6 months of the start of her fiancee visa.

 

[Joppa]

Also would it be better to get married first and just apply for the one 2 year partner visa, if this is possible can we marry over in Hong Kong, then apply for the visa and travel back here ?

This is usually the cheaper option, as you only pay one lot of fees for spouse visa. Check the 'UK in Hong Kong' site under 'Services for British citizens' about any marriage regulations that apply.
The documentation and requirements are very similar to fiancée visa.

 

[deejay86]

Im sure some will elaborate more on your questions but to answer a few:

She is not allowed to work on a fiancee visa , she can only work once she has her wife visa.
If she is here on a fiancee visa she doesn't have to go back to Hong Kong to marry but you will have to marry within 6 months and not after 6 months of the start of her fiancee visa.

ahh ok thanks, that clears some things up for us, the only thing remaining is the English test, i know she is required to have an English speaking certificate is that right?

 

[Joppa]

ahh ok thanks, that clears some things up for us, the only thing remaining is the English test, i know she is required to have an English speaking certificate is that right?

Yes, see UK Border Agency | English language requirement.
Unless she has a degree taught in English, she will have to take and pass an approved level of English test. See http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf