Marrying a foreign national in England and Wales
Where one or both of you is subject to immigration control and does not hold settled status or a relevant visa, your notice must be referred to the Home Office under the referral and investigation scheme. The waiting period becomes 70 days and a higher notice fee applies.
Who is affected
The scheme applies to people subject to immigration control who do not have settled status, pre-settled status where it exempts them, an EU Settlement Scheme outcome that exempts them, or a marriage visitor visa or fiancé(e) visa.
British and Irish citizens are not subject to immigration control.
What a referral involves
The Home Office may investigate whether the marriage is genuine. That can include requests for evidence and, in some cases, an interview. Most couples simply wait.
Documents from abroad
Foreign divorce documents and certificates often need certified translation and additional verification, which adds weeks. Start these before booking appointments.
What this means for you
- Plan on roughly thirteen weeks minimum rather than six.
- Immigration advice is a separate, regulated matter — we plan the registration steps, not your visa.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Marriage and civil partnership referral and investigation scheme
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
Last reviewed: 16 August 2026 · Next review due 16 November 2026
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Related guides
Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.