UK Border Agency (UKBA) is changing the rules for marriage visa. According to UKBA, this change is for protecting people from forced marriage. A code of practices was published on 6th March, 09 stating how immigration authority will deal with an application for marriage visa or permission to remain in UK as a husband or wife if someone is identified as vulnerable to a forced marriage. For getting marriage visa one has to meet the below mentioned criteria:-

• If a couple staying together for less than four years, are granted a marriage visa for a probationary period of two years. After completion of the period, if they are still married and living together in the UK, permanent residence will usually be granted.

• If the couple has been together for four years or more outside the UK, will be granted indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) in the UK without having to live in the UK for two years.

• The UK citizen or permanent resident must have actually met their non-UK spouse.

• You must have sufficient funds for the living expenses of your spouse and for your dependants.

• If a person has a visa valid for six months or less in the UK, he can’t change status to a spouse visa.

• After a total period of three years in UK if a person meets the residence requirements you may then apply for UK citizenship.